Guangzhou, located in the estuary of the Pearl River, is situated in the heart of Guangdong province. The city and province were once known in the West as Canton.
Covering an area of 7,434 sq km, Guangzhou commands ten administrative districts as well as two counties.
Guangzhou has a population of 9.5 million, including about 2.5 million who come from inland China to Guangzhou seeking opportunities in this historic centre of commerce.
Visas
All international travellers require visas although Brunei, Japan, and Singapore passport holders are able to enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.
Standard 30-day, single-entry visas can be issued in three to five working days from most Chinese embassies, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Longer visas are often more difficult to obtain.
For further details, consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese embassy or consulate.
View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Currency
The Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
RMB 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.16
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.13
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.11
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
1.25
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
8.88
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
16.55
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
0.20
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
0.20
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.16
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A 15% surcharge, inclusive of government tax, is applicable in most hotels and some private restaurants.
Tipping
Many mid-range and top-end restaurants generally include their own service charge which varies between establishments.
Tipping is officially considered inappropriate and is discouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
8.30am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
8.30am - 4pm, Saturday
There is a 24-hour ATM in the hotel lobby.
Office Hours
9am - 6pm, Monday through Friday
Shopping Hours
10am - 10pm or later throughout the week
Public Health
Visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor about your vaccination requirements.
Shangri-La recommends you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay. Complimentary bottled drinking water is available in every room.
Dress
Dress is generally informal in Guangzhou, except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate.
In winter you may need a sweater or a jacket.
Weather
Guangzhou has a climate ranging from relatively hot and humid during the summer—24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)—to pleasantly cool during the winter with temperature averaging 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). Autumn, with dry air and mild temperatures, is the best time to visit.
Today
Thunderstorms
Cloudy with a couple of thunderstorms
|
High:
|
30°C /
86°F
|
|
Low:
|
25°C /
77°F
|
Tomorrow
Thunderstorms
Cloudy with a couple of thunderstorms
|
High:
|
30°C /
86°F
|
|
Low:
|
25°C /
77°F
|
|
Friday:
|
|
Thunderstorms
|
High:
30°C /
86°F
|
Low:
25°C /
77°F
|
|
Saturday:
|
|
Thunderstorms
|
High:
29°C /
84°F
|
Low:
25°C /
77°F
|