Guangzhou's Hot Spots: My Real Tourist Trap Confessions!

[Miss Angela Cormier]

Just back from Guangzhou, feeling as though I've experienced an "avoid the pitfalls" challenge! I'd like to share some of my experiences so that I can help everyone.

• I. Canton Tower (Loved by locals who call it "Little Waist," because it looks like a delicate waist).

  • Long queues seem endless!
    • Before going, I already knew that Canton Tower was a popular attraction, but I never expected queueing can get so ridiculous! I arrived at 10 am, thinking I was early, yet only buying a ticket took over an hour. After that, queuing for the elevator to the top of the tower still took me nearly two hours!
    • Travel Tips:
      • For sure! For sure! Buy tickets in advance via official channels or trusted travel apps! This way, you can save time queuing for tickets.
      • You may consider going just after opening or shortly before closing, as there would be less people.
  • Are the tickets worth it? It’s hard to say.
    • There are several types of tickets, ranging from RMB100 to RMB600 for different experiences. I bought a mid-priced one that included a view from the observation deck and a tower entertainment project.
    • But unexpectedly, once I made my way up to the observation deck, it turned into a crowded venue. It was difficult to find a good spot for photos. Even the fun ride involved long lines with no real value.
    • Money saving tips:
      • If you simply want to take photos with Canton Tower, taking snaps downstairs does the trick.
      • Or visit Hai Xin Sha Park (a small island park by the river) or E Sa Islands (also located in the middle of the river, perfect for a stroll), where you can capture stunning photos of the Canton Tower and night sceneries along the Pearl River without spending money!

• II. Upper and Lower Nine Walk Street

  • Very much commercialized, lacking Guangzhou characteristics.
    • This street has a big reputation, but I walked away somewhat disappointed. There were chains stores everywhere, selling similar products that any other city could offer.
    • The so-called local Cantonese cuisine has tasteless flavors and pricey costs.
    • Food Hunt Tips:
      • Want to taste authentic Cantonese cuisine? Don’t look here for it. Opt instead for some side streets in old town areas, such as Xi Hua Road and Bao Hua Road, hidden gems with excellent local dining options.
  • Be mindful of goods quality - not great.
    • I purchased some cheap souvenirs and products claimed to be traditional ones. After returning home, I found their low-quality craftsmanship disappointing. Some handicrafts were made coarsely and some appeared to have defects.
    • Shopping and safety tips:
      • Before making a purchase, do check items carefully and compare prices, don’t let yourself be swindled by fancy appearances and cheap deals.
      • Due to the large number of tourists and crowdedness, beware of your financial property while shopping!

• III. Chimelong Tourism Resort (home to various theme parks such as Chimelong Pleasure Beach and Chimelong Wildlife Park).

  • Play rides, let's get into queues first!
    • Planning to visit Chimelong? Be mentally prepared for the extensive wait times. At the Chimelong Pleasure Beach (similar to Disneyland in nature) and the Chimelong Wildlife Park, prepare yourself for long queues for popular attractions.
    • On the day I visited Chimelong Pleasure Beach, most attractions had waiting lines anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. By the end of one's day, not many attractions can be played.
    • Playing Tips:
      • Download the official Chimelong App beforehand, which displays predicted wait time for each ride, allowing better planning on which rides to take.
      • Go for rides with shorter lines, or those you really want to experience first.
      • Purchase “Fast Passes,” which can reduce waiting time in the line, though they come at extra cost and aren’t cheap prices. Consider purchasing these tickets according to your budget.
  • Expensive and not-so-tasty food within the resort.
    • The restaurant choices are limited, and priced high – an ordinary set meal can easily cost RMB80 with average flavor.
    • Eating-saving tips:
      • Bring your own snacks and water, but not excessively, as bags will undergo inspection upon entry, disallowing significant amounts of food and drinks inside.
      • If you don’t wish to carry your own, eat beforehand, outside of the resort premises, or look for food nearby after completing your activities.