NEW FLIGHTS TO BUSINESS CENTRE OF CHINA, GUANGZHOU

On 6^th June 2012 China Southern are launching an exciting new route flying directly from London Heathrow to Guangzhou (formerly known in the West as Canton).

One of the first Chinese cities to attract foreign interest since the arrival of the Portuguese in 1514, Guangzhou also has a lot to attract the modern visitor.

The Canton Trade Fair, held since 1957, exhibits a wide variety of goods and services by exhibitors with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.  It is held biannually every Spring and Autumn. Buyers from businesses as diverse as hardware and tools, textiles and garments, and food – to name but a few – can explore the massive range of goods on offer.

For other travellers there is also plenty to see and do. The ancient Nanyue Tomb, 2000-odd years old, has been made into a fascinating exhibit with a video in English and plenty of explanations. Along with the usual Buddhist Temples, there is also a Mosque (the Huaisheng Mosque) whose minaret is possibly the oldest outside Mecca. For something a bit more modern, the Guangdong Museum of Art is the biggest modern art museum in China – highlights include a 5000 metre squared sculpture garden. Shamian Island provides a relaxing retreat from all the bustle on the mainland, and was used by British and French colonials in the late nineteenth century for this very purpose – their elegant Victorian-style mansions and gardens remain for the most part intact.

For the more adventurous,  notorious Qingping Market is a must see on the itinerary. The Cantonese have a reputation for eating unusual animals – since the SARS outbreak there have been fewer wild animals on display, but large numbers of cats and dogs still remain on view ready for human consumption. These, along with dried snake skin, scorpions and all manner of insects ensure that the market remains an attraction for fans of the grotesque and unusual. Unwind at the end of the day with an evening cruise on the Pearl River. This ever-popular attraction is either 90 or 120 minutes long, and includes buffet dining.

Continuing your journey through China, China Southern flies from Guangzhou to many popular destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guilin and Hong Kong. To tailor make an itinerary including Guangzhou, please China Holidays’ friendly team of expert advisors on 020 7487 2999, or contact us by email on sales@chinaholidays.com.