The Canton TV Tower, Guangzhou’s soon-to-be skyscraping landmark on the north bank of the Pearl River, was conceived in 2004 by Dutch architecture firm Information Based Architecture’s partners Mark Hemel and Barbara Kuit. The design is heavily-informed by gender aesthetics, being described by the duo as “[having] the identity of a female; smooth, curved, slender, gracious and incorporating diversity of spaces and floor-plan sizes, in short a sexy tower” in contrast to the masculine properties of most skyscrapers (“angular, simplistic, heavy and based on repetition”).

The finished tower will reach 610 meters high, making it the tallest TV tower in the world, and will include two circular, rotating restaurants and a private dining room 407 meters above the city.

The Tower is scheduled to be completed in time to broadcast the 2010 Asian Games. For more information, visit the official informational site at: http://gztvtower.info/

The site of the 2010 Asian Games’ illustrious opening ceremony, Haixinsha Island opened as a public attraction on January 1 of this year. Having wowed an estimated 34,000 spectators with dancers seemingly walking upon water and massive LED displays unfurling like sails (in a tribute to Guangzhou’s enduring maritime culture), Haixinsha is now open for both day- and night tours and will soon be connected to the riverbank by an underground tunnel. Since the island is just on the other side of the New Guangdong Museum from the Hotel, there’s no excuse not to visit!

Designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid and reportedly costing in excess of 1 billion yuan, the Guangzhou Opera House is located on the bank of the Pearl River adjacent to the Guangzhou TV & Sightseeing Tower, beside the New Guangdong Museum and a brief stroll from the Residences Lobby.

Characterized by sweeping, organic curves reminiscent of a gently-rolling seascape, many claim that the Opera House’s interior is even more impressive, featuring state-of-the-art acoustics and a perfect marriage of avant-garde design to individual comfort. In May of last year, the venue hosted a production of Puccini's Turandot, with many more international-caliber performances to come!

The Iraqi-born Ms. Hadid’s career has produced many architectural masterpieces, including the National Museum of the 21st Century Arts (MAAXI) in Rome—which received the 2010 Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize—and the BMW Central Building in Leipzig. In 2004 she became the first female recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and in 2008 she was named by Forbes to be among “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women”.

Where offer breathtaking views of the city’s buildings and skyscrapers.

Where offer stunning views of the colorful cityscape.

Where people watching and leisurely strolls happen amid reminders of Guangzhou’s colonial history.

The National Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, a world-class performance hall and elegant exhibition center commemorating the Father of the Republic of China.

Xiangjiang Safari Park, the impressive home of white tigers, performing polar bears, South American sea lions and 10,000 other animals from across the world.

Xi Guan Heritage Street, whose delicate architectural mansions were home to Guangzhou’s elite 200 years ago.