Highlights
The capital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou is China’s third-largest urban area and one of China’s most multicultural cities. Set inland on the Pearl River, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) northwest of Hong Kong, the busy port was once known by early European traders as Canton.
Between the Pearl River and the office towers of Tianhe is the vibrant new district known as Pearl River New City, created as a destination rich in cultural institutions, fine shops and restaurants, and prestigious business addresses. In the heart of it, close to the riverside, rises the soaring International Finance Center (IFC Guangzhou), an instant icon in the skyline. The 103-storey IFC is not only Guangzhou’s tallest building, it is the tallest in all of South China, and one of the world’s 10 highest skyscrapers.
Occupying the topmost third of the tower is Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, whose full-height windows overlook the Pearl River Delta from the 69th to 100th floors. The area's new cultural institutions – the Guangzhou Opera House and Guangdong Museum – are a short stroll from the Hotel. Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau are easily accessible by air, high-speed train, coach, ferry service or private limousine.
Quick Reference
Time zone
GMT +8 hours
Language(s) spoken
Mandarin, Cantonese
Electrical system
Local voltage is 220 to 240 volts. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.
Shopping hours
9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Working hours
Monday to Friday
8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Time and distance to city centre
10-minute drive/3 kilometres/1.9 miles
Time and distance to shopping
7-minute drive/2.5 kilometres/1.6 miles
Time and distance to financial district
7-minute drive/2.5 kilometres/1.6 miles
More About Guangzhou
Seasonal highlights
February
- Guangzhou is known as China's "Flower City" due to the number of flowers that bloom throughout the year. Flower fairs take place each year, starting three days ahead of the Spring Festival. Aside from the beautiful flowers, visitors can take in folk performances and an assortment of local artistry.
March
- The Polo Temple Fair takes place from March 11th to 13th and celebrates the birth of Polo, the sea god of southern China.
June
- The annual Dragon Boat Festival, commemorating a major Chinese historical figure – the patriot and poet Qu Yuan – takes place on June 5th.
July
- Visitors to the Lychee Festival can taste, view and admire the delicious fruit. The festival takes place in Zengcheng, which has long been known as the town of lychees.
August
- Each year, visitors to the Lotus Festival in Panyu district come to admire lotuses in full bloom, taste delicacies made out of lotus and enjoy folk entertainment.
November
- Thousands of food connoisseurs flock to the city during the Guangzhou International Gourmet Festival.
Public Holidays
| Dragon Boat Festival |
June 23, 2012 |
| Mid-Autumn Festival |
September 30, 2012 |
| National Day |
October 1–3, 2012 |
| New Year | January 1, 2013 |
| Spring Festival | February 9–12, 2013 |
| Tomb Sweeping Festival | April 4, 2013 |
| Labour Day | May 1, 2013 |
| Dragon Boat Festival | June 12, 2013 |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | September 19, 2013 |
| National Day | October 1-3, 2013 |
