The Canton TV & Sightseeing Tower, Guangzhou’s skyscraping landmark just across the Pearl River from The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, 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 reaches 610 meters high and includes two circular, rotating restaurants as well as a private dining room 407 meters above the city.

The site of the 2010 Asian Games’ illustrious opening ceremony, Haixinsha Island opened as a public attraction in January 2011. 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 is connected to the riverbank by an underground tunnel.

Designed by Stirling Prize-winning 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 only a brief stroll across the promenade from The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou.

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.

One of Guangzhou’s enduring historical landmarks and a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

A traditional pastime for visitors to Guangzhou, a night cruise of the Pearl River offers cooling breezes and a first-hand experience of the city’s brightly-illuminated waterfront.

Shamian Island was constructed in the 19th Century by Sir Harry Parkes to serve as an enclave for foreign diplomats and merchants in Canton. Today, it remains a popular destination for weekend outings due to its unique European architecture and extensive greenery.

The National Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall features a world-class performance hall and an exhibition center commemorating the “Father of Modern 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, a historical district of Guangzhou dating back centuries, is preserved in the form of the “Xi Guan Heritage Street”. Of particular interest are the elaborate residences and crowded shopping arcades—both characteristic of what has become known as the “Xi Guan” style.

The new Guangdong Museum, located only steps away from The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou’s lobby, offers insight into the history and culture of Guangdong province to an estimated 5,000 visitors every day. Featuring an extensive collection of historical treasures—some being displayed for the first time in public—the museum promises an afternoon of enlightenment, free of charge.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A seven-screen cinema showing Chinese and Western feature films.

An art museum on tranquil Ersha Island featuring an extensive collection of two- and three-dimensional works.

A sophisticated concert hall on Ersha Island that regularly hosts international orchestras, bands and ballet troupes.

An expansive city-center park with museums, monuments and extensive greenery.

Two of the city’s largest and diverse shopping malls, both located just south of the Tianhe Stadium.

A shopping hotspot sprinkled with a mixture of Chinese and Western architecture.

Two upscale shopping malls featuring international- and local luxury brands.

A famous concentration of jade merchants.

A teeming concentration of wholesalers of every imaginable product. Must be seen to be believed.

Two commercial areas specializing in arts, crafts and cultural products.

Another branch of the Friendship Store, just across Hua Cheng Square from The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou.