One of China’s booming economic kingpins, the prosperous commercial city of Guanzhou is the capital of the Guangdong province, also known as the factory of the world; not exactly a great endorsement as a touristic destination. However, its status as a global trading powerhouse means that Guangzhou has excellent travel connections with the rest of the world. Moreover, travellers arriving here will be pleasantly surprised to find that this metropolis’ modern veneer belies a softer side of serene Confucian temples and Zen gardens, gingko-peppered avenues and a density of Cantonese eating joints unmatched anywhere in the world.

The banks of the Pearl River are a good way to start your visit here, with brightly lit bridges outshining multi-coloured party barges, and the Canton Tower dominating the sweeping skyline of neon-lit scrapers on the waterfront by night. Then, it’s off to the bustle of Qingping Market, the beautifully preserved Chen family temple, or perhaps one of the city’s acclaimed cultural exhibition centres—from the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King to the sprawling Guangzhou Museum.

And when urban life gets just a little too much, be sure to ask your Guangzhou tour guide about surveying the curious statues and Ming towers of Yuexiu Park, exploring the paths of White Cloud Mountain, or unwinding amongst a whole host of animals at the Chimelong Safari Park.