Guangzhou
The jewel of Canton
The entrance to Bao Mo Garden, a Qing Dynasty era complex that today offers visitors a glimpse of the architecture and artwork of the time.
Hanging out by the willow tree.
A corner of piece and calm.
Nobody does ornate gardens quite like the Chinese.
It's what happens when you visit during the winter: non-evergreen trees looks like this. It's much prettier in the Spring, but then you'd have to contend with the humidity and rain.
Lacking the modern technology we've come to take granted, this is what (rich) people did back in the ancient times: take strolls in ornately man-made parks and pavilions.
As if it's floating.
Bao Mo Garden is vast enough to get lost.
Perhaps slightly too many Koi in one pond? It was a sight to see for sure.
Pavilions in Asia mean these small ornate roofed huts for people to relax and take a break, rather than the stadium monstrosities it has come to resemble in the West.
On the city's outskirt periphery one can still find these old villages and houses that date back hundreds of years.
The masonry quality in these old Chinese villages are top notch; they have to be in order to survive for centuries.
The evening commute on Haiyin Bridge, one of the many to cross over the famous Pearl River.
At the Pearl River looking upstream towards the newly iconic Canton Tower.
Naturally, Pearl River riverfront properties are amongst the most expensive in Guangzhou.
Evening strolls along the Pearl River is definitely a must on the to-do list.
Guangzhou is smart to decorate all its bridges that cross the Pearl River because at night it's an entirely different experience.
And it gets tourist to pay for river boat tours.
Take a walk in Guangzhou's Shamian Park to find surprisingly European architecture, due to the fact many foreign consulates and embassies are located around there.
It must've been low-tide.
Do you enjoy massive amount of crowds? Then I've got just the place for you: Shangxiajiu Commercial Pedestrian Street. On weekends it's an absolute zoo.
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, built during the waning end of the Qing Dynasty as a place for family members to learn and study for the imperial exams.
The main entrance.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall's vast rear garden.
A pavilion bathed in sunset glow at the entrance to Luhu Park.
The beautiful Luhu Lake.
Runner's path at Luhu Park.
Yes you can indeed rent a cycling boat and venture out onto the lake. Seeing it was winter when we were there, not many takers.
You are well covered here.
The colors of autumn and winter.
Don't move or you'll break up the picture.
That's indeed a restaurant by the lake. Doesn't appear to be in business when we were there, though.
Reflection perfection.
Luhu Lake during sunset is an absolute gem.
I'd never known Guangzhou to be this beautiful - and I grew up there.
There's a reason golden-hour is so renowned and sought-after by photographers. Just look at it.
It's the dead of Winter yet Autumn still clings on.
Come to the Pearl River front during night time and you will be delighted with a display show utilizing the buildings on each bank.
The glorious (at night) BinJiang West Road, directly adjacent to the Pearl River.
On the Binjiang riverwalk looking at Jiefang Bridge.
One have to suppose those are commercial buildings being lit up because I'd be crossed if I live there and have to endure these lights every evening.
Caught the light streaks of a passing ferry boat.
An evening stroll alongside the Pearl River is a preferred activity by the locals.
Next up on the Pearl River bridge tower heading east: Jiangwan Bridge.
The area to the right with the high-rises is the new downtown/commerce district of Guangzhou. A scant 20 years ago it was but farmland and countryside.
I can faintly remember crossing the river on this bridge when I was a tiny lad, on my father's bicycle.
A batch of ferries heading towards Canton tower. I think it looks best when it's in the rainbow color scheme shown here.
The jewel of Canton