subject: Pearl River Cruise – The Ideal Way to See Guangzhou [print this page] Pearl River Cruise The Ideal Way to See Guangzhou
The Pearl River is one of the longest rivers in the Republic of China. Flowing across eight provinces into the South China Sea, it is believed that the Pearl River is so called because of a large island that appears along its route that resembles a smooth polished pearl, due to the rocky surface polished by years of river currents. The river also most notably passes through the downtown area of Guangzhou, past some of the most beautiful and historic scenery the cityscape has to offer. It is for this reason that river cruises are the ideal way to take in the best of Guangzhou.
The highlight of a Guangzhou Pearl River Cruise is indubitably the White Goose Pool, especially if the journey is undertaken at night. A two hour cruise in the evening begins at this pool and concludes at the historical Guangzhou Bridge to the east or the White Crane Cave to the south. The White Goose Pool appears among the eight foremost attractions of the city. The legendary pool marks the widest place in the river, where the waters are deep and jade-green and the currents are strong. This is especially beautiful to see by moonlight and many fireworks shows are held here, as well as concerts aboard ships and national festivals.
To the south of the White Goose Pool is found an island named Shamian. The small island contains over 160 official buildings, 53 of which are registered cultural heritage sites. The buildings are a charming medley of the classic, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, which is one of the reasons Shamian is granted a place among the top ten historical attractions in Guangzhou.
On a another river island named Ersha stands the graceful facades of the Xinghai Concert Hall, the Guangdong Art Museum and Guangdong Overseas Chinese Museum. Also along the banks of the river is found the tallest building in the country the Aiqun Hotel, the 16th floor of which features a revolving restaurant overlooking the river. Haizhu Square, considered a monument to the freedom struggle against imperial rule, also features prominently along the river and is known as the 'Red Heart of the Pearl River'.
Other notable sites include the Ta Ying Lou building, home of a famous revolutionary and the Sun Yat-Sen University, which is the first campus square open to the public. Many more sites appear along this scenic cruise, and there is no need to be confused an on-board speaker is at hand to give detailed explanations on the many cultural and historical attractions one may come upon.
For the tourist looking for hotels and serviced apartment Guangzhou to stay in as they enjoy this montage of the city, the Ascott Guangzhou is highly recommended as a serviced accommodation Guangzhou, boasting luxurious amenities and facilities for both business and leisure travellers.
