Guangzhou

Baiyun Shan (White Cloud) Mountain is a popular tourist attraction just outside of Guangzhou, with the lofty heights providing phenomenal views of Pu Valley, the Nengren Temple, and the sprawling cityscape of Guangzhou. The mountain lies just north of Guangzhou and on a clear day visitors can see the whole city. There are cable cars running for just over a mile (1.7km) between Yuntai Garden and Peak Park, a fun and exhilarating way to see the area. The park consists of 30 peaks and covers over 17 square miles (28 sq km). It is a stunningly beautiful scenic area that includes well-maintained gardens, numerous temples, a Sculpture Park, a golf course, and what is said to be Asia's largest bird cage. However, the majority of time in the park is spent walking along the winding paths up in the clear mountain air and relishing a break from the city. Unfortunately though, as with most monitored nature areas in China, visitors are not really given the freedom to wander, hike, or picnic beyond the paths. It can also get very crowded, but with a little effort travellers can find the more peaceful areas. While there are a few stalls and vendors, visitors are advised to take their own drinks and snacks.

The Chimelong Group is the leading park operator in China, offering a variety of attractions including a circus, a waterpark, and a theme park. Chimelong Paradise Amusement Park is one of China's largest theme parks and it is recognised internationally as a quality establishment, with one of its rollercoasters even being featured in the Guinness Book of Records! The park has more than 100 rides and is guaranteed to delight thrill seekers and kids of all ages. The water world section boasts one of the largest water stunt shows in the world and is a famously enjoyable place to spend a sunny day.The Chimelong International Circus is said to be the world's largest permanent circus and the theatre can hold nearly 7,000 people. This show is endlessly popular and it is recommended that visitors book their tickets in advance, especially if going over the weekend. This can be done online. The Chimelong International Circus includes award winning acts from all over the world and its set, lighting, and costume design is fantastic. The Chimelong Park and circus top the list for families when it comes to things to do in Guangzhou.

Address : Yingbin Road, Panyu District

Website : www.chimelong.com

The South China Botanical Garden, formerly known as the Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, was founded in 1929. Apart from being a botanical garden of stunning beauty and variety, it is one of the most important botany research centres in China. The garden is one of the largest in China and is divided into three regions: a nursery and arboretum area, housing modern conservatories and over 30 specialised gardens; a research and residential zone; and Dinghushan Nature Reserve, which was the first national nature reserve in China. The South China Botanical Garden has a plethora of local flora for visitors to admire, including collections of magnolias, orchids and medicinal herbs. Various examples of bonsai, as well as bamboo and endangered plants, are also featured in the gardens. Long Dong Magic Forest is a particularly special attraction, as it is one of the top eight scenic spots in Guangzhou. Non-botanical attractions at the gardens include the Science Education and Information Centre and Guangzhou's Oldest Village, which was rebuilt on Neolithic ruins. There are also entertainment areas in the garden with several restaurants and various activities on offer, including paintball and fishing.

Address : 723 Xingke Road, Tianhe

Website : english.scib.ac.cn

A must-see attraction in Guangzhou is the impressive Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. This ancient Buddhist temple was built around the year 537, during the Liang Dynasty, and still attracts many local and foreign visitors. The three Buddha statues in the temple are famous, but one of the temple's best features is the magnificent statue of Kuan Yin. Kuan Yin is the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion and mercy. Interestingly, perhaps due to the temple's proximity to foreign consulates, it has become traditional for foreign families adopting Chinese children to come to this statue and receive a blessing for their new families. The nearby six-story pagoda is a beloved landmark, and the view from the top is spectacular. It is called the Flower Pagoda because of its distinctive petal-like layers, and is used to store a rich collection of cultural treasures. The temple is surrounded by some lovely gardens which add to the impression of it being a centre of serenity in a bustling city. The temple still feels very authentic and quiet and it doesn't have a gift shop, but souvenirs, like replicas of the pagoda, can be bought at nearby shops.

Address : 87 Liurong Road, Yuexiu