Pearl River Delta Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Pearl River Delta with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best attractions, food, and accommodations, as well as travel and safety tips for this South China gem.
- Introduction to Pearl River Delta
- List of Places to Visit in Pearl River Delta
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Pearl River Delta
- Best Things to Do in Pearl River Delta: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Pearl River Delta
- Food and Drink Scene of Pearl River Delta
- Where to Stay in Pearl River Delta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Pearl River Delta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Pearl River Delta
- Best Time to Visit Pearl River Delta
- Do’s and Don’ts of Pearl River Delta
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Pearl River Delta: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Pearl River Delta
- Where to Go Next from Pearl River Delta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Pearl River Delta
Located in the southern part of China, Pearl River Delta is a bustling region that comprises nine cities in Guangdong, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan. It serves as a gateway to China from Hong Kong and Macau, and is also an important trade and manufacturing hub. Known for its rich culture, natural beauty, and gastronomic delights, Pearl River Delta is a great destination for travelers who want to experience the best of modern China.
List of Places to Visit in Pearl River Delta
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Guangdong Museum
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
- Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
- Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
- Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
Natural Attractions of Pearl River Delta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Baiyun Mountain
- Nansha Wetland Park
- Dapeng Peninsula National Geopark
- Yuntai Garden
- Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Pearl River Delta
- The Shenzhen Greenway
- Hong Kong’s Wilson Trail
- The MacLehose Trail in New Territories
- Lamma Island Family Walk in the Outlying Islands
- Chengdu Laojun Mountain Hiking Trail
Best Things to Do in Pearl River Delta: Activities and Tours
- Canton Tower Observation Deck
- Window of the World Theme Park
- Chimelong Safari Park
- Lianhua Mountain Scenic Are
- The Huangpu Military Academy
Week-Long Itinerary for Pearl River Delta
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Guangdong Museum, explore Shamian Island |
| 2 | Take a day trip to Kaiping Diaolou and Villages |
| 3 | Go hiking in Baiyun Mountain and visit Yuntai Garden |
| 4 | Take a bike ride along Shenzhen Greenway |
| 5 | Discover Macau’s Historic Center and casinos |
| 6 | Visit Dongguan’s Keyuan Garden and Humen Naval Battle |
| 7 | Explore Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak and the Big Buddha |
Food and Drink Scene of Pearl River Delta
Must-Try Dishes
- Cantonese Dim Sum
- Wonton Noodles
- Roast Goose
- Double Skin Milk Pudding
- Phoenix Talons
Local Beverages
- Pearl River Delta tea
- Herbal tea
- Lychee juice
- Herbal wine
- Baijiu
Where to Stay in Pearl River Delta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou
- Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai
- Sheraton Guangzhou Hotel
- GreenTree Inn Dongguan Houjie Hotel
- Nan Fang Yi Yuan Guesthouse
What to Buy in Pearl River Delta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Lingnan style woodcarvings
- Canton porcelain
- Hakka embroidery
- Shunde furniture
- Wuyi tea
Local Culture and Customs of Pearl River Delta
- Cantonese Opera
- Dragon Boat Festival
- Cantonese language
- Chinese New Year
- Pearl River Delta’s maritime history
Best Time to Visit Pearl River Delta
The best time to visit Pearl River Delta is during autumn (October-November) and spring (March-April), when the weather is pleasant and there is little rainfall.
Do’s and Don’ts of Pearl River Delta
Do:
- Try the local food and drinks
- Visit museums and historical sites
- Learn some basic Cantonese phrases
- Take public transportation
- Be respectful to elders and locals
Don’t:
- Speak loudly in public
- Be late for appointments
- Skip bargaining
- Leave chopsticks standing vertically in a bowl
- Touch someone’s head without permission
Safety and Health
Safety in Pearl River Delta
Overall, Pearl River Delta is safe for tourists. However, it’s always recommended to take precautions such as avoiding dark and secluded streets at night and securing your belongings.
Health in Pearl River Delta
It’s important to bring appropriate medication and to be up-to-date on your vaccinations before visiting Pearl River Delta. Also, remember to drink bottled water and be careful with street food.
Getting to Pearl River Delta: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Pearl River Delta
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Bus Stations Near Pearl River Delta
- Guangdong Provincial Road Passenger Transport Hub
- Shenzhen Futian Passenger Transport Station
- Dongguan Humen Passenger Transport Terminal
Other Options
The high-speed train is a comfortable and fast way to travel within Pearl River Delta, with stations in major cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan.
How to Get Around in Pearl River Delta
Public transportation in Pearl River Delta is efficient and affordable, with options including the metro, buses, and taxis.
Where to Go Next from Pearl River Delta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Macau
- Hong Kong
- Zhuhai
- Foshan
- Huizhou
Conclusion
Pearl River Delta is a diverse and captivating destination that offers something for every traveler. From its cultural and natural attractions to its delicious cuisine and convenient transportation, Pearl River Delta is a must-visit when in China. Plan your trip today and experience the best of this South China gem.
Pearl River Delta Image Gallery
Prefecture-level cities of the PRD
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall in Guangzhou, one of the finest and best preserved examples of traditional Cantonese architecture