About the Area for SilverDoor Serviced Apartments in Guangzhou

Guangzhou, which is also known by its English-language name of Canton, is a port on the Pearl River, navigable to the South China Sea with a population of about 10 million. At first sight, Guangzhou appears less a city that's developing than one that's about to explode. Every corner seems packed with high-rise buildings, overpasses, and people running a marathon.

As a major entry point for overseas culture for many centuries, foreigners are not the anomaly here that they are in other Chinese cities. In addition, tucked away in the back streets, the old Guangzhou of traditional neighborhoods still moves at an age-old pace, with families and friends often sitting outdoors enjoying tea and banter.

The city is divided into 10 districts with the 3 central ones perhaps the most important. These are:

Liwan - This is old Guangzhou, with highlights including the colonial Shamian Island, Xiguan Old Houses, and Shangxiajiu shopping districts.

Yuexiu - This is the political and cultural center, including Yuexiu Park and the Beijing Lu pedestrianised shopping district

Haizhu - Located south of the Pearl River, the district is becoming more business focused, especially in the areas of real estate and trading. Highlights include the Canton Fair Pazhou Exhibition Center and the Pearl River Harbour Walk along the river.

The airport is 28km north of downtown Guangzhou and a metro line to the airport is under construction but won't be ready until around 2009. In the meantime, taxi is the fastest option. See the airport fare table for approximate fare cost.

Trains cover the 180km from Hong Kong in 90 minutes. There are also frequent ferry and hovercraft services from Hong Kong at the Zhoutouzui Ferry Pier. There are boats from other mainland cities at the Dashatou Pier. New Nansha Pier, some way from the city centre, has 6 lines daily traveling between Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The trip takes 75 minutes.