City of Rams, the Second Chinese City with Greatest Change

The 14th National Five-Year Plan outlined how to offer a unique Chinese cultural tourism experience by “shaping tourism through culture” and “highlighting culture through tourism”. By 2025, the government aims at the integration of regional tourism brands and services, so as to build world-class tourist attractions and resorts with rich cultural connotations.

Having over 2200 years of history, Guangzhou is a bastion of China’s Lingnan culture. Yong Qing Fang is located in Xi Guan historical culture street, which is the site of famous “Shi San Hang” (aka 十三行). It used to be an important trading port in the Qing dynasty, and became the origin of Guangzhou Maritime Silk Road.

“Remain the memory of the city. Let nostalgia drift in the air.” Yong Qing Fang is home to many historical buildings related to Cantonese opera, such as the Cantonese Opera Art Museum as well as the Barwo Artists Association of Kwangtung, with free entry. When the night falls, the moon bridge combines with its reflection as a slender crescent. How magnificent it is.

Guangzhou was listed as China’s second city with the greatest change by Forbes magazine. Take Shamian as an example. This sandbank used to be a foreign trading port and a guardian fort in the Ming and Qing Dynasty respectively. After the outbreak of the Second Opium War, Britain and France forced the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi to sign a lease.

With the construction of an artificial river, Shamian became an island which was governed by the British and French until 1946. Consulates, foreign banks and firms emerged. They demonstrate the western technique and artistry while incorporating the Lingnan Culture, making the complex an Important Historical Monuments under Special Preservation.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral, which is one of only four all-granite Gothic churches in the world, proves the relation between France and Hong Kong. The French missionary, Father Auguste Chapdelaine was executed by local authorities in Guangxi, which prompted the French Empire to join the British navy in the Second Opium War as a response.

As a result, the Qing Empire ceded Kowloon Peninsula to the British Empire as an extension of the colony of Hong Kong. In 1862, the Emperor Napoleon III first appointed a consul general to Hong Kong. As time goes by, the anti-western sentiment is declining and the “City of Rams” is blessed by the god and the cross, when one observes from the aerial view.

Varying in style and taste from region to region, the 8 culinary cuisines of China are diverse. Guangzhou is one of the strongholds of Cantonese cuisine. To immerse into its ancient cuisine heritage, trying Dim Sum in Tao Tao Ju is probably one of the best ways. Shrimp dumplings. Siu mai. Fried dough rice noodle roll. Piggy Custard bun. Such a bite of China.

Walking alongside the Pearl River, one might understand the rising trend of Hongkongers “heading north” across the border for leisure, which proves the charm of the Greater Bay Area.