A bastion of China’s Lingnan (southern) culture, Guangzhou has a 2,200-year-old history. Known as the ‘Flower City’ and ‘City of Rams’, it’s also one of the country’s most dynamic cities and has been listed as China’s second city with the greatest change by Forbes magazine for two consecutive years.

You can explore both the ancient and recent history of Guangzhou at Nanyue King’s Museum, Guangxiao Temple, Baiyun Mountain, Zhenhai Tower and Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Alternatively, you can witness China’s spectacular transformation into modernity at the CantonTower, Asian Games town, Pazhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, Guangdong Science Center and Chimelong Tourism Resorts.

The city also offers visitors vibrant nightlife, beautiful views of the Pearl River, traditional diversions such as Cantonese opera and the circus, and, on the city’s bar streets and within its cosy hotels, a more chilled-out pace. And of course, there is the food. Guangzhou is the stronghold one of the world’s most popular styles of Chinese cooking — Cantonese cuisine. For travellers, one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s ancient cuisine heritage is by trying the traditional snacks that can be found on street corners and in alleys, which are especially popular. Shahe rice noodles, wonton noodles, shrimp dumplings, steamed pork dumplings and Sampan porridge are Guangzhou’s most representative snacks. Local or international, whatever your preference, Guangzhou’s 30,000 restaurants will cater to your needs.

Guangzhou is also a major transportation hub, offering air, land and water-based connections to many domestic and international destinations.