Guangzhou was my second leg of the quick China tour I did in April. After exploring the ultra-modern and hyper-dynamic Shenzhen (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1380931) I took a one-hour CRH train ride to Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province and China's 3rd largest city with a population of 12.7 million people. It's a big city and it feels so.

It has to be noted that Guangzhou is effectivelly within commuting distance from Shenzhen and all other urban centers in the Pearl River Delta which effectively makes it a part of what has become one of world's largest urban areas. It has been announced that the cities of Pearl River Delta are to be transformed into one huge megapolis by creating better transportation links and integrating various aspects of public transport and communications between the existing cities.

Guangzhou, unlike Shenzhen, is not a new city. It's been there for over 2000 years. Despite expecting some grit and evidences of an old city I found a city having undergone (and still largely undergoing) a complete and uttermost transformation which I would describe not as just a 'facelift' or an 'upgrade' but rather a complete rebuilding of the vast city. Something that is hard to imagine even in theory but something that seems to be happening in China these days and for the past few decades. I was impressed. Very impressed. Perhaps more impressed than I had ever been before in my life. I simply could not believe what I was seeing because I could not even imagine such amount of construction work taking place just about everywhere I went.

Anyway, some quick background on Guangzhou first.


Map:
http://i.imgur.com/xVAAq.png (http://imgur.com/xVAAq)

Those thick yellow roads are expressways. Guangzhou as all PRD in general has one hell of a motorway network
http://i.imgur.com/28Q2G.png (http://imgur.com/28Q2G)



A video preview
QWl9TRrk8EA

1. First thing I got to see was the metro. I had to take Line 1 from Guanzghou East Railway Station to Fangcun which was 12 stops away to the West... the train looks empty because it was a terminal station. However later I got to realise that Line 1 is pretty much always crowded and gets really bad during peak times. Currently Guangzhou has 8 metro lines and is about to add another nine by 2020. At present system route length is 236km with 144 stations. By 2020 it should be around 600km in route length and be one of the largest metro systems in the world. In fact it already is in top-10 in terms of size and passenger volumes. This is freakin impressive considering that the first line opened in 1997... things are happening quickly there
http://i.imgur.com/Lt7WW.jpg (http://imgur.com/Lt7WW)

2. Fangcun area in Liwan district where I will be staying in my lovely and charming hostel. About 12km away from Guangzhou East station and Tianhe CBD
http://i.imgur.com/TxDsm.jpg (http://imgur.com/TxDsm)

3. Changdi Street. A quiet and leafy street near the riverside accompanied by riverside walk and a small park. It seems there are quite a few restaurants and hotels there too. Just a nice looking place and certainly great place to stay in a hostel. It's going to get more buzzy in the night
http://i.imgur.com/3usov.jpg (http://imgur.com/3usov)

4. Interesting low-rise architecture
http://i.imgur.com/cAGjb.jpg (http://imgur.com/cAGjb)

5. Riverside walk
http://i.imgur.com/3is8H.jpg (http://imgur.com/3is8H)

6. Pearl River
http://i.imgur.com/AxDfi.jpg (http://imgur.com/AxDfi)

7. A small but very lovely riverside park. Lots of places to sit down and enjoy the place. I have noticed, especially in the evening, there are lots of couples kissing and snogging everywhere in that park... I even started feeling weird walking around with my camera :)
http://i.imgur.com/cGoCV.jpg (http://imgur.com/cGoCV)

8. Riverside International Youth Hostel. This is the place I stayed at. I would highly recommend it for those who travel to GZ and need affordable, contemporary yet fun and charming accommodation. Great place to meet people from around the world and China itself (as it is with all good hostels, I guess)
http://i.imgur.com/rQ76U.jpg (http://imgur.com/rQ76U)

9. Views around Changdi street. Thi is going to be my place for the next few days. It's really quiet and instantly feels like home.
http://i.imgur.com/Rjqu1.jpg (http://imgur.com/Rjqu1)

10. The area is packed with bars and restaurants
http://i.imgur.com/ekQfo.jpg (http://imgur.com/ekQfo)

11.
http://i.imgur.com/hOX6i.jpg (http://imgur.com/hOX6i)

12.
http://i.imgur.com/CwlAj.jpg (http://imgur.com/CwlAj)

More coming soon

I have a question...why is Tianjin a provincial level city and Guangzhou isn't? I've heard Tianjin is kind of a dumpy, if big city. The nickname is "big village." Guangzhou, on the other hand, is an ancient, multicultural trade hub. Shenzhen could easily take over governance of Guangdong if GZ became its own province.

^^Tianjin used to be a financial and manufacture hub of northern China, it was a very influential city before the communist revolution. It was only after it was made direct-controlled municipality after 1949 that it started declining to a pure heavy industrial city. Now it got the favorable policies and started to gain its old glory back.

The whole Pearl River Delta may not have that important political status, but it was given probably the best policies ever from the central government in the 80's. The tax policy then was much better than a 'direct-controlled municipality' status.

Pansori, is it possible that you could tell us how much you paid for you stay in the hostel?

Pansori,thanks for your contribution,why dont u post it in the ineternational cityscape,theres already a guangzhou thread there,would be nice if u update it.

Guangzhou is too big and messy?

3. Changdi Street. A quiet and leafy street near the riverside accompanied by riverside walk and a small park. It seems there are quite a few restaurants and hotels there too. Just a nice looking place and certainly great place to stay in a hostel. It's going to get more buzzy in the night
http://i.imgur.com/3usov.jpg (http://imgur.com/3usov)


Hmmm, is this another of those pavements actually plagued by motor vehicles?

Hmmm, is this another of those pavements actually plagued by motor vehicles?

You seriously have a problem with motor vehicles. ;)

But what exactly do you mean? There is a street for cars (well, kind of... because there is no much traffic there and it's used by pedestrians too) and a massive space for pedestrians to the right. I think it works perfectly well.



Pansori, is it possible that you could tell us how much you paid for you stay in the hostel?

It's 100RBM a night for a dorm style room with 4 beds and shower for each room. I know this is actually quite expensive but it's the best-rated hostel in Guangzhou and I think it's certainly worth it.

Pansori,thanks for your contribution,why dont u post it in the ineternational cityscape,theres already a guangzhou thread there,would be nice if u update it.

Thank you. I have already posted it into the urban showcase section.

You seriously have a problem with motor vehicles. ;)

But what exactly do you mean? There is a street for cars (well, kind of... because there is no much traffic there and it's used by pedestrians too) and a massive space for pedestrians to the right. I think it works perfectly well.



Yes I have. ;)

To me one of the most important functions of a pavement is safe pedestrian access to properties without the interruption of motor vehicles. In your picture the moment you step out of a restaurant your leg could be taken off by a car zooming by. To work as a mix-use street you need some measure of traffic calming, with narrowings, twists and bumps so vehicles can only travel at walking speed.

To me the pavement and access road are just in the wrong places.

Instead of

PROPERTIES PROPERTIES PROPERTIES
access road & parking access road & parking
access road access road access road
pavement pavement pavement pavement
pavement pavement pavement pavement
Maing carriage way Maing carriage way Maing carriage way
Maing carriage way Maing carriage way Maing carriage way

It should be:

PROPERTIES PROPERTIES PROPERTIES
pavement pavement pavement pavement
pavement pavement pavement pavement
access road & parking access road & parking
access road access road access road
Maing carriage way Maing carriage way Maing carriage way
Maing carriage way Maing carriage way Maing carriage way

Yes I have. ;)

To me one of the most important functions of a pavement is safe pedestrian access to properties without the interruption of motor vehicles. In your picture the moment you step out of a restaurant your leg could be taken off by a car zooming by. To work as a mix-use street you need some measure of traffic calming, with narrowings, twists and bumps so vehicles can only travel at walking speed.

To me the pavement and access road are just in the wrong places.

Instead of

PROPERTIES PROPERTIES PROPERTIES
access road & parking access road & parking
access road access road access road
pavement pavement pavement pavement
pavement pavement pavement pavement
Maing carriage way Maing carriage way Maing carriage way
Maing carriage way Maing carriage way Maing carriage way

It should be:

PROPERTIES PROPERTIES PROPERTIES
pavement pavement pavement pavement
pavement pavement pavement pavement
access road & parking access road & parking
access road access road access road
Maing carriage way Maing carriage way Maing carriage way
Maing carriage way Maing carriage way Maing carriage way


I see your point. In theory you are right. But it's not really the case there. I was walking that street instead of using pavement on the other side (it gave me better view of the place for pictures) and I barely saw any cars driving there. And if they did they are very slow. Changdi street is not a typical street (i guess that's why it's paved like a pedestrian walk in the first place), it's also a dead-end street located in a kind of urban "lagoon" i.e. there is no bridge over the river or anything which would connect it to the street network. It's not used by any kind of transit traffic ir public transport either. Traffic there is absolutely minimal. Also, cars don't just go right next to those properties, they go in the middle of that street. Personally I liked the idea of a non-separated street. It gives a feeling of openness and accessibility as opposed to separated or even fenced pedestrian areas and street. It can work very well for low-traffic riverside streets like this one. So there's no need to be worried about that.

I have seen an identical set-up in Dusseldorf, Germany. Rathausufer str. i.e. the main riverside walk which is shared by cars (very few of them), bicycles (loads) and pedestrians alike. All works very well. Here is my own post with pictures http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=62722105&postcount=63

Btw, I don't quite understand your indication of a good and bad setup (colored text).

The street in the picture is set up like this (from left to right)

1. Properties
2. That paved street with few cars
3. Massive pedestrian area which cannot be seen. Includes pedestrian walk, pedestrian public park and wide paved riverside walk
4. River and piers.

Of course we could make a separated pedestrian sidewalk next to the properties. But what would you get? In fact nothing because the place is not busy and there are few cars and pedestrians there anyway. That would only alienate the place because there would be more visual divisions with little practical use. Of course you may add separate pedestrian walks, pedestrian crossings... then what about some fences and pedestrian safety islands in the middle of the road? And hey, it needs some speed bumps too! That would just ruin the whole place.

Of course it would be a different story if that was a busy main road with cars speeding by. But this is not the case there.

Time to carry on with the photos...

13. Another metro ride.
http://i.imgur.com/Rzq0e.jpg (http://imgur.com/Rzq0e)

14.
Guangzhou South metro station... absolutely spontaneously I decided to pay a quick visit to Guangzhou South Railway station
http://i.imgur.com/NTUWL.jpg (http://imgur.com/NTUWL)

15. The Guangzhou South Railway station. This is some small corner of the building. The building itself is just sick massive. Looks and feels more like a huge airport than a train station. Although for most part it still felt empty and quiet, no shops, cafes or oether places to hang around. I guess it will take some time for this Station to get into full steam. That should happen once Guangzhou-Zhuhai ICL will be fully operational and take most of the Guangzhou-Macau traffic (especially during weekends :D) as well as the new HK-Guangzhou explress line will start running full service some time in 2014.
http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/4ca284c57f8b9a504df50700-547/heres-the-giant-guangzhou-south-railway-station-which-opened-this-year.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/AXiy8.jpg (http://imgur.com/AXiy8)

16. A fast-forward jump to a different location: Guangzhou Railway Station. If anyone thoguht that Guangzhou South was unnecessarily big and underused I suggest visiting this place... it feels really crowded all around. I can only imagine what must be happening in this square during the new year holiday season. That's when you understand why China needs all those massive stations and new railways. Because the existing ones are simply overloaded.
http://i.imgur.com/36yQS.jpg (http://imgur.com/36yQS)

17. Guangzhou Station square. Lots of interesting characters all around. All of a sudden a small police car rushed into the place and the policeman started shouting something via the speaker. A dozen or so of shabby looking individuals all of a sudden got up and abandoned the space. Not sure what was going on. Perhaps they were selling something illegally? Most of them were wearing round caps and looked different from most other people. Nearby a number of similar-looking men were praying to some god or whatever facing one direction. Couldn't say they looked like the most pleasant people but that's just my perception.
http://i.imgur.com/EBcYN.jpg (http://imgur.com/EBcYN)


18. Metro station. Metro stations in Guangzhou are modern and spacious with some spaces dedicated to retail units. Quite similar to Hong Kong metro from what I remember
http://i.imgur.com/FrMVV.jpg (http://imgur.com/FrMVV)

19.A quick jump to another location - Zhujiang New Town. A masive multi-billion $ development on the bank of Pearl River. One of the "megaprojects" that are happening in almost every major Chinese city these days. It's meant to become the most iconic and modern CBD in Guangzhou... for now. It's still a massive construction site all around but even now it all looks simply stunning. Just WOW. And I don't mean just the skyscrapers but also the whole urban environment: streets, parks, squares, pedestrian walks... everything is so nice and convenient. Even late by night there are quite a few people coming there just to hang around and enjoy the lovely night views
http://i.imgur.com/kwKd9.jpg (http://imgur.com/kwKd9)

20. Currently Guanzghou's tallest - 440m high Guangzhou International Finance Center. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects
http://i.imgur.com/YWXTm.jpg (http://imgur.com/YWXTm)

21.
http://i.imgur.com/vfS4u.jpg (http://imgur.com/vfS4u)

22. On the other side of tiver there is Canton Tower, a 600m tall TV/Observation Tower which, if I'm not mistaken and if Wikipedia is correct, is the 3rd tallest freestanding structure in the world today (after Burj Khalifa and Tokyo Sky Tree). Although it will be overtaken by Shanghai Tower and perhaps some other projects over the next few years. One thing I must say, however, that this must be the most beautiful and impressive building I have ever seen. Just absolutely stunning. Especially once you're near it. More photos later...
http://i.imgur.com/FezZ2.jpg (http://imgur.com/FezZ2)

23.
http://i.imgur.com/BniLy.jpg (http://imgur.com/BniLy)

24.
http://i.imgur.com/Gd7Or.jpg (http://imgur.com/Gd7Or)

25. Environment in Lingjiang Avenue
http://i.imgur.com/9rNs6.jpg (http://imgur.com/9rNs6)

26. 178m high CC Tower, built recently. Unfortunately I couldn't fund any info on this building. It's really interesting and one of my favorites in Guangzhou
http://i.imgur.com/SwuB1.jpg (http://imgur.com/SwuB1)

27.
http://i.imgur.com/jrfdu.jpg (http://imgur.com/jrfdu)

28. 2010 Amphitheater in Haixinsha island built for 2010 Asian Games which Guangzhou was proudly hosting
http://i.imgur.com/P7GTd.jpg (http://imgur.com/P7GTd)

29. It seems every evening there is some kind of music, light and fountain show. Best observed form another bank of the river (which I will do later)
http://i.imgur.com/VFkMp.jpg (http://imgur.com/VFkMp)

30.From left: International Finance Place, designed by HK's Rocco Design Limited, Guangzhou IFC, by Wilkinson Eyre, and [forefront, lowrise building] Guangzhou Opera designed by Zaha Hadid herself
http://i.imgur.com/wWmIG.jpg (http://imgur.com/wWmIG)

31.
http://i.imgur.com/FETV6.jpg (http://imgur.com/FETV6)

Beautiful!

Time to carry on with the photos...

17. Guangzhou Station square. Lots of interesting characters all around. All of a sudden a small police car rushed into the place and the policeman started shouting something via the speaker. A dozen or so of shabby looking individuals all of a sudden got up and abandoned the space. Not sure what was going on. Perhaps they were selling something illegally? Most of them were wearing round caps and looked different from most other people. Nearby a number of similar-looking men were praying to some god or whatever facing one direction. Couldn't say they looked like the most pleasant people but that's just my perception.
http://i.imgur.com/EBcYN.jpg (http://imgur.com/EBcYN)



These are the Uyghur people from Xinjiang, and they are Islamic as you saw them praying. Most of them living in the coast area make a living by running halal restaurants(Uyghur cuisine is pretty good btw), and many of them sell snack/pastry by cheating and coercion. also many are involved in pickpocketing and selling dope. Those wandering around the shopping streets and railway station squares are often stereotypically related with pickpocketing and violence. I myself witnessed many cases of pickpocketing by such thieves when I was in Shanghai, and there was nothing I can do because of a fucking retarded policy. Because these thieves are of ethnic minority, so the communists do not prosecute them for minor crimes such as pickpocketing, and police tend to let them go immediately. and if a Han Chinese is involved in a conflict with a Uyghur Chinese, then the Han Chinese will get the punishment and the Uyghur Chinese will get away in most cases, regardless whose fault it is. These criminals know this policy very well, and take good advantage of it. This is the most stupid counter-discriminative policy in the modern world.

Zhujiang New Town looks great in your pictures. nice work!

That sounds quite sad... no concessions should be made to anyone regardless of minority or any other status. Political correctness is not the way to go.

believe it or not, this policy was made in the 80's...

wonderful night shots.

cheers.

A video preview
QWl9TRrk8EA

Best video of Guangzhou in youtube so far. Thanks.

Thank you for your kind comments, gentlemen. :)

I shall continue now

32. A poster in a metro station showing how to and how not to behave. I love the idea. :)
http://i.imgur.com/YOe17.jpg (http://imgur.com/YOe17)

33.
http://i.imgur.com/AMh9b.jpg (http://imgur.com/AMh9b)

34. Metro map. The system is under heavy expansion and should at least double in size over the next few years reaching 600km by 2020.
http://i.imgur.com/iV3UQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/iV3UQ)

35. Ticket machines. You can simply select the destination or simply choose the fare amount if you know what it should be.
http://i.imgur.com/Yfuq2.jpg (http://imgur.com/Yfuq2)

36. M-touch... I have no idea what that is
http://i.imgur.com/UDdbc.jpg (http://imgur.com/UDdbc)


37.
http://i.imgur.com/YW3Bp.jpg (http://imgur.com/YW3Bp)

38. Ticket gates accept RFID tokens or multi-use RFID cards which can also be used for transport in other cities in the PRD
http://i.imgur.com/Fme2H.jpg (http://imgur.com/Fme2H)

39. Fangcun area late in the evening. Changdi street (the same empty street we saw in the beginning). I noticed those girls lining near entrances of some buildings in a number of different locations... they were bowing to everyone entering the premises (all men). I wasn't sure why they were doing that. Later I got to figure out that it seemingly was some massage parlor (actually a number of them. Maybe 3 or 4?)... I don't know if massage was the only thing they were doing there but I did not have time or will to find out. Anyway, some of those girls (not all, and not even most) looked quite hot
http://i.imgur.com/4JPpi.jpg (http://imgur.com/4JPpi)

40. On the opposite bank of the river
http://i.imgur.com/Ghtl7.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ghtl7)

41. The same Changdi street in Fangcun
http://i.imgur.com/Yzs2u.jpg (http://imgur.com/Yzs2u)

42. Some lovely public spaces near the river
http://i.imgur.com/PveqA.jpg (http://imgur.com/PveqA)

43. Morning in the same area
http://i.imgur.com/eea4B.jpg (http://imgur.com/eea4B)

44.
http://i.imgur.com/54QWP.jpg (http://imgur.com/54QWP)

45. I've tried Harbin beer. It's ok.
http://i.imgur.com/RXqBW.jpg (http://imgur.com/RXqBW)

46. Audi A6 must be the most popular premium car in China. It's really common in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The difference from Europe is that in China it's only sold as A6L i.e. long wheelbase version which makes the car about 8cm longer and 1 or 2 cm taller. For some reason Chinese prefer larger cars. Then again, it's more practical I guess. Although if to be 100% practical the best option would be an estate version. Something I haven't seen much of in China but something you'll see everywhere in Germany
http://i.imgur.com/eDlfB.jpg (http://imgur.com/eDlfB)

Nice pix. I like your stalker photos.

A short video showing some views of Fangcun where I stayed for 3 days. I really liked the area. Very peaceful, somewhat slow-going and good options for eating, drinking or simply relaxing near the river while being convenient for transport
oIIIInONluE


47. Nearby Mingxin Road
http://i.imgur.com/IecOv.jpg (http://imgur.com/IecOv)

48. If your brain stopped functioning the hospital is here to help
http://i.imgur.com/7eZJv.jpg (http://imgur.com/7eZJv)


49.
http://i.imgur.com/rMMon.jpg (http://imgur.com/rMMon)

50. Fangcun East Avenue. I don't know how is this snack called or if it even has some specific name but I tried it and it's very delicious. It's basically a pancake with a fried egg and some meat inside. Yummy... although it's quite greasy so I wouldn't eat more than two at once. Should be an excellent snack with beer. It costed 2RMB for one. Lots of other snacks and desserts sold in the place
http://i.imgur.com/oRoe8.jpg (http://imgur.com/oRoe8)

51. Pictures of the Chairman Mao can be purchased here... I'm now feeling sorry I didn't buy one. I will next time. I'd also like to buy a picture of Sun Yat Sen and Deng Xiaoping
http://i.imgur.com/071A1.jpg (http://imgur.com/071A1)

Nice pix. I like your stalker photos.

Shush! What stalker photos? :bash:

Ok, maybe ther will be one or two but that's just normal street photography! :D

I like the cartoon dos and don'ts posters of Guangzhou Metro!

It must be continued...

52. One metro station away from Fangcun is Huangsha. There are some old unrestored (or just partially restored) old houses but unfortunately my destintion was slightly different albeit still "old".
http://i.imgur.com/tM9SG.jpg (http://imgur.com/tM9SG)

53.
http://i.imgur.com/Mgct5.jpg (http://imgur.com/Mgct5)

54.
http://i.imgur.com/kWsCp.jpg (http://imgur.com/kWsCp)

55. I noticed there were some unfamiliar looking Toyota cars on the streets. This is Toyota Reiz originally dedicated to the Japanese market as a premium sedan. This model is actually similar to Camry with its specs and comfort features but the main difference is rear-wheel drive. Toyotas marketing has always been a mystery to me. Anyway, a nice looking Toyota
http://i.imgur.com/USZuJ.jpg (http://imgur.com/USZuJ)

56.
Inner ring road. Guangzhou has multiple ring roads... 3 or 4 of them even if not so neatly planned as in Beijing
http://i.imgur.com/5NJxn.jpg (http://imgur.com/5NJxn)

57. A massive apartment block still U/C
http://i.imgur.com/qDfvX.jpg (http://imgur.com/qDfvX)

58.
http://i.imgur.com/6MTgt.jpg (http://imgur.com/6MTgt)

59.
http://i.imgur.com/X6icV.jpg (http://imgur.com/X6icV)

60.
http://i.imgur.com/LnaYp.jpg (http://imgur.com/LnaYp)

61.
http://i.imgur.com/Ec0GW.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ec0GW)

62. The destination of this trip was Shamian Island which hosts a number of 19th century concession houses built by the British and French.
http://i.imgur.com/hzLwF.jpg (http://imgur.com/hzLwF)

63. The buildings are restored to their original appearance including writings and inscriptions mostly in English. A small bit of classic European architectural showcase in the the middle of an Asian metropolis. Very exotic and very lovely indeed.
http://i.imgur.com/ttnq7.jpg (http://imgur.com/ttnq7)

64.
http://i.imgur.com/CpHkR.jpg (http://imgur.com/CpHkR)

65.
http://i.imgur.com/OhL8Y.jpg (http://imgur.com/OhL8Y)

66.
http://i.imgur.com/FzL1M.jpg (http://imgur.com/FzL1M)

67.
http://i.imgur.com/Gm2yA.jpg (http://imgur.com/Gm2yA)

68.
http://i.imgur.com/jt6ol.jpg (http://imgur.com/jt6ol)

69.
http://i.imgur.com/l5GJ1.jpg (http://imgur.com/l5GJ1)

70.
http://i.imgur.com/daCIB.jpg (http://imgur.com/daCIB)

71.
http://i.imgur.com/9jeZz.jpg (http://imgur.com/9jeZz)

72.
http://i.imgur.com/02Jqk.jpg (http://imgur.com/02Jqk)

73.
http://i.imgur.com/Sfgz7.jpg (http://imgur.com/Sfgz7)

74.
http://i.imgur.com/w8d3l.jpg (http://imgur.com/w8d3l)

75.
http://i.imgur.com/JcSbI.jpg (http://imgur.com/JcSbI)

76.
http://i.imgur.com/ev2ZC.jpg (http://imgur.com/ev2ZC)

77.
http://i.imgur.com/nuGri.jpg (http://imgur.com/nuGri)

78. Nearby on the other side of the canal. Guangzhou Inner Ring road
http://i.imgur.com/sM10h.jpg (http://imgur.com/sM10h)

79. A very lovely sculpture
http://i.imgur.com/QniwV.jpg (http://imgur.com/QniwV)

80.
http://i.imgur.com/qCwIo.jpg (http://imgur.com/qCwIo)

81. NCT is going to like this one :)
http://i.imgur.com/ul6j2.jpg (http://imgur.com/ul6j2)

82.
Oriental Express restaurant
http://i.imgur.com/zUxAS.jpg (http://imgur.com/zUxAS)

83.
http://i.imgur.com/XYAsK.jpg (http://imgur.com/XYAsK)

84.
http://i.imgur.com/ZiFIF.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZiFIF)

85.
http://i.imgur.com/jKV6c.jpg (http://imgur.com/jKV6c)

86. I have noticed lots of newly wed couples were taking their wedding photos in the Island
http://i.imgur.com/KhXf5.jpg (http://imgur.com/KhXf5)

87.
http://i.imgur.com/6i6yJ.jpg (http://imgur.com/6i6yJ)

88. Church
http://i.imgur.com/An35y.jpg (http://imgur.com/An35y)

89.
http://i.imgur.com/X4xEV.jpg (http://imgur.com/X4xEV)

90. Central street of the island - Shamian Dajie
http://edge.imgur.com/gohXE.jpg (http://imgur.com/gohXE)

91.
http://edge.imgur.com/sKXM0.jpg (http://imgur.com/sKXM0)

92.
http://edge.imgur.com/I8KB8.jpg (http://imgur.com/I8KB8)

93.
http://edge.imgur.com/bd7Jc.jpg (http://imgur.com/bd7Jc)

94.
http://edge.imgur.com/JCpez.jpg (http://imgur.com/JCpez)

95.
http://edge.imgur.com/x9YvV.jpg (http://imgur.com/x9YvV)

96.
http://edge.imgur.com/Iixs0.jpg (http://imgur.com/Iixs0)

97.
http://edge.imgur.com/B8rOE.jpg (http://imgur.com/B8rOE)

98.
http://edge.imgur.com/P7kPv.jpg (http://imgur.com/P7kPv)

99. I witnessed a very weird sighting. I don't know what it was. Maybe a ritual? Or maybe just a way to get a good foot massage? But why walk backwards anyway? A girl took her shoes off and started walking backwards on some decorative path paved with little stones. She actually was very pretty but I wouldn't dare to ask what she was doing. :|

http://edge.imgur.com/clfh9.jpg (http://imgur.com/clfh9)
http://edge.imgur.com/EjORl.jpg (http://imgur.com/EjORl)
http://edge.imgur.com/SXVYf.jpg (http://imgur.com/SXVYf)

100.
http://edge.imgur.com/CJmHf.jpg (http://imgur.com/CJmHf)

101.
http://edge.imgur.com/u08UB.jpg (http://imgur.com/u08UB)
http://edge.imgur.com/iBLE5.jpg (http://imgur.com/iBLE5)

102.
http://edge.imgur.com/HLYJI.jpg (http://imgur.com/HLYJI)

103.
http://edge.imgur.com/US5NK.jpg (http://imgur.com/US5NK)

104. I have heard it is now compulsory to separate waste in Guangzhou. A great initiative! It should be done everywhere
http://edge.imgur.com/xSBhu.jpg (http://imgur.com/xSBhu)

105.
http://edge.imgur.com/Yy0dl.jpg (http://imgur.com/Yy0dl)

106. Shamian Dajie
http://edge.imgur.com/9goME.jpg (http://imgur.com/9goME)

107.
http://edge.imgur.com/SRwYG.jpg (http://imgur.com/SRwYG)

108.
http://edge.imgur.com/yR2Y7.jpg (http://imgur.com/yR2Y7)

109.
http://edge.imgur.com/0BxQn.jpg (http://imgur.com/0BxQn)

110.
http://edge.imgur.com/UX74V.jpg (http://imgur.com/UX74V)

111. Once and USSR consulate was in this building
http://edge.imgur.com/tLoTH.jpg (http://imgur.com/tLoTH)

112. Marching past
http://edge.imgur.com/gLO2i.jpg (http://imgur.com/gLO2i)

113. Time to leave. Still many things to see...
http://edge.imgur.com/DkjTH.jpg (http://imgur.com/DkjTH)

Continuing in Zhujiang New Town. The area is still very much construction site although most of the infrastructure including streets, parks and public spaces are already open

114. Just outside the Zhujiang New Town metro station
http://edge.imgur.com/KnDjV.jpg (http://imgur.com/KnDjV)

115.
http://edge.imgur.com/0QzqK.jpg (http://imgur.com/0QzqK)

116. There are not too many cars in some streets. Poeple are crossing the street anywhere they find convenient. At first I was too reluctant to do that but eventually started doing the same and crossing the street wherever I felt like
http://edge.imgur.com/ezgla.jpg (http://imgur.com/ezgla)

117.
http://edge.imgur.com/d4qUV.jpg (http://imgur.com/d4qUV)


118. Wide pedestrian spaces, trees and general feeling of order
http://edge.imgur.com/5KaRS.jpg (http://imgur.com/5KaRS)

119.
http://edge.imgur.com/ORcMU.jpg (http://imgur.com/ORcMU)

119.
http://edge.imgur.com/X1QRN.jpg (http://imgur.com/X1QRN)

120.
http://edge.imgur.com/tmY18.jpg (http://imgur.com/tmY18)

121.
http://edge.imgur.com/XTB4d.jpg (http://imgur.com/XTB4d)

122.
Pearl River Tower
http://edge.imgur.com/wkINA.jpg (http://imgur.com/wkINA)

123.
http://edge.imgur.com/N92to.jpg (http://imgur.com/N92to)

124.
http://edge.imgur.com/Qn2wZ.jpg (http://imgur.com/Qn2wZ)

125.
http://edge.imgur.com/o1BOM.jpg (http://imgur.com/o1BOM)

126.
http://edge.imgur.com/bBGFv.jpg (http://imgur.com/bBGFv)

127.
http://edge.imgur.com/EPX66.jpg (http://imgur.com/EPX66)

128.
http://edge.imgur.com/bNuDi.jpg (http://imgur.com/bNuDi)

129. Street washing machine
http://edge.imgur.com/pO4jn.jpg (http://imgur.com/pO4jn)

130.
http://edge.imgur.com/eVDR3.jpg (http://imgur.com/eVDR3)

More Zhujiang New Town

131.
http://edge.imgur.com/UqF1r.jpg (http://imgur.com/UqF1r)

132.
http://edge.imgur.com/elSGv.jpg (http://imgur.com/elSGv)

133.
http://edge.imgur.com/HIBPZ.jpg (http://imgur.com/HIBPZ)

134.
Washing trees?
http://edge.imgur.com/d15fo.jpg (http://imgur.com/d15fo)

135.
http://edge.imgur.com/42YiJ.jpg (http://imgur.com/42YiJ)

136. :yes:
http://edge.imgur.com/q6gID.jpg (http://imgur.com/q6gID)

137.
http://edge.imgur.com/Jeq7F.jpg (http://imgur.com/Jeq7F)

138. Pearl River Tower. a 310m supertall skyscraper nearing completion. Designed by Gordon Gill from SOM. The building is said do be one of the most sustainable skyscrapers ever built.

There is an interesting BBC broadcast: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8317211.stm. Pay attention how the journalists starts "explaining" about how inefficient and bad all other buildings are "surrounding" the Pearl River Tower. The funny thing is that at the time of the broadcast most of the surrounding area was merely a large construction site (as so it is today to a large extent) with some newly built blocks further away. I think he should have done some more explanation on what he meant by "surrounding". But that's how BBC is making it's "broadcasts" on China I guess... :)
http://edge.imgur.com/jLrqX.jpg (http://imgur.com/jLrqX)


139. Construction site of Kingold Tower. The gates were open and noone seemed to mind me walking in and taking a few pictures
http://edge.imgur.com/KRhoG.jpg (http://imgur.com/KRhoG)

140.
Wastebins. Guangzhou has recently started a campaign to separete waste into recycleable and non-recycleable. Great initiative
http://edge.imgur.com/fjUmV.jpg (http://imgur.com/fjUmV)

A short video I took from Zhujiang New Town. The first bit is overlooking the area where construction of Kingold Tower (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=977316) is taking place. The second shot is at the park in the middle of Zhujiang New Town
aFTP6IVGOG8

141. Pedestrian bridge over Zhujiang West Rd.
http://i.imgur.com/Iwp56.jpg (http://imgur.com/Iwp56)

142. Construction of Kingold Tower (http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg64/z0rgggg/others2/626.jpg), a 227m tower designed by SOM
http://i.imgur.com/O5EPQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/O5EPQ)

143.
http://i.imgur.com/qfDmz.jpg (http://imgur.com/qfDmz)

144. Leatop Plaza (303m) and Bank of Guangzhou (267m), designed by Murphy/Jahn INC. and Guangzhou Chengzong Design Institute respectively
http://i.imgur.com/PGdXr.jpg (http://imgur.com/PGdXr)

145.
http://i.imgur.com/s0Oxh.jpg (http://imgur.com/s0Oxh)

146.
http://i.imgur.com/S6n9s.jpg (http://imgur.com/S6n9s)

147.
http://i.imgur.com/h22Pb.jpg (http://imgur.com/h22Pb)

148. Nearby areas
http://i.imgur.com/RNwzx.jpg (http://imgur.com/RNwzx)

149.
http://i.imgur.com/lcehS.jpg (http://imgur.com/lcehS)

150.

http://i.imgur.com/G2MqL.jpg (http://imgur.com/G2MqL)

151.
http://i.imgur.com/iT01l.jpg (http://imgur.com/iT01l)

152. A park which is at the center of Zhujiang New Town development area.
http://i.imgur.com/9UEVg.jpg (http://imgur.com/9UEVg)

153.
http://i.imgur.com/qG92f.jpg (http://imgur.com/qG92f)

154.
http://i.imgur.com/se5A9.jpg (http://imgur.com/se5A9)

155.
http://i.imgur.com/OZ5Xs.jpg (http://imgur.com/OZ5Xs)

156.
Decorative ponds in the park
http://i.imgur.com/Wfyth.jpg (http://imgur.com/Wfyth)

157.
Canton Tower seen some distance away on the other side of the river. We'll have a closer look later. One thing I have to say, however, it is perhaps the most impressive structure I have ever seen. An outstanding architectural and structural showcase
http://i.imgur.com/9QfCO.jpg (http://imgur.com/9QfCO)

158.
To the opposite direction from Canton Tower you can see the iconic CITIC Plaza tower which has been the dominant vertical landmark of Guangzhou until IFC and Canton Tower were built. It still is a great landmark
http://i.imgur.com/BA3kR.jpg (http://imgur.com/BA3kR)

159.
http://i.imgur.com/87qVj.jpg (http://imgur.com/87qVj)

160.
http://i.imgur.com/7Y0QH.jpg (http://imgur.com/7Y0QH)

161.
http://i.imgur.com/LOd2g.jpg (http://imgur.com/LOd2g)

162. W Hotel, 150m high hotel. I really loved the architecture of this building. Designed by Rocco Design Architects Ltd.
http://i.imgur.com/eNlGD.jpg (http://imgur.com/eNlGD)

163.
http://i.imgur.com/kvgzc.jpg (http://imgur.com/kvgzc)

164.
http://i.imgur.com/SHEFN.jpg (http://imgur.com/SHEFN)

Continuing with Zhujiang New Town

165. An interesting building which we are going to see from a close-up later
http://i.imgur.com/SgRvn.jpg (http://imgur.com/SgRvn)

166. Two men sleeping on the grass surrounded by skyscrapers and construction sites
http://i.imgur.com/CxwjF.jpg (http://imgur.com/CxwjF)

167.
http://i.imgur.com/h4ZhA.jpg (http://imgur.com/h4ZhA)

168.
http://i.imgur.com/6usiJ.jpg (http://imgur.com/6usiJ)

169.
http://i.imgur.com/DOqBz.jpg (http://imgur.com/DOqBz)

170.
Guangzhou APM (Automated People Mover). Part of Guangzhou Metro although in reality a separate system built specifically to serve the main objects of Zhujiang New Town. Stations are close to each other and capacity of trains is lower than that of ordinary metro trains.
http://i.imgur.com/hHEpo.jpg (http://imgur.com/hHEpo)

171.
http://i.imgur.com/dvIrc.jpg (http://imgur.com/dvIrc)

172.
http://i.imgur.com/1x77D.jpg (http://imgur.com/1x77D)

173.
http://i.imgur.com/Q6HZV.jpg (http://imgur.com/Q6HZV)

174.
http://i.imgur.com/9MFpV.jpg (http://imgur.com/9MFpV)

175.
http://i.imgur.com/y2gwZ.jpg (http://imgur.com/y2gwZ)

176.
http://i.imgur.com/rRuIe.jpg (http://imgur.com/rRuIe)

177. Entrance to one of the APM stations
http://i.imgur.com/ZKBGi.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZKBGi)

178. Bottom part of Canton Tower
http://i.imgur.com/hAkPU.jpg (http://imgur.com/hAkPU)

179.... and top
http://i.imgur.com/ciGFb.jpg (http://imgur.com/ciGFb)

180.
http://i.imgur.com/JPLyO.jpg (http://imgur.com/JPLyO)

181.
http://i.imgur.com/MpHzG.jpg (http://imgur.com/MpHzG)

182. Currently Guangzhou's tallest skyscraper - International Finance Center. A very impressive landmark.
http://i.imgur.com/eW8Cx.jpg (http://imgur.com/eW8Cx)

183. Some quick facts about IFC
- height: 440m, 103 floors
- built: 2010
- design: Wilkinson Eyre (USA)
- structural engineering: Arup (UK)
- GFA: 448 000 sq. m
- cost: 1.15 bn USD
http://i.imgur.com/ZUeea.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZUeea)

184.
http://i.imgur.com/DnLxG.jpg (http://imgur.com/DnLxG)

185.
http://i.imgur.com/8YWYl.jpg (http://imgur.com/8YWYl)

186.
http://i.imgur.com/ObAgy.jpg (http://imgur.com/ObAgy)

187.
http://i.imgur.com/hwXsQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/hwXsQ)

188.
http://i.imgur.com/aHSv1.jpg (http://imgur.com/aHSv1)

The photos continue...

189. Guangdong Museum. One of the four cultural landmarks near the riverfron of Zhujiang New Town. Designed by Rocco Design Architects of Hong Kong and structural engineering by Arup
http://i.imgur.com/vrH9r.jpg (http://imgur.com/vrH9r)

190. All four cultural landmarks are situated around this open square
http://i.imgur.com/nGnN1.jpg (http://imgur.com/nGnN1)


191.
http://i.imgur.com/KHO9Q.jpg (http://imgur.com/KHO9Q)

192.
http://i.imgur.com/4x7ei.jpg (http://imgur.com/4x7ei)

193.
http://i.imgur.com/P3h5A.jpg (http://imgur.com/P3h5A)

194. Guangdong Museum
http://i.imgur.com/Ejtla.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ejtla)

195. New Guangzhou Library, designed by Guangzhou Design Institute and Japanese firm Nikken Sekkei
http://i.imgur.com/3EBSN.jpg (http://imgur.com/3EBSN)

196.
http://i.imgur.com/Ul4m7.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ul4m7)

197.
http://i.imgur.com/T7oAk.jpg (http://imgur.com/T7oAk)

198.
http://i.imgur.com/3nV2L.jpg (http://imgur.com/3nV2L)

199.
http://i.imgur.com/DCNwQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/DCNwQ)

More...

200. Guangzhou new library.
http://i.imgur.com/jLfOP.jpg (http://imgur.com/jLfOP)

201.
http://i.imgur.com/J9aKg.jpg (http://imgur.com/J9aKg)

202. We are next to one of the most iconic and and interesting new buildings in Guangzhou. Guangzhou Opera House designed by one of the world's most prominent and renowned architects Zaha Hadid. The project cost was around 200 mln. USD. The building recently received an award from American Institute of Architects UK Chapter for the excellence of its outstanding design. That may well become "the" cultural landmark of Guangzhou.
http://i.imgur.com/ZF7Ld.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZF7Ld)

203.
http://i.imgur.com/3K5fB.jpg (http://imgur.com/3K5fB)

204.
http://i.imgur.com/k5u4g.jpg (http://imgur.com/k5u4g)

205.
http://i.imgur.com/9vdAy.jpg (http://imgur.com/9vdAy)

206.
http://i.imgur.com/F0jIy.jpg (http://imgur.com/F0jIy)

207.
http://i.imgur.com/IhR99.jpg (http://imgur.com/IhR99)

208.
http://i.imgur.com/Ixzg0.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ixzg0)

209. Concrete is the material! Even once it comes to decorating surfaces. I think it may be a new (or re born old?) trend. Anyway, I love it...
http://i.imgur.com/nZheE.jpg (http://imgur.com/nZheE)

210.
http://i.imgur.com/Tp3yy.jpg (http://imgur.com/Tp3yy)

211.
http://i.imgur.com/Aayax.jpg (http://imgur.com/Aayax)

212.
http://i.imgur.com/XPB5n.jpg (http://imgur.com/XPB5n)

213.
http://i.imgur.com/bXtIh.jpg (http://imgur.com/bXtIh)

214.
http://i.imgur.com/A4Xlq.jpg (http://imgur.com/A4Xlq)

215. Women dismount their bicycles and wait at the pedestrian crossing
http://i.imgur.com/GyH6y.jpg (http://imgur.com/GyH6y)


216. ... that may be the reason why. A traffic officer is strictly enforcing the rules and manners of crossing the street in a proper way. Such sight is common at many pedestrian crossings around Guangzhou
http://i.imgur.com/OhGfi.jpg (http://imgur.com/OhGfi)

217.
http://i.imgur.com/JxYjE.jpg (http://imgur.com/JxYjE)

218.
http://i.imgur.com/nEDVE.jpg (http://imgur.com/nEDVE)

219. Entrance to Zhujiang New Town metro station
http://i.imgur.com/CPqkv.jpg (http://imgur.com/CPqkv)


220. Metro. We're going one stop South to Chigang Pagoda station...
http://i.imgur.com/wTBMv.jpg (http://imgur.com/wTBMv)

Time to carry on...

221. Chigang Pagoda metro station
http://i.imgur.com/HDbMd.jpg (http://imgur.com/HDbMd)

222.
The destination was Canton Tower. We're going to go to the upper observation deck located at the height of 433m. It's not a cheap attraction though. The ticket costs 150RMB which is something in the range of 17EUR or 20USD
http://i.imgur.com/vrTka.jpg (http://imgur.com/vrTka)

223.
Panoramic elevator... 108 floors
http://i.imgur.com/aQ9vw.jpg (http://imgur.com/aQ9vw)

224. View from the deck at 433m. Weather was far from perfect but I guess it does get worse than that
http://i.imgur.com/lkwbR.jpg (http://imgur.com/lkwbR)

225.
http://i.imgur.com/vxPZv.jpg (http://imgur.com/vxPZv)

226. Library and Guangdong Museum
http://i.imgur.com/EFMGA.jpg (http://imgur.com/EFMGA)

227. Zhujiang New Town seen on the other side of the river. This is when you see the monumental and powerful planning of such developments in China. Zhujiang New Town is not unique in this sense. It's just one of many such developments in Chinese cities. In fact, it's just one of a number of such projects planned for Guangzhou alone... and not even the biggest one. This is when you may start realizing the colossal and simply impossible scale of transformation and development that is taking place in China nowadays
http://i.imgur.com/hbuYw.jpg (http://imgur.com/hbuYw)

228. Residential areas
http://i.imgur.com/iv9TQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/iv9TQ)

229. More expensive residential areas
http://i.imgur.com/Hrp2W.jpg (http://imgur.com/Hrp2W)

230.
http://i.imgur.com/h5WCK.jpg (http://imgur.com/h5WCK)

231.
Future residential areas
http://i.imgur.com/syTX5.jpg (http://imgur.com/syTX5)

232.
http://i.imgur.com/j1w5v.jpg (http://imgur.com/j1w5v)

233.
http://i.imgur.com/tRjAf.jpg (http://imgur.com/tRjAf)

234. Opera House
http://i.imgur.com/OIAE8.jpg (http://imgur.com/OIAE8)

235.
http://i.imgur.com/bKTRS.jpg (http://imgur.com/bKTRS)

236. Guangdong Museum
http://i.imgur.com/EvbF3.jpg (http://imgur.com/EvbF3)

237. Library
http://i.imgur.com/gWdzQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/gWdzQ)

238. Zhujiang New Town park
http://i.imgur.com/LhraU.jpg (http://imgur.com/LhraU)

239.
http://i.imgur.com/Jb7tY.jpg (http://imgur.com/Jb7tY)

240. Guangzhou Childrens Palace, designed by Steffian Bradley Architects (UK)
http://i.imgur.com/EIEVv.jpg (http://imgur.com/EIEVv)

241.
http://i.imgur.com/K8PUv.jpg (http://imgur.com/K8PUv)

242. New residential blocks
http://i.imgur.com/rfqw3.jpg (http://imgur.com/rfqw3)

243.
http://i.imgur.com/h3CDd.jpg (http://imgur.com/h3CDd)

244.
http://i.imgur.com/Evmr4.jpg (http://imgur.com/Evmr4)

245. Guzngzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center. Some sources say it's the biggest center of such kind in the world with an area of 1 131 000 sq. m. I was unable to find out about the architects involved in making the design.
http://i.imgur.com/1wPiG.jpg (http://imgur.com/1wPiG)

246.
http://i.imgur.com/IetxT.jpg (http://imgur.com/IetxT)

247.
http://i.imgur.com/vNtoD.jpg (http://imgur.com/vNtoD)

248.
http://i.imgur.com/d8Bi6.jpg (http://imgur.com/d8Bi6)

249.
Canton Tower upper deck
http://i.imgur.com/c7CA4.jpg (http://imgur.com/c7CA4)

250.
http://i.imgur.com/Z1hYi.jpg (http://imgur.com/Z1hYi)


After this we'll be going back to the street level and make some observations of what's happening near the river and after it gets dark. Of course it's all about skyscrapers and lights.

Wow, the city looks very nice. A pity how I didn't have a chance to know it better, I just passed through to go to Baiyun.

Sim City. Amazing, simply amazing. Guangzhou looked like it was going to be below Shanghai, Beijing or Shenzhen's level, but actually looks like one of the most interesting cities for this century. Wow.

Abosulutely mindblowing!!!tnx pansori for your hard work.:D

Thank you, gentlemen. I was really impressed by Guangzhou. Just like Ekumenopolis mentioned, I expected it to be somewhat "below" the top cities in China but now I know it's certainly not. They must have done an incredibly big job to bring the city up to what it is now... not to mention some upcoming projects like Baietan development... it's really amazing. Just amazing.

Time to continue...


251. Near Canton Tower. The area still has a lot of construction fences and is a work in progress
http://i.imgur.com/Sxggt.jpg (http://imgur.com/Sxggt)

252. The opposite bank of the river
http://i.imgur.com/baZxe.jpg (http://imgur.com/baZxe)

253. Opera House
http://i.imgur.com/ce4rf.jpg (http://imgur.com/ce4rf)

254.
http://i.imgur.com/Jl2X9.jpg (http://imgur.com/Jl2X9)

255. Guangzhou library and Guangdong Museum
http://i.imgur.com/LAWMO.jpg (http://imgur.com/LAWMO)

256. This skyline did not exist just a fe years back. And it's most definitely not the final shape of it. More towers are coming
http://i.imgur.com/YxHBu.jpg (http://imgur.com/YxHBu)

257.
http://i.imgur.com/gxkRu.jpg (http://imgur.com/gxkRu)

258.
A very wide and convenient pedestrian walk near the river which has little parks and just lovely environment which is pleasant to be at. Especially in the evening
http://i.imgur.com/JgTP7.jpg (http://imgur.com/JgTP7)

259. The river is about 600m wide at this location
http://i.imgur.com/6dt1L.jpg (http://imgur.com/6dt1L)

260. A bunch of girls passed chanting something and carrying a red banner. I have no idea what they were up to
http://i.imgur.com/ZBpgA.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZBpgA)

261. In the evening at around 19:00 a light, sound and fountain show starts. Something of the sort that we see in Hong Kong but slighly different and includes those massive fountains
http://i.imgur.com/h2Ny5.jpg (http://imgur.com/h2Ny5)

262. IFC
http://i.imgur.com/NGYmQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/NGYmQ)

263.
http://i.imgur.com/OjJ5g.jpg (http://imgur.com/OjJ5g)

264. Canton Tower has some wicked decorative lighting system. They really wanted to make it extra-cool and they managed to do it
http://i.imgur.com/1EHRz.jpg (http://imgur.com/1EHRz)http://i.imgur.com/OPQU1.jpg (http://imgur.com/OPQU1)
http://i.imgur.com/slgrI.jpg (http://imgur.com/slgrI)http://i.imgur.com/e2QIC.jpg (http://imgur.com/e2QIC)
http://i.imgur.com/6rtx9.jpg (http://imgur.com/6rtx9)

265. Fountain show
http://i.imgur.com/LBws7.jpg (http://imgur.com/LBws7)
http://i.imgur.com/LnCie.jpg (http://imgur.com/LnCie)

266.
http://i.imgur.com/sNRaZ.jpg (http://imgur.com/sNRaZ)

267.
http://i.imgur.com/zC9v2.jpg (http://imgur.com/zC9v2)

268.
http://i.imgur.com/uvKoY.jpg (http://imgur.com/uvKoY)

More photos...

269. Haixinsha island hosts an amphitheater which was built for the Guangzhou Asian games in 2010. It has eight massive LED screens which are now used for the light and fountain show in the evenings
http://i.imgur.com/VMim4.jpg (http://imgur.com/VMim4)

270.
http://i.imgur.com/0YTFF.jpg (http://imgur.com/0YTFF)

271.
http://i.imgur.com/3EHbH.jpg (http://imgur.com/3EHbH)

272.
Guangdongo Museum
http://i.imgur.com/RI7AH.jpg (http://imgur.com/RI7AH)

273.
http://i.imgur.com/pNzsT.jpg (http://imgur.com/pNzsT)

274.
http://i.imgur.com/CWXxk.jpg (http://imgur.com/CWXxk)

Next is a busy area near the Guangzhou Railway Station. It's got some not so good reputation and internet is full of advice to keep your money close to yourself. Although in realyti there's nothing to be scared of. All it is, is a busy shopping area where you can buy all sorts of cheap stuff. Predominantly fake designer clothes. Quite a few foreigners (both tourists and long-term residents) there as well. All in all this is where many visitors as well as locals would come to do some serious shopping


275.
http://i.imgur.com/j786l.jpg (http://imgur.com/j786l)

276. Video of the area
rPAwGhV2quE

277.
http://i.imgur.com/rgBY8.jpg (http://imgur.com/rgBY8)

278. One of the shopping centers where you can buy tons of fake goods. I got a Lacoste T-shirt which as of excellent quality. You may get some bargains if buying in larger quantities
http://i.imgur.com/2ebGC.jpg (http://imgur.com/2ebGC)

279. Food stalls
http://i.imgur.com/B9msb.jpg (http://imgur.com/B9msb)

280.
http://i.imgur.com/Ip1YY.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ip1YY)

281.
http://i.imgur.com/T3KTo.jpg (http://imgur.com/T3KTo)

282.
http://i.imgur.com/juK3Z.jpg (http://imgur.com/juK3Z)

283.
http://i.imgur.com/YUtIP.jpg (http://imgur.com/YUtIP)

284.
http://i.imgur.com/mFphE.jpg (http://imgur.com/mFphE)

Back to the quiet and slow-going Fangcun area. This area is subject to a development known as Baietan (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1259309&page=4). Things will change completely over the next few years. I wish that riverside street would be preserved though


285. Morning in Changdi street
http://i.imgur.com/hiXYX.jpg (http://imgur.com/hiXYX)

286.
http://i.imgur.com/APu1t.jpg (http://imgur.com/APu1t)

287.
http://i.imgur.com/WOSZ9.jpg (http://imgur.com/WOSZ9)

288.
http://i.imgur.com/u8q8R.jpg (http://imgur.com/u8q8R)

289.
http://i.imgur.com/vOGTQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/vOGTQ)

290. The cheapest Porsche Panamera in China costs around 124 000 EUR. For comparison, the cheapest option in the EU would be around 68 000 EUR and even less in the US. Chinese, however, are ready to pay much more for luxury
http://i.imgur.com/Rhcha.jpg (http://imgur.com/Rhcha)

291.
http://i.imgur.com/U4jjk.jpg (http://imgur.com/U4jjk)

292. Leatop Plaza and Bank of Guangzhou towers which we've seen before...
http://i.imgur.com/dYTFF.jpg (http://imgur.com/dYTFF)

293. Zhujiang New Town
http://i.imgur.com/qWdqO.jpg (http://imgur.com/qWdqO)

294. A block of low-rise apartment buildings between Zhujiang New Town and Tianhe CBD
http://i.imgur.com/7DLYB.jpg (http://imgur.com/7DLYB)

295. Older folks playing chess/mahjong/card games outside. I have noticed this is happening all around the city in all residential areas
http://i.imgur.com/aAgk4.jpg (http://imgur.com/aAgk4)

296.
http://i.imgur.com/jdNFs.jpg (http://imgur.com/jdNFs)

297.
http://i.imgur.com/zcN5s.jpg (http://imgur.com/zcN5s)

298. Street performers
http://i.imgur.com/d9CmQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/d9CmQ)

299.
http://i.imgur.com/focOS.jpg (http://imgur.com/focOS)

A short video from the area (Tiyu East Rd. and Tianhe Rd.)
d5VYvU3Fj2s

Another video from Tianhe Road
4foq54CcByg

Tianhe CBD continued

300. Tianhe Road. One of the main avenues crossing the area
http://i.imgur.com/IHSbj.jpg (http://imgur.com/IHSbj)


301.
http://i.imgur.com/Cc247.jpg (http://imgur.com/Cc247)

302.
http://i.imgur.com/qRk1q.jpg (http://imgur.com/qRk1q)

303.
http://i.imgur.com/vRqDL.jpg (http://imgur.com/vRqDL)

304.
http://i.imgur.com/3uUhb.jpg (http://imgur.com/3uUhb)

305. Traffic officers are common at pedestrian crossings during rush hours
http://i.imgur.com/staFL.jpg (http://imgur.com/staFL)

306. Tiange Road
http://i.imgur.com/MRxGd.jpg (http://imgur.com/MRxGd)

307.
http://i.imgur.com/cGvRE.jpg (http://imgur.com/cGvRE)

308.
http://i.imgur.com/F3djK.jpg (http://imgur.com/F3djK)

309.
http://i.imgur.com/zEF17.jpg (http://imgur.com/zEF17)

310.
http://i.imgur.com/IEqyo.jpg (http://imgur.com/IEqyo)

311.
http://i.imgur.com/b0nfb.jpg (http://imgur.com/b0nfb)

312. Driving culture in China has yet to catch up with the standards of more tangible objects. The light vehicle stopped just like that in the middle of a side road. The bus wanted to turn but the car was blocking its way. The bus started to signal using the sound signal while the driver of the light car simply kept ignoring the bus :)
http://i.imgur.com/YgGls.jpg (http://imgur.com/YgGls)

313. Tianhe Road. Evening rush hour
http://i.imgur.com/jfqAn.jpg (http://imgur.com/jfqAn)

314.
http://i.imgur.com/mGb3W.jpg (http://imgur.com/mGb3W)

315. BRT station in the middle of Tiange Road. Guangzhou has one of the largest BRT systems in the world and the largest one in Asia
http://i.imgur.com/0xIy6.jpg (http://imgur.com/0xIy6)

316.
http://i.imgur.com/Ph9qQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ph9qQ)

317.
http://i.imgur.com/RsF9G.jpg (http://imgur.com/RsF9G)

318. A new X6M in China costs around 2.2 mln RMB which is around 236K EUR
http://i.imgur.com/i1iuq.jpg (http://imgur.com/i1iuq)

Quite why people would choose to sit in a traffic jam while there is quite clearly a decent public transport system is beyong me.

319. 195m high Teemtower by P & T Architects & Engineers Ltd.
http://i.imgur.com/Jdqbq.jpg (http://imgur.com/Jdqbq)

320. Citic Plaza
http://i.imgur.com/UzSqY.jpg (http://imgur.com/UzSqY)

321.
http://i.imgur.com/ZNxZ9.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZNxZ9)

322.
http://i.imgur.com/jtge2.jpg (http://imgur.com/jtge2)

323.
http://i.imgur.com/86ru1.jpg (http://imgur.com/86ru1)

324.
http://i.imgur.com/kAWxC.jpg (http://imgur.com/kAWxC)

325.
http://i.imgur.com/NWXC4.jpg (http://imgur.com/NWXC4)

326. Teemtower
http://i.imgur.com/steGX.jpg (http://imgur.com/steGX)

327.
http://i.imgur.com/pb3rJ.jpg (http://imgur.com/pb3rJ)

328.
http://i.imgur.com/sRPXt.jpg (http://imgur.com/sRPXt)

329.
http://i.imgur.com/vne34.jpg (http://imgur.com/vne34)

330. Tiyu West Rd. Lots of greenery around.
http://i.imgur.com/6zZpf.jpg (http://imgur.com/6zZpf)

331. Near Citic Plaza and other skyscrapers
http://i.imgur.com/852fO.jpg (http://imgur.com/852fO)

332.
http://i.imgur.com/0gnY1.jpg (http://imgur.com/0gnY1)

333.
http://i.imgur.com/VLRJa.jpg (http://imgur.com/VLRJa)

338. Entrance to the metro station
http://i.imgur.com/jInu6.jpg (http://imgur.com/jInu6)

339.
http://i.imgur.com/00WpS.jpg (http://imgur.com/00WpS)


340.
http://i.imgur.com/KmxCX.jpg (http://imgur.com/KmxCX)

341.
http://i.imgur.com/Ek1cz.jpg (http://imgur.com/Ek1cz)

A couple of videos taken through a dirty bus window on my way to China's entertainment and gambling outpost Macau :)

It gives some general idea of how Guangzhou's streets look like

Z1zHLBtwZGs

ohvszBEG3zs

Going through a very badass junction :)
Y3itiUaiPHY

C8rFsNa6gf8


And this is where it comes to the end.

Thank you all for your kind comments and discussion. I greatly enjoyed Guangzhou and now I can confidently say it was one of the most glorious cities I have ever been to and will certainly be there again... rather sooner than later. :cheers:

very nice pics again. citic plaza is indeed awesome.

btw, the bus ride videos are great to watch.

I wonder what those vines growing on the freeway are...chinese honeysuckle?

强烈抗议政府封杀ＹＯＵＴＵＢＥ