Panyu and Nansha Travel Guide

A detailed guide to Panyu and Nansha in Guangzhou, China, with information on places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Panyu and Nansha

Panyu and Nansha are two districts located in the city of Guangzhou in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong province in South China. Panyu is the largest district in Guangzhou and has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Nansha, on the other hand, is a newly developed area that has become a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and modern infrastructure.

List of Places to Visit in Panyu and Nansha

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Guangzhou Crocodile Park - a wildlife park dedicated to the conservation and breeding of crocodiles and alligators.
  2. Guangdong Museum of Art - a museum showcasing traditional and contemporary Chinese art.
  3. Baomo Garden - a traditional Chinese garden with beautiful architecture and landscaping.
  4. Chimelong Paradise - an amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages.
  5. Lianhua Mountain - a beautiful mountain range with stunning scenery and hiking trails.

Natural Attractions of Panyu and Nansha: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Chimelong Safari Park - a wildlife park where you can see a variety of animals, including pandas, tigers, and elephants.
  2. Nansha Wetland Park - a beautiful park with a variety of wetland habitats and bird-watching opportunities.
  3. Nansha Tianhou Palace - a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, with beautiful architecture and cultural significance.
  4. Panyu Lotus Hill Resort - a scenic area with beautiful views, hiking trails, and cultural attractions.
  5. Panyu Xiangjiang Safari Park - a safari park where you can see a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and giraffes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Panyu and Nansha

  1. Lianhua Mountain Hiking Trail - a moderate hike that takes you through beautiful scenery and offers stunning views at the top.
  2. Dafeng Mountain Hiking Trail - a challenging hike that takes you to the highest peak in Guangzhou, with beautiful views of the surrounding area.
  3. Xianmuyuan Biking Trail - a scenic biking trail that takes you through rice paddies, vegetable fields, and forests.
  4. Panyu Lotus Hill Forest Park Biking Trail - a moderate biking trail that takes you through a forested park with beautiful views and cultural attractions.

Best Things to Do in Panyu and Nansha: Activities and Tours

  1. Chimelong Water Park - a water park with a variety of rides and attractions for all ages.
  2. Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain - a mountain range with beautiful scenery and hiking trails.
  3. Panyu Ziyuan Garden - a traditional Chinese garden with beautiful architecture and landscaping.
  4. Canton Tower - an iconic landmark and observation tower with stunning views of Guangzhou.
  5. Pearl River Night Cruise - a boat cruise along the Pearl River with beautiful views of the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Panyu and Nansha

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Baomo Garden and Guangdong Museum of Art
Day 2 Hike Lianhua Mountain and visit Chimelong Paradise
Day 3 Visit the Guangzhou Crocodile Park and Panyu Lotus Hill Resort
Day 4 Visit Chimelong Safari Park and Nansha Tianhou Palace
Day 5 Biking on Xianmuyuan Biking Trail and visit Nansha Wetland Park
Day 6 Visit Panyu Xiangjiang Safari Park and Panyu Ziyuan Garden
Day 7 Visit Canton Tower and take a Pearl River Night Cruise

Food and Drink Scene of Panyu and Nansha

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Cantonese Dim Sum - a variety of small dishes, usually served on bamboo steamer baskets, such as Shumai, Har gow and Char siu bao.
  2. Claypot Rice - a signature dish of Guangdong province, a one-pot dish of rice, meats, and vegetables cooked over an open flame.
  3. Roast Goose - a Cantonese classic dish of succulent roasted goose meat.
  4. Wild Game - a regional specialty of Panyu, such as squirrel, pheasant, or snake meat.
  5. Herbal Tea - popular among locals, herbal tea is made from a variety of boiled herbs that are believed to have health benefits.

Local Beverages

  1. Pearl River Beer - produced in Guangzhou, a light and refreshing beer.
  2. Roselle Juice - a local drink made from hibiscus flowers that is believed to have cooling properties.
  3. Rice Wine - a traditional Chinese alcoholic beverage made from glutinous rice.

Where to Stay in Panyu and Nansha: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Chimelong Hotel - a family-friendly hotel located near Chimelong Park.
  2. Panyu Yugang Garden Holiday Hotel - a traditional Chinese-style hotel located near Panyu Lotus Hill Forest Park.
  3. Days Hotel & Suites Guangzhou Lanhai - a modern hotel located in Nansha with easy access to attractions.
  4. Xianmuyuan Forest Hot Spring Resort - a luxury hot spring resort located in Panyu with beautiful views and natural surroundings.
  5. Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Panyu - a 5-star hotel located in Panyu with modern amenities and easy access to attractions.

What to Buy in Panyu and Nansha: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Cantonese Silk - a traditional product of Guangdong province, silk is made into a variety of clothing and accessories.
  2. Lotus Root Powder - made from fresh lotus roots, this powder is used to make nutritious and delicious soups and desserts.
  3. Qingyuan Honey Pomelo - a variety of pomelo grown in Guangdong province with a sweet and fragrant flavor.
  4. Panyu Clay Teapot - a traditional Chinese teapot made from a special type of clay found in Panyu.
  5. Guangdong Woodcarving - a traditional art form of Guangdong that produces exquisite sculptures and furniture.

Local Culture and Customs of Panyu and Nansha

  1. Cantonese Culture - Guangdong province has a rich cultural heritage, including language, cuisine, music, and festivals, that is distinct from other regions of China.
  2. Lingnan Architecture - Lingnan architecture is a unique style of architecture found in Guangdong province characterized by decorative carvings and use of natural materials.
  3. Cantonese Opera - a traditional form of Chinese opera with distinctive singing style, costumes, and makeup that is popular in Guangdong province.

Best Time to Visit Panyu and Nansha

The best time to visit Panyu and Nansha is from October to December and from March to May when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Panyu and Nansha

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Bargain when shopping in markets and street vendors.
  3. Try the local food and drink.
  4. Be respectful when visiting temples and other religious sites.
  5. Dress appropriately and conservatively when visiting local cultural attractions.

Don’t:

  1. Engage in public displays of affection.
  2. Wear revealing clothing.
  3. Ignore local traffic rules and regulations.
  4. Leave valuables unattended.
  5. Take photographs of locals without their consent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Panyu and Nansha

Panyu and Nansha are generally safe for tourists. However, be aware of pickpockets and scams that target tourists. It’s also important to be cautious when crossing the street as drivers in China can be aggressive.

Health in Panyu and Nansha

It’s recommended to drink bottled water and avoid drinking tap water. It’s also important to take precautions against mosquito bites, as they can transmit diseases such as dengue and malaria.

Getting to Panyu and Nansha: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Panyu and Nansha

  1. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport - the main airport serving Guangzhou, located approximately 50 km away from Panyu and Nansha.
  2. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport - located approximately 120 km away from Panyu and Nansha.

Bus Stations Near Panyu and Nansha

  1. Guangzhou South Railway Station - located in Panyu district, it’s a major transportation hub with connections to other parts of Guangzhou and China.
  2. Nansha Bus Station - located in Nansha district, it has regular bus services to other cities in Guangdong province.

Other Options

  1. High-Speed Railway - Guangzhou South Railway Station has high-speed train services to other major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
  2. Taxi or Private Car - taxis and private cars are widely available in Guangzhou and can be a convenient option for getting around.

How to Get Around in Panyu and Nansha

  1. Metro - Guangzhou Metro has multiple lines that serve Panyu and Nansha.
  2. Bus - Guangzhou has an extensive bus network that serves Panyu and Nansha.
  3. Taxi - taxis are widely available in Guangzhou, and you can hail one on the street or use a ride-hailing app such as Didi.
  4. Bicycle or e-bike - renting a bicycle or e-bike can be a fun and convenient way to explore Panyu and Nansha.

Where to Go Next from Panyu and Nansha: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Foshan - a city located in Guangdong province known for its pottery and martial arts.
  2. Hong Kong - a vibrant city with a unique blend of Eastern and Western culture located approximately 2 hours away from Guangzhou by train or bus.
  3. Macau - a former Portuguese colony located approximately 3 hours away from Guangzhou by ferry.
  4. Shenzhen - a modern metropolis located approximately 1 hour away from Guangzhou by train or bus.

Conclusion

Panyu and Nansha in Guangzhou, China, offer a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. Whether you are interested in hiking, exploring local culture, or trying delicious cuisine, Panyu and Nansha have something to offer for everyone. With easy access to transportation and modern amenities, Panyu and Nansha are a must-visit destination in China.