North and East Guangzhou

North and East Guangzhou refers to five outlying districts of Guangzhou:

• Baiyun (白云 Baahk wàhn in Cantonese, Báiyún in Mandarin) — This district has a big rural touch, but is slowly being taken over by new developments. Highlights include the Baiyun Mountain.
• Huangpu (黄埔 Wòhng bou in Cantonese, Huángpǔ in Mandarin) — Not well known among foreign tourists, this district is to the east of the city center. Highlights include the former Huangpu Military Academy. Luogang (萝岗 Lòh gōng in Cantonese, Luógǎng in Mandarin) District became a part of Huangpu District in 2014.
• Huadu (花都 Fā dōu in Cantonese, Huādū in Mandarin) — This is a developing industrial area. Highlights include Huadu Square and the New Baiyun International Airport.
• Zengcheng (增城 Jāng sìhng in Cantonese, Zēngchéng in Mandarin) is famous for its lychee fruit, which are picked in June and July.
• Conghua (从化 Chùhng fa in Cantonese, Cónghuà in Mandarin) is known for its hot springs and Tianhe (Heavenly Lake) Recreation area.

Understand

A once densely forested area, Zengcheng was founded in the year 201AD, and is a well developed town with good transportation. Within China, Zengcheng is famous for its high quality and juicy lychees, which are sold under the brand-name of Gualu (挂绿 guàloù). It cannot be considered a tourist destination but if you find yourself there, head towards the river to see the locals going about their business much as they have done for centuries. There are a number of good restaurants and a few moderate bar/clubs, just 2 serious supermarkets and one multi storey shopping mall.

When to visit

The best time to visit Zengcheng is in June and July when the lychees are ripe and dripping with juice.

Places to visit

Lycheng - is the central area of the city of Zengcheng.

Xintang - the economomic city of the Zengcheng area. A huge electrical industry is growing in Xintang because the Xintang city government is offering the best regulations to the factories. Because of the superiority, more and more companies have built new factories in Xintang.

Get in

By bus

Buses run from Guangzhou to Zengcheng from around 07:00 to 21:00. There are several routes (including the 637 and 638 - others are not numbered) departing from different places in Guangzhou. A good place to get a bus is from Tianhe bus station. You can catch a bus from a mini bus station at the front of the main one or cross the road and catch one of many routes. A one way ticket costs from ¥16 from Tianhe, and the journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes from the Liuhua bus station opposite the main railway station, or about 1 hour 20 minutes from Tianhe bus station.

Get around

Zengcheng has an efficient bus service. Most bus stops have a map showing the routes, but the routes on the city map are completely wrong (2007).

If you want to go to the villages you will have to take a local bus. But you need a local guide who can take you there.

See

Museums

• 1 Guangzhou Maritime Museum (广州海事博物馆), Gangqian Road, Huangpu District (黄埔区港前路) (about 900 meters southeast of Nahaishen Station on Metro Line 13), ☏ +86 20 82210927. 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Mondays. Free. (updated Oct 2022)
• 2 Memorial Museum of the 1911 Revolution (辛亥革命纪念馆), 563 Jinzhou North Road, Changzhou Island, Huangpu District (黄埔区长洲岛金洲北路563号) (Take a train to Higher Education Mega Center South at the intersection of Lines 2 and 7, then walk north to Nei Huan East Road (内环东路) and take bus no. 383 to the Changzhou Subdistrict Office (长轴街办). Bus no. 430 links the museum with the Huangpu Military Academy Site), ☏ +86 20 82502473. 09:00-18:30, no entry after 17:45, closed on Mondays. A museum about the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, which led to the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and the birth of China's first republic. Free. (updated Jan 2020)
• 3 Memorial to the Sanyuanli People's Struggle Against the British (三元里人民抗英斗争纪念馆), 34 Guangyuan Road, Baiyun District (白云区广园中路34号) (near Sanyuanli Station on Metro Line 2), ☏ +86 20 86578325, guangzhoubwg@126.com. 09:00-17:30, closed on Mondays. Built in the early Qing Dynasty, this was originally a Taoist temple. Today it is a memorial museum dedicated to the Sanyuanli Incident, a military engagement that took place in 1841 during the First Opium War. Although from the British point of view, this was nothing more than a minor skirmish, the incident is seen in China as deeply significant because rather than being a clash between regular forces, it involved what appeared to be a spontaneous uprising of the local people who decided to take on the British army on their own using swords, pikes and whatever weapons they could get their hands on. The museum is administered as a branch of the Guangzhou Museum. Free. (updated Aug 2021)

Historical sites

• 4 Ancestral Hall of Dr. Chen Mingxian of the Song Dynasty (宋名贤陈大夫宗祠), No.38, Zhongyuanli Street, Baiyun District. 9AM to 5PM. It was built during the Ming Jiajing period, rebuilt during the Qingdao Light Year, and rebuilt in 1927. The name of the temple is to commemorate the name of Dr. Chen Ziqiang. The locals call it the Siddhartha Hall. Covering an area of about 795 square meters, sitting north to south, the middle hall hung "Shide Hall" and the Qing court gave Chen Zizhang "loyal Jane" plaque. There is a statue of Chen Zizhang in the middle of the back hall. Behind the wall on the left is a monument to Song Mingxian Chen's ancestral shrine. On the right side of the garden is the garden of Eden, which is the garden of Eden. Later people called Chen Zizhuang and Shunde Chen Bangyan and Dongguan Zhang Jiayu "three loyalties of Lingnan at the end of the Ming Dynasty." Guangzhou Cultural Heritage Protection Unit. 0. (updated Sep 2024)
• 5 Former Residence of Hong Xiuquan (洪秀全故居 Hóngxiùquán gùjū), Guanlubu, Dabu Village, Xinhua Subdistrict, Huadu District (花都区新华街道大布村官禄布 Guǎngzhōushì huādūqū xīnhuá jiēdào dàbùcūn guānlùbù) (Take a metro train to Huadu Autocity Station on Line 9, then catch bus no. 21 and get off at the final stop), ☏ +86 20 36861225, +86 20 86832232. 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. The former home of the quasi-Christian leader of the Taiping Rebellion that resulted in the death of about 20 million people during the late Qing dynasty. Shortly after failing the imperial examinations on multiple occasions, Hong Xiuquan became delusional and claimed to have received visions in his dreams that he was the younger brother of Jesus Christ destined to overthrow the Qing Dynasty and establish the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom in Nanjing as its capital. Free. (updated Oct 2012)
• 6 Former Site of Huangpu Military Academy (黄埔军校旧址 Huángpǔ Jūnxiào Jiùzhǐ, Huangpu is also spelled Whampoa), 170 Jun Xiao Road, Changzhou Island, Huangpu District (黄埔区长洲岛军校路170号) (Take a metro train to Yuzhu Station on Line 5. Exit the station via Exit D, then walk or take bus no. 431 to the Yuzhou Pier. Finally take a ferry to the Huangpu Military Academy Pier), ☏ +86 20 82201082. 09:00-18:00, no entry after 18:00, closed on Mondays. The original Military Academy was founded in 1924 by Sun Yat-sen, with support from the Chinese Communist Party and the Soviet Union. The mission of the Academy was to create an officer corps for the new Chinese Republic. Many famous Chinese war heroes were trained here. The original site was destroyed by the Japanese in 1938. Two exhibition halls on the Campus of the Academy cover the History of the Academy with English translations. Unfortunately the other exhibition halls, such as Heroes of the Academy, do not have English translations. The site is far from the city center. Free. (updated Oct 2012)

Religious sites

• 7 Temple of the Great Fairy of Fortune (财神大仙庙), Baiyun District, Jinshu Island, Caibin Middle Road. 08:15-17:15. Temple of the Great Fairy of Fortune is a city-level cultural relics protection unit, the main temple sits southwest to northeast, built in Qingguangxu 24 years (1898), after five renovations. Originally a temple of wealth, 27 years of Guangxu, the temple began to worship Lu Dongbin, commonly known as Da Xian Temple, the temple is not large, stacked structure, pillars and stairs are stone, a little momentum. (updated Sep 2024)
• 8 South Sea God Temple (南海神庙), 22 Xuri Street, Miaotou Village, Suidong Sub-district, Huangpu District (黄埔区穗东街道庙头村旭日街22号) (near Exit C2 of Nanhaishen Station on Metro Line 13), ☏ +86 20 82210927. 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Mondays. Said to be the largest temple in China dedicated to the South Sea God. ¥10. (updated Oct 2022)
• 9 Yuanxuan Taoist Temple (圆玄道观), 38 Yingbin Avenue West, Huadu District (花都区迎宾大道西38号) (Free shuttles buses to the temple operate from the Tianmei Shangzhuang (田美上庄) bus stop just outside Exit C of the Huadu Square Metro Station on Line 9. The free shuttle buses depart at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00. You can also catch bus no. 花22), ☏ +86 20 36861238, 36861238@163.com. 08:00-18:00. It includes three Taoist buildings in one complex: Sanqing Hall, Taihe Hall and Yuanchen Hall. Sanqing Hall is the most architecturally important of the three structures, while Yuanxuan Taoist Temple has carvings of divine beings. The central hall is covered by yellow glazed tiles and decorated with the bright images of Yuqing, Shangqing and Taiqing, the three authoritative deities in Taoism. ¥20. (updated Oct 2012)

Parks

• 10 Baishuizhai (白水寨). A high waterfall. This is a pleasant spot to visit set in pleasant surroundings not far from the city. The waterfall is no giant but is claimed to be the highest in mainland China: it is best appreciated from a short distance away. If you enter the park, entrance about ¥70, the entire pathway to the mountain summit above the waterfall has been developed. In the lower reaches it is a plankway, some on swinging chains, often crossing the cascade. After that, it is what appear to be granite steps. The park claims there are 9999 steps. For the less strong there is a bus service for ¥20. If you are walking you should allow maybe 5 hours for the return trip from the entrance. There are unnumbered buses from Zengcheng to the park and the trip takes a little over an hour. 
• 1 Baiyun Children's Park (白云儿童公园), Baiyun District, Jinshu Island, Ring Road No. 3. 8AM-6PM. Large free children's park with a rich variety of rides, a beautiful natural environment and convenient transportation connections. 0. (updated Sep 2024)
• 11 Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain) (白云山 Bái-yún-shān). Open 24 hours. Is a great place to relax and enjoy a day among lush, rolling hills. It also offers great views over the city. The road to the top in most of the daytime is restricted to park trams and pedestrians. To get to the top lookout point, you can use the main roads or trails. There are many places to rest and refreshments are available along the way. It is a great place to see people enjoying nature and playing games, such as shuttlecock, badminton, football and even bungee jumping. There are many bus routes to and from different parts of the city, as well as taxis usually available near the park gate. Park entrance ¥5; Cable car round trip ¥40; tram from ¥20; other attractions ¥5–10; packages available from ¥25. (updated Oct 2012)
• Gualuyuan Park. Famous for its grand momma of lychee trees, it is also a center for shopping, eating, and recreation. 
• 12 Huadu Square (花都广场 huā-dū-guǎng-chǎng) (Metro 9: Huadu Square). A park-cum-recreation square located in the north part the city and near the government office buildings of Huadu District (花都区). The square incorporates, among other attractions, an outdoor theater, large fountain, outdoor dance area and statues. There is a large grass area that is similar to a Western style meadow and a subtropical forest and ornamental flower beds. (updated Oct 2012)
• 13 Shimen National Forest Park (石门国家森林公园), Wenquan Town, Conghua District (从化区温泉镇) (probably best visited by car; otherwise, take bus nos. 14 or 19 from Conghua Bus Station to the final stop - the park entrance is said to be about an hour's walk from the bus stop), ☏ +86 20 87850738, shimenpark@163.com. May-Oct: 09:00-19:00, no tickets issued after 17:00; Nov-Apr: 09:00-18:00, no tickets issued after 16:30. ¥40. (updated Oct 2022)

Yuntai Garden

• 14 Yuntai Garden (云台花园 Yún-tái-huā-yuán) (Tour Bus No. 1, 3). Situated at the foot of Baiyun (White Cloud) Mountain and is famous for its wide variety of rare flowers and trees. There are also seasonal exhibits (additional admission). ¥10. (updated Oct 2012)

Do

Visit the villages. They are old and historic. The Chans come from Sa Chuen, Sun Gaai and Hargee. The Wongs from Gua Leng, Bak Sui and Yiel Tien.The Lees from Go Yi.

Buy

Zengcheng produces high quality and the best tasting rice, which is called ZengCheng Si-Miao rice.

Eat

The lychees were really good. Apparently there are a few varieties, each having its own season. The best is supposed to come from Gua Leng village. A word of warning, don't eat too many - you'll lose your voice.

African

• Best-Way African Restaurant, No. 003 1/F Jindu Bldg, 99 Guangyuan West Rd (opposite Canaan Market), ☏ +86 20 6114-7501. This Nigerian restaurant serves cuisine cooked Igbo style (try the semo and egusi soup). It is a bit out of the way (down some narrow stairs and under a concrete overpass), but the ambiance is cozy inside with Nigerian music playing. 

Drink

For a truly unique and exhilarating, Zengcheng experience, head to the Windflower after 11PM where you will be looked after by the locals as if you were royalty. The music is loud and fast and the waitresses louder and faster. Play your cards right and you won't even need to pay for a beer. Amazing

Sleep

• Zengcheng Hotel (In the city center near the Guangzhou-Shantou highway and Guangzhou Huizhou highway). The hotel has over 300 rooms and offers conference and meeting facilities. 

Mid-range

• Zhongqiao Hotel (中桥宾馆), 99-103 Chigang Road, Haizhu District (赤岗路103号), ☏ +86-20-8600 9099, hotelrsv@163.com. The hotel is close to Pazhou Trade Center where Canton Fair is held. Check their website for other locations in the chain. 
• Oriental Resort (广州鸣泉居), 1068 Baiyun South Avenue (白云大道南1068号) (On Baiyun Mountain), ☏ +86 20 8663-2888. Quiet and away from the city. ¥480. 
• Guangzhou Hotel (广州宾馆), 2 Guangzhou Qiyi Road, Haizhu Square (海珠广场起义路2号) (Metro 2 Haizhu Square Exit B3), ☏ +86 20 8333-8168. ¥328. 

Splurge

• Dragon Lake Princess Hotel (九龙湖公主酒店), 3 Shanqian Avenue, Huadong Town, Huadu District (花都区花东镇山前大道3号九龙湖社区), ☏ +86 20 3690-8888, hotel@dragonlake.com.cn. Designed and built in the style of a European town, the hotel is located in the Dragon Lake Resort. River Main in the village, It offers accommodation, dining, meeting, amusement, sports and leisure facilities. The hotel has bus route from and to Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The facility is beautiful and relaxing, but it is 35 minutes away from the city center. ¥750. 
• Pullman Baiyun Airport Guangzhou (广州铂尔曼白云机场大酒店), In the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport complex. ¥750. 

Go next

• Baihua Hill Village - near a reservoir and Baihua hill. As the village is situated at a higher altitude than the city, it is always cooler and the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. The area also has an abundance of flowers. There is a frequent bus service between the village and Zengcheng city center.