Guangzhou, China (short layover) 2017

24 hours in Guangzhou (May 2017)

Recommendations:

• Download a VPN in case you need google maps or any kind of popular social media
• Trekking in Baiyun mountain (white cloud mountain)
• Dim sum is popular food in Guangzhou 

Places visited:

• Baiyun mountain
• Downtown
  

Baiyun mountain:

• Entrance to the park costs 5yuan (less than $1) 
• There are metro stations reasonably close (1-2km approx) to the west and south gate 
• The area is packed with bicycles for rent, but I had the feeling it is only for locals or residents. Anyway would be great to go around Baiyun mountain with bicycle as there are many paved roads, even some buses that go around
  
  
• I started walking from the south east part of the park, where there is a cable car starting at 9am which takes you near the top of the mountain (right afer Nengren temple)
• I arrived 6am so I had a pleasant walk during which I observed many sportive Chinese walking early in the morning, some even walking backwards 
• No matter where you go the area is beautiful, packed with nature and temples
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• There are a few nice lakes as well, ideal for picnics, reading, fishing etc
  
  
  
  
• Views from the top are nice as well however the area is normally foggy and I guess a bit polluted thus it is hard to have a clear view of the city
  
• After approximately 4 hours walking I left through the west gate, near the metro station Baiyun Culture Square
• However I took the only bus I saw near the exit, number 660, which went luckily towards the city (communication is very hard in China) and I got off the bus closer to a metro station

Downtown:

• I did not see anything very impressive in downtown but I have to say I did not have much time
• Crossing Zhujian river you can see some skyscrapers on one side and Canton tower on the other