Only decades ago, the population of Guangzhou was almost wholly Chinese. Today, it is a truly global city, a place where people from around the world go to make new lives, find themselves, or further their careers. A large number of these migrants are small-scale traders from Africa who deal in Chinese goods—often knockoffs or copies of high-end branded items—to send back to their home countries. In The World in Guangzhou, Gordon Mathews explores the question of how the city became a center of “low-end globalization” and shows what we can learn from that experience about similar transformations elsewhere in the world. Through detailed ethnographic portraits, Mathews reveals a world of globalization based on informality, reputation, and trust rather than on formal contracts. How, he asks, can such informal relationships emerge between two groups—Chinese and sub-Saharan Africans—that don't share a common language, culture, or religion? And what happens when Africans move beyond their status as temporary residents and begin to put down roots and establish families? Full of unforgettable characters, The World in Guangzhou presents a compelling account of globalization at ground level and offers a look into the future of urban life as transnational connections continue to remake cities around the world.

Guangzhou, a gateway to China, is the best-kept secret for most Western traders, yet it is more dynamic and substantial as a trading center than Shanghai and Beijing. This is the core message of the book A Diplomat in Guangzhou. Between 1999 and 2003, a veteran employee of US Department of Agriculture went to Guangzhou (Canton) to promote import of US products and to create opportunities for US exporters. In addition to showing the ins and outs of import practices in China, the author recounts what it was like to live and work in one of the busiest cities in Asia. He shows the advantages of knowing Chinese language and culture, and ways to develop and cultivate an indigenous business network. Readers interested in trading with China will find practical tips on how to live and work successfully in China in this book.

Turner Travel Guides are the most up-to-date, reliable and complete city guides available. Travelers will find everything they need for an unforgettable visit, presented in a convenient and easy-to-use format. Each guide includes quick information on planning a visit, navigating the city, experiencing the local culture, exploring the beauty of the city and more! Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Shanghai and Beijing. It is a part of the Pearl River Delta, which also includes Shenzhen, Dongguan, Hong Kong, Macau, Foshan, Jiangmen, Huizhou, Zhongshan and Zhuhai. Guangzhou was known in the West as "Canton". The food and the language of the area are still known as "Cantonese" and it is perfectly acceptable to use either the western or Chinese terms interchangeably.

When the Chinese Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (GPCR) of the middle and late 1960s burst forth, the initial response both in China and the West seemed primarily to be one of mystification. The spectacle of severe splits among leaders long thought to be compatible, of armed struggles between factional units whose uniform pledges to Chairman Mao and the Party Center appeared to make their similarities greater than their differences, and of destructive Red Guards who were bent on "tearing down the old world to build a new one" was at first difficult to explain.

The economic heart of South China, the Pearl River Delta is both agriculturally and financially fertile and is one of the most developed parts of China. Intensely cultivated land is interspersed with some of China's newest and fastest-growing cities, which are linked by some of the country's best and most integrated transport services. The Delta's location makes it a popular trip from Hong Kong and a major gateway to enter China itself. Foremost among the Delta's gang of youthful upstart cities is Shenzhen, which was the first of China's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and has grown from nothing to challenge the traditional heart of the region, Guangzhou, in less than 30 years. While Shenzhen has little in the way of historic sights, it offers shopping, skyscrapers and theme parks along with some insight as to what China's future looks like. Seventy miles to the north, Guangzhou has a longer history, but is also reaping the economic whirlwind. It's definitely worth a quick stop for its blend of Cantonese cuisine, markets, colonial relics and the gritty taste of a real Chinese city. With a population of seven million and long known in the West as Canton, modern Guangzhou provides many visitors with their first glimpse of a mainland Chinese city. Frenetically busy, polluted and steamily hot in summer, Guangzhou's conventional sights are comparatively sparse, but the city is renowned worldwide for its cooking and is worth visiting on these grounds alone. Before Hong Kong rose to prominence, Guangzhou was one of China's primary trading posts and as a result it has a wide ethnic diversity, including a large Hui (Muslim) population, and a smattering of colonial architecture, much of which is found on charming Shamian Island. Guangzhou is at the heart of the south's economic revolution. Although it is still undoubtedly a polluted city, attention is being paid to the environment, albeit often only in the most aesthetic sense. Every time I visit I notice new areas of greenery and the city is becoming more and more visitor-friendly. There is an ever-expanding subway network, a new airport and improved links with other Pearl River Delta destinations. There are also a host of sights to visit within a two-hour transport radius of Guangzhou and the city makes a good base from which to explore smaller towns such as Huizhou and Zhaoqing. This guide is based on our 640-page China Adventure Guide. Following are some reviews of that book: "We travel to grow â€" Adventure Guides show you how. Experience the places you visit more directly, freshly, intensely than you would otherwise â€" sometimes best done on foot, in a canoe, or through cultural adventures like art courses, cooking classes, learning the language, meeting the people. This can make your trip life-changing, unforgettable. All of the detailed information you need is here about the hotels, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing. But we also lead you to new discoveries, turning corners never before turned, helping you learn about the world in a new way â€" Adventure Guides make that possible." "Having traveled extensively through China over many years, I can see the book's intimacy, not only with the locations, but also with the locals in each place. The author reveals the secrets that he's learned from his long association with China." (Jason Williams, Managing Director, Grasshopper Adventures). "A thorough guide not only to traveling in China but also to the country's history and culture, this should satisfy the novice and seasoned traveler alike. Each city and region is covered from all angles, including activities for those traveling with children. An informative read for those unfamiliar with the country and an excellent way to brush up for the more experienced traveler, this is an excellent guide for planning a China vacation." (Publishers Weekly).

This list of 50 things to do in Guangzhou is a comprehensive guide to the best attractions and experiences the city has to offer. With so much to see and do in Guangzhou, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to know where to begin. That's why we've put together this list, which covers everything from historical landmarks and cultural institutions, to local street markets and gastronomic delights. For those interested in history and culture, Guangzhou offers an abundance of attractions, such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, which showcases traditional Cantonese architecture, or the Huaisheng Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic places of worship in China. Visitors can also explore the ancient Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, which dates back to the sixth century and is renowned for its stunning pagoda. Art lovers can immerse themselves in the city's vibrant art scene by visiting the Guangzhou Museum of Art or the Guangzhou Opera House, which showcases some of the finest examples of contemporary architecture. The Guangzhou Sculpture Park is also a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the city's creative side. For those seeking adventure and entertainment, Guangzhou has a variety of options to choose from, such as the Chimelong Safari Park, home to over 500 species of animals, or the Pearl River Night Cruise, which offers stunning views of the city's skyline at night. Visitors can also indulge in some retail therapy at the city's many shopping districts, such as the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street or the Beijing Road Pedestrian Street. Finally, no visit to Guangzhou is complete without experiencing the city's renowned Cantonese cuisine. Visitors can enjoy delicious dim sum at Lin Heung Tea House, or sample some of the freshest seafood at Tao Tao Ju or Fu Ho Restaurant. For those with a sweet tooth, Guangzhou Restaurant offers a variety of mouthwatering desserts that are sure to satisfy any craving. Overall, this list of 50 things to do in Guangzhou showcases the city's diverse offerings and provides visitors with a comprehensive guide to experiencing the best of what the city has to offer. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Guangzhou has something for everyone.