Savor Guangzhou through Food: A Four-Day, Three-Night Self-Drive In-Depth Culinary Tour of Nansha
Travel is not just about admiring beautiful scenery; for a food lover, the temptation of cuisine is the most important factor. Guangdong’s culinary culture has a long and rich history. As a representative of Chinese cuisine, Cantonese food is an extension of Lingnan culture, refined and improved over centuries, and celebrated worldwide for its distinctive dishes and charm. There is a saying: 'Eat in Guangdong; wherever there are Cantonese people, there is the best flavor.' This is not without reason. Cantonese people’s pursuit of food has been elevated to an art form; they tirelessly seek the ultimate taste. Having lived in Guangdong for many years, I always gather a few friends and drive to nearby cities on weekends or holidays to explore flavors. This weekend, I headed to Nansha, where tradition meets trend, for a four-day, three-night in-depth tour. When beautiful cityscapes blend with exquisite cuisine, you get a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Day 1: Shenzhen – Check in at Guge Yage Hotel (Nansha Shangmao Nan'er Road branch)
Day 2: Hotel – Nansha Tianhou Palace – Six Pots Farmhouse (lunch) – Huangshanlu Forest Park – Mingliyuan Farmhouse (dinner) – Check in at Guangzhou Nansha Garden Hotel
Day 3: Hotel – Nansha Wetland Park – Nansha Waterfowl World – Danjiamei Danjia Restaurant (lunch) – Nansha New Cruise Homeport for the Cruise Music Festival – Check in at Nansha Grand Hotel
Day 4: Hotel – Million Sunflowers Garden – Colorful Clouds Restaurant (lunch) – Shijiuchong – Return to Shenzhen
Guge Yage Hotel: Great Food and Comfortable Stay
Nansha, as Guangzhou's only sea outlet, is the passage from the Pearl River to the ocean and a hub connecting the Pearl River estuary city cluster. Its unique location gives rise to landscapes of vast sandbanks and waterside markets. Beyond that, Nansha’s cuisine can be summed up as abundant. The brackish water environment nurtures plump seafood and river delicacies, complemented by high-quality crops like lotus root, arrowroot, and corn from the fertile soil. From land to sea, every place offers distinct flavors. Nansha’s cuisine, benefiting from ideal timing, geography, and human talent, has become an unrivaled culinary destination in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The first stop on our Nansha food journey was Guge Yage Hotel to explore its culinary gems. Located in the heart of Nansha Bay, the hotel is close to Gangqian Avenue, with easy access to Jingzhu Expressway, Guanfo Expressway, and Humen Bridge within a dozen minutes – perfect for a self-drive getaway from the Pearl River Delta!
Walking along Nansha’s bustling streets, if you ask locals about their favorite food, nine out of ten will say dry-fried beef ho fun. This is one of Guangdong’s most well-known snacks, a must-have at gatherings or late-night snacks. It looks simple, but making an authentic version is no easy task – it truly tests a Cantonese chef’s skills. The dry-fried ho fun at Guge Yage’s restaurant is exceptional: evenly colored, with crisp bean sprouts, flavorful yet tender beef, and non-sticky, non-clumping rice noodles. One bowl is never enough! Another signature dish is poached shrimp in superior broth. Poaching is a common Cantonese technique; though it appears simple, it requires finesse and attention to detail. Here, the shrimp are cooked in a rich broth with minimal seasoning, preserving the original freshness. Each bite is springy and full of natural sweetness, leaving a lingering aftertaste. There are many ways to cook shrimp, but Cantonese people adore this simple poached version – and for good reason. Don’t miss it at Guge Yage! Also not to be missed are the crystal chicken and pork bone with matsutake soup. The steamed crystal chicken is savory, with crispy skin and tender meat, while the soup is sweet, fragrant, and nourishing, with crunchy matsutake mushrooms – a beauty-boosting choice. At Guge Yage, you can not only savor authentic Guangzhou flavors but also enjoy top-notch accommodation. After your meal, the rooms offer views of the Jiaomen River and the enchanting twin bridges lit up at night, promising a comfortable stay that melts away travel fatigue.
Tianhou Palace: The World’s Largest of Its Kind
'Who has not died since time began? Leave a loyal heart to shine in history’s pages.' Wen Tianxiang’s 'Crossing the Lonely Ocean' is well known. Across the vast Lingding Ocean, however, resides a remarkable woman who protects those who set sail – our Mazu, also known by the beautiful name Tianhou (Heavenly Empress). As a sea outlet, Nansha naturally enjoys the protection of the Heavenly Empress. North has the Forbidden City, Nanjing the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Nansha has Tianhou Palace. The palace sits at the southeastern foot of Dajiao Mountain in Nansha, with halls and pavilions climbing the slope. Architecturally, it blends the style of Beijing’s Forbidden City with the grandeur of Nanjing’s Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Notably, it is the largest building of its kind in the world. The Qing-dynasty palace style is solemn and dignified; the distinct layering creates a serene and welcoming atmosphere.
Nansha Tianhou Palace consists of two parts. First, the magnificent square unfolds before you: on 1.5 hectares stands a giant statue of the graceful and kind Heavenly Empress. At 14.5 meters tall, she faces the vast sea, blessing fishermen with safe voyages. The statue is made of 365 finely carved granite pieces – symbolizing her year-round protection for favorable weather and national peace. A central axis is clearly visible from the square, along which all the buildings are arranged. Passing through the archway, you reach the mountain gate, where lush greenery and blooming flowers greet you with a gentle breeze. Wisps of incense waft from the halls, giving a transcendent feeling. This peaceful scene enchants visitors. The complex follows Qing-style hillside construction, with symmetrical yet staggered arrangements: archways, mountain gate, bell and drum towers, stele pavilions, offering hall, Linghui Tower, Jiaying Pavilion, main hall, and sleeping quarters, plus the towering Nanling Pagoda on the back hill. The mountain gate is the main entrance, flanked by statues of Thousand-mile Eye and Wind-accompanying Ear – legendary demons tamed by Tianhou to report wind and waves to fishermen. Everywhere in the palace, surprises await. The stele pavilions recount how Zheng He, under Tianhou’s protection, made seven voyages to the Western Seas. The offering hall houses a standing statue of Tianhou in official robes, with dragon kings bowing on either side, highlighting her authority. The bell and drum towers sound regularly; during festivals, they ring out in celebration. The main hall is magnificent, with Tianhou seated serenely, receiving offerings and bestowing peace. It features imperial inscriptions from Emperors Qianlong and Yongzheng among others, and walls depict her legends across the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The site also includes several Dajiao Mountain artillery batteries from the Opium War era, where the Chinese people wrote a tragic yet heroic chapter against the British. Bullet marks still scar the walls. If there's one stop in Nansha you cannot miss, make it Tianhou Palace – the scenery will leave a lasting impression!
Six Pots Farmhouse: Health in a Clay Pot
The most refined of the eight great Chinese cuisines is Cantonese, and the standout in Cantonese cooking is clay pot dishes. Beyond the beloved clay pot rice, Cantonese people love cooking all sorts of foods in clay pots. Nansha is a famous seafood hub, but it holds other delicious surprises. Step into Six Pots Farmhouse to explore the secrets of 'pot' cooking! First up: bone broth with lotus root in a clay pot – a very Cantonese dish. When the lid is lifted, the aroma of bone broth hits you. Parboil the bone pieces, skim the scum, then place them in a traditional clay pot with minimal seasoning. Simmer until the marrow dissolves, add large chunks of lotus root, wait a few minutes, and season with a pinch of salt before serving. The milky, rich broth is the soul of this dish. The tastiest dishes often need no complicated seasoning; the simplest methods let the broth’s freshness and the lotus root’s fragrance combine perfectly. A bowl of soup before a meal is both nourishing and comforting! If there's one thing Cantonese people love besides roast meats, it’s braised dishes. The braised platter here is a common pleasure: duck wings and char siu, long simmered in the braising liquid, have become tender and flavorful. A gentle bite and the meat falls off the bone – savory with a hint of Cantonese sweetness. Stir-fried lotus root, celery, and fresh scallops with Chinese yam is a Nansha specialty. With an abundance of seafood, the scallops paired with crunchy vegetables have no fishiness at all – a dish that wins everyone over. Sweet tooths are in luck: the golden trio platter is deeply satisfying. Crispy fried milk, shrimp cakes, and cuttlefish cakes come together in a sweet-savory crunch. Bite into the crispy shell and hear that crackle, while the inside stays soft. Double texture means double happiness – how would you rate this dish? Somewhat similar is the steamed golden fish that follows. The fish is golden outside, yet the meat melts in your mouth. To keep the fresh flavor, minimal seasoning is needed, so the method must be creative to stand out. The skin is fried crisp, no longer slippery, while the steamed meat is firm and springy – this multi-layered texture is the essence of the dish. A place’s land shapes its people, and its people shape its culinary culture. Every local cuisine reflects local character. Nansha has its own – have you found it yet?
Huangshanlu Forest Park: Nansha’s Back Garden
In downtown Nansha lies a forest park covering over 1,000 hectares. Why preserve such a large green space in a city where land is precious? As the highest-altitude park in southern Guangdong, Huangshanlu Forest Park is remarkable. Though named after the peaks Huangshan and Lushan, its standout feature is its ecosystem and composition. Climbing is physically demanding: the foot of the mountain is crowded, mid-slope views are limited, but reaching the summit makes the effort worthwhile. From the highest point, the entire Nansha district unfolds beneath you. Watching the city bustle below from this vantage point, all the toil of the journey fades away. You can’t see such breathtaking, grand vistas just by wandering around; different perspectives bring different feelings. Life is the same – stand higher, see farther, and your vision expands. A narrow waterway cuts through Huangshanlu, like a silver thread adorning the lush park. In the scorching dog days, stepping into the park brings a natural, refreshing coolness. Towering trees line the paths, their branches blocking the harsh sunlight to leave only cool shade. So a summer visit isn’t hot at all. The high vegetation cover enhances the air quality through respiration, making it fresher. The true measure of a place’s quality isn’t the number of tourists, but the species of flora and fauna. They live here by survival instinct, which is the best proof of Huangshanlu’s excellence. Rare birds like the common kestrel, black kite, and little egret have high habitat demands, and experts confirm they choose Huangshanlu as a permanent home, not just a migratory stop. The towering trees carry on years of mission, the calm water hides the park’s vitality, a faint fruit fragrance floats in the air – nature’s gift, and occasional bird calls announce their presence. Everything in Huangshanlu Forest Park has meaning and purpose, just like every tiny person in the world, full of life. So, would you like to visit this vibrant park?
Mingliyuan Farmhouse: No Meal Without Freshness
In Guangzhou’s Nansha, you’ll lament having only one stomach – even five meals a day aren’t enough. Like many established Nansha restaurants, Mingliyuan prioritizes quality. Order anything blindly and you won’t be disappointed. The cuisine hides among pristine hills and ponds; the restaurant has its own farm and fish ponds, so all ingredients are unpolluted, free from chemical fertilizers – green, healthy, and delicious. Maybe I’m just a simple foodie; while my friends discussed the restaurant’s decor, I could only focus on the menu. The strong Lingnan cultural vibe or the rustic farmhouse charm? Not as tempting as the dishes. We ordered many items, and they arrived quickly, fragrant from a distance. Before even eating, my taste buds were satisfied. Crispy fried yellow lion’s head fish, steamed golden grass carp, and lychee wood-roasted goose are must-try signatures – simply divine. The presentation alone earns a ‘wow’. In a bustling city, such honest, rustic flavors are rare. Their dishes are all about freshness, echoing the saying, ‘Better a home without bamboo than a meal without freshness.’ The steamed golden grass carp is even fresher. Without fancy techniques, ordinary steaming brings out its unique tenderness and umami. Because the fish are free-range and 'wild', the grass carp here has firm flesh. The soy sauce used is authentic Nansha-style, slightly salty, perfectly highlighting the fish’s freshness. Every bite feels rustic, transporting you into the water alongside the fish. The crispy fried yellow lion’s head fish – what freshness! Not greasy at all. The yellow lion’s head is a Nansha specialty, also called 'lion’s head fish'. With a golden crust and a method similar to Japanese tempura, the crispy batter locks in the freshness. Pair it with a glass of wine – the perfect appetizer. I still can’t forget that umami flavor. ‘South of the Lingnan in June, lychee turns red’ – the poem’s southern land refers to Lingnan, and in July and August lychees are in season. Beyond eating and medicinal use, lychee branches can enhance cuisine. At Mingliyuan, the signature lychee wood-roasted goose is unforgettable. The skin is crispy, the meat tender, with a unique lychee wood fragrance – distinctive Lingnan flavor, unleashing the dish’s charm without reserve.
Guangzhou Nansha Garden Hotel: A Stunning Instagram-Worthy Spot
When traveling, you not only want to have fun but also stay comfortably. In Guangzhou, choose Nansha Garden Hotel. Though located in a bustling city, it’s a peaceful retreat with flowers, grass, and sea – a secluded paradise ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. The air is rich in negative ions, fresh and natural, melting all worries away. Like a luxury cruise ship nestled among mountains, sea, and bay, the hotel is imbued with artistic flair, leaving a lasting impression.
Nansha Garden Hotel is a meticulously crafted artwork. Its lobby features 1,618 transparent prismatic columns suspended from the eighth floor, refracting natural light into rainbow-like sparkles on the ground, like white butterflies dancing in a beam of light – utterly romantic. Stepping in, you’ll also experience the 'Echo of Light and Shadow', an installation by a German artist that lets you sense the sun’s echo from eight minutes prior, as if walking through an artistic tunnel of time – simply magical. The guest rooms are equally impressive: each is elegantly Nordic in style, with exquisite floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the sea, mountains, or pastoral landscapes – every room a different vista. The hotel is said to be the only one in Guangzhou with sea views. Additionally, there are family rooms with playful wall paintings, cartoon-themed beds, and toy tents, letting children spend warm nights in a wonderland. Outside, a trendy infinity pool awaits, connected to an indoor heated pool by a swimming channel, allowing you to swim from inside to outside and gaze at the beautiful lake view beyond the infinity edge – here you can free your spirit and swim at leisure. Complementing the pool is a gym with an audio-visual system; don’t forget to exercise even on vacation! The gym is well-equipped with the latest gear, so you can burn calories without even noticing. The hotel’s restaurant exudes retro industrial style, with six classic dining venues offering dozens of cuisines, from local Nansha seafood to romantic Western steaks or all-you-can-enjoy barbecues – satisfying every palate. Nansha Garden Hotel delivers supremely comfortable visual experiences from exterior to interior, with every decorative detail just right. Only an hour from the city center, it feels like an artistic paradise, cradled by mountains and waters, returning to nature. When in Guangzhou, experience Nansha Garden Hotel and savor a tranquil comfort you can’t find in the urban hustle!
Nansha Wetland Park: The Lung of Guangzhou
At the height of summer, a thousand-acre lotus pond hides inside Guangzhou’s largest wetland park, with lotus flowers glowing extra red under the sun. This is Nansha Wetland Park, famed as the 'Lung of Guangzhou'. Located on the western bank of the Pearl River estuary between the 18th and 19th Chong in Wanqingsha Town, Nansha District, it spans about 10,000 mu – a paradise for plants. The wetland’s enchanting scenery and the grandeur of the Pearl River mouth await you.
'Lotus leaves spread endlessly, in the southern river you can pick lotus.' This season, visitors flock to Nansha Wetland Park for the lotus. Take a boat and enjoy the thousand-acre lotus field and shy, exquisite flowers from the water. As the boat gently parts the water, the fragrance of lotus fills the air; on this rhyme-filled surface, you’ll be completely intoxicated. Occasionally, birds skim the water, stealing a bit of the beauty among the green leaves and pink blooms. With every breeze, each step reveals a new scene, and before you know it, you’ve strayed deep into the lotus thicket. Gliding through the leaves, with verdant pads cradling blossoms, you’ll recall the famous verse: 'The boundless lotus leaves stretch to the horizon, the lotus flowers bathed in sunlight are exceptionally red.' Swaying in the wind, they dance across the expanse, each elegant and subtly fragrant, forming summer’s most enchanting sight. It’s refreshing and mesmerizing. The boat continues, slowly leaving the fairy-like lotus pond, and open banks appear with islets floating on the water. Then you weave through tree-lined areas, branches reaching out on both sides, sunlight filtering through – you’ll want to linger. The three-minute boat ride ends too soon, feeling like a journey through a green wonderland. Disembarking, you can explore on foot, or rent a bike if you’re tired. But such lush scenery deserves a slow appreciation. Despite the sweltering heat, the dense shade and crisp air make you forget it’s summer. Nansha Wetland Park is evergreen year-round, especially verdant in summer. Such a pristine wetland naturally attracts countless birds. Clear, tranquil waters, set against thriving vegetation, become a haven. They sing or murmur here, utterly content. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, and rippling waters paint a poetic scene. Under clear skies and gentle breezes, every snapshot is a masterpiece. Follow the Banyan Avenue to the Sea View Garden; at its end lies Lingding Ocean and Guangzhou’s only sea passage. An observation tower here offers panoramic views of the park and the vast Pearl River estuary. Looking into the distance, you’ll see the park nearly merges with the sea – a truly stunning sight. Witness the Pearl River water beginning its long journey to the ocean, though one day it will return to nourish this beautiful wetland. Are you tempted by this fairyland-like Nansha Wetland Park? Would you like to admire the delicate lotus blooms?
Nansha Waterfowl World Eco-Park: A Science Education Base
Guangdong has many fun attractions, but few know about Nansha Waterfowl World, nestled between the 17th and 18th Chong, near Nansha Wetland Park. When thinking of summer fun, besides water parks, a waterfowl world is an excellent choice. It’s a place of joy and whimsy, perfect for carefree summer play. The overall style is Southeast Asian, so if you post photos on social media, people might think you’re abroad! Upon entering, you’ll see four 'ribbon cranes' – there are eight in total, but they’re spread out, so only four are initially visible. All eight were designed by the renowned designer Mai Sheng, blending the form of birds with the flowing grace of ribbons. The macaron color palette adds a playful touch, sure to delight children. Nansha Waterfowl World is home to nearly 50 protected species, with a wide variety of waterfowl, including many rare ones. Black and white swans cuddle on the lake, white pelicans scramble for food, and colorful parrots perch on branches, 'chatting' away. Not only do adults marvel here, but kids also learn about natural wildlife, making it an ideal family destination. Parents won’t be bored either. The park has rest areas combining fabric and wood, creating a vintage, artistic vibe – perfect for photo enthusiasts. Bamboo-woven lights hang from above in various elegant shapes, wooden stools are polished smooth, and tables retain their natural log form, with only sharp edges smoothed – like bringing the forest indoors. Hanging above are woven baskets and oval or square pendant lights, adding depth. Even the rest spots are this exquisite! Among waterfowl, flamingos can’t be missed. With pink feathers, long necks, and tall figures, they look straight out of a fairy tale. You’ll see flocks of them splashing in the lake; if lucky, you might watch a neat formation of flamingos fly across the water – a 'pink army' on the move! When it comes to birds that love showing off, peacocks top the list. Male peacocks frantically fan their tails to woo mates, rattling their magnificent feathers. Their colorful plumage is their pride, and raised heads their confidence. On TV, ostriches seem aggressive, but they’re actually gentle. Here, you can observe them up close and even feed them, discovering their adorable side. The park is vast, divided into six islands like Rainforest Island and Flower Tree Island. At Qianhe Islet, you’ll spot many waterfowl! Why not visit Nansha Waterfowl World this summer?
Danjiamei Danjia Restaurant: Time-Honored Flavors
At the Pearl River estuary, the Danjia people, who live on fishing, can’t go a meal without seafood. Thus, 'never eat what’s not in season, never eat what’s not fresh' became their tradition. Especially at Nansha’s 14th Chong, there’s a hidden gem: Danjiamei Danjia Restaurant. Its fresh, delectable food draws visitors from far and wide, willing to travel just for a taste of 'freshness'. The decor leans farmhouse-style, with various fishing gear on display at the entrance – the very tools that bring such fresh delights. The spacious main hall seats over a dozen tables, with a ceiling like a boat’s top and bamboo-and-wood lighting, giving the feeling of dining on a fishing vessel. One wall is covered with awards – proof of deliciousness that whets the appetite.
When in Guangzhou, you must try the worm dish! You might be unfamiliar with this ingredient; hechong (terrestrial worms) is a prestigious Guangdong specialty, rich in protein and vitamins, dubbed 'the cordyceps of the water'. It’s easily absorbed by the body, helps lower blood lipids and prevent artery hardening, and offers high therapeutic value. It can be pan-fried, stir-fried, steamed, or boiled – all delicious. Today’s highlight is steamed hechong with egg. When hechong meets egg, dried tangerine peel, and other seasonings, what delicacy results? First, clean the worms and place them in a clay bowl, bathe them in oil, then mix in beaten eggs and flavorings. Steam over high heat, then dry out excess moisture in a hot pan, and a savory dish appears. The essence of worm and egg concentrates, sliding softly into your mouth – tender and fragrant! Bass is known to be plump, but have you tried bass in sour-and-spicy fish soup? The tangy pickled vegetables enhance the bass’s freshness, and the bones have been removed, so every mouthful is pure umami. Dragons fly in the sky, eels swim in the water – Nansha has a special dish called pan-fried eel with black bean sauce. Cooked with fermented black beans, it’s fragrant with bean flavor and fresh fish taste. Eating fish at Danjiamei is truly a fresh delight! Bright red poached large prawns: Danjiamei selects fresh large prawns and quickly blanches them, ready to eat. Peel off the shell to reveal snow-white, springy meat; dipped in their special sauce, it’s refreshing. For crab, steaming is the best way to preserve flavor. The top-tier whole steamed young female crabs are hugely popular here. Steamed in a basket, the roe doesn’t escape; rich, creamy roe and meat hide under the plump shell. Crack it open, and the flowing golden roe makes your mouth water. At Danjiamei, dig in without worry – the value is high. Beyond seafood, there are specialty snacks like ginger milk curd and black sesame paste that you shouldn’t miss. In short, stepping into Danjiamei Danjia Restaurant opens the door to a world of freshness. After reading this, are you intrigued by this 'never eat what’s not fresh' eatery for your Nansha trip?
Nansha Cruise Music Festival: An Auditory Feast
In Guangzhou’s Nansha, under the Humen Bridge, a cruise homeport resembling an ocean liner 'docks' in the Nansha New Area. It’s the city’s largest newly built cruise homeport, with superb environment, futuristic vibe, and eco-consciousness. Recently, a major event took place here – a visual and sonic feast for music lovers. The hyper-energetic atmosphere ignited Nansha’s midsummer night.
The festival was themed 'Listen to the Tide', with a tech-savvy dream stage set right where cruises berth. In the evening, sea breezes slightly cooled the crowd’s excitement. 'Listen' gathered friends from all directions; 'Tide' showcased Nansha’s cutting-edge image. The band lineup was spot-on: besides Xu Zhenzhen from China’s hip-hop scene, there were experienced acts like Chilly and Sinking, plus star DJs LUCKYMAN and MC ELSA, turning the port into a blazing musical night. In rap, Xu Zhenzhen brought extraordinary joy; his rap easily resonated with everyone, making the festival explode with energy. That vibrant atmosphere is beyond words – everyone followed his lead, completely freeing themselves, summer worries gone. He even blended folk with rap, pushing the genre higher. Each band was fantastic; groups like Chilly and Sinking, often seen at festivals, effortlessly hyped the crowd. At Nansha New Cruise Homeport, with beer in hand, sea breeze blowing, enjoying such a feast was pure bliss. Besides the headliners, Roller Coaster vocal band, an a cappella group from Xinghai Conservatory of Music, delivered a different kind of musical experience with their smooth, instrument-free harmonies. Beyond the music, the creative market was also awesome, filled with quirky decorations to discover. In some unassuming corner, you might find your favorite trinket. Food and drinks were plentiful, so you could feast while soaking in the sounds. And an even wilder party fulfilled every desire for 'Listen to the Tide'.
Nansha Grand Hotel: A Classic Comfortable Stay
On day three, I checked into Nansha Grand Hotel, a place offering all-around service. As a seasoned five-star hotel in the city center, it’s quiet within the bustle, with convenient transport, complete facilities, and attentive service – my strongest impressions. With over 300 rooms, a gym for leisure, large conference rooms and multifunctional halls, and a distinctive Cantonese restaurant, its hardware is top-notch. The sea-view rooms start at 46 square meters, in a warm egg-yolk hue that’s cozy and inviting. From the clean bathroom amenities to the neatly hung bathrobes in the wardrobe, every detail reflects the hotel’s craftsmanship.
Million Sunflowers Garden: A World of Flower Seas
Guangzhou has long been called the 'Flower City', and did you know there’s a flower garden hidden in Nansha? A colorful fairy-tale world, rich in scenery, with seas of flowers everywhere and castle-like features, it’s a dream paradise for kids – the Nansha Million Sunflowers Garden! Located in Wanqingsha Town, it’s planted with a million sunflowers, likely the most anywhere in China. All are imported ornamental varieties. When in bloom, the golden expanse is spectacular, breathtaking! Stepping inside feels like walking into a dream, surrounded by golden sunflowers.
But the garden isn’t just sunflowers; it also has a lavender base and a mysterious rose garden. A whole field of pale purple lavender exudes romance, making you feel you’ve wandered into a fairy tale. Couples especially love the lavender base, where arched Roman columns and heart-shaped garlands create a Parisian atmosphere; swinging here makes you feel like a fairy. The rose garden is unique, with rose trees two to three meters tall, each canopy bearing over a hundred blooms – magical. Over 20 European varieties in rich colors and layered petals, with a fresh fragrance, enchant every girl. The Four Seasons Rainbow feature is typical of Furano in Hokkaido, Japan, with different flowers blooming each season. Opposite it stands the Flower Love Hotel, a manor-style building whose vivid hues, together with the rainbow fields, blue sky, and white clouds, create a visual delight. A colorful little train lets you ride through the flower sea for a romantic fantasy journey! For a family trip, Million Sunflowers Garden is the best choice, with cute cartoon sculptures and houses everywhere – dwarves, Hello Kitty, fairy-tale castles – it’s a wonderland. There’s also a fun zone and anime village with rides kids adore, leaving them with colorful childhood memories. Besides flower seas, there’s a squirrel park home to over a thousand squirrels of various species. Visitors can use remote-controlled cars to deliver feed to the squirrels’ enclosure – amusing and adorable. Unlike traditional zoos with cages, squirrels roam freely, befriending visitors. There are also the Ant Kingdom, Dove Square, and Koi Corridor – you can’t see it all in a day. The diverse attractions, natural spots, and colorful architecture bring endless joy!
Colorful Clouds Restaurant: Sunflower Chicken That Leaves a Lingering Taste
At the romantic dreamy fairy-tale city – Nansha Million Sunflowers Garden – besides the stunning flower seas, the food is not to be missed! The garden’s restaurant has a ceiling adorned with fresh flowers and beautiful sculptures inside, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals amidst lovely scenery – utterly romantic. Speaking of cuisine, the famous Guangzhou internet sensation, sunflower chicken, is a must-try. If you haven’t eaten sunflower chicken in Guangzhou, you can’t call yourself a foodie! Nansha Million Sunflowers Garden’s sunflower chicken is the most renowned local specialty and the signature dish. It’s not a breed but a feeding method: the chickens are raised from birth on fresh sunflower leaves and plates, even drinking juice pressed from sunflower stalks. This diet makes their meat contain three times the vitamin E of regular free-range chickens, offering antioxidant and beautifying benefits. It’s prepared three ways: clear stewed, crispy fried, and poached – with poached being the classic, retaining the original flavor without any coloring or dipping sauce. It’s fresh but not greasy, with an excellent texture! Also outstanding are the poached river prawns, sourced from Nansha’s own rivers – incredibly fresh and tender, never cloying. Order a plate of spicy pepper with red-braised pork, and you’ll want a second bowl of rice. Finish with some desserts and pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth; the meal will be unforgettable! What are you waiting for?
Shijiuchong: A Bustling Scene Full of Life
Want to enjoy sea breezes and the freshest seafood in Guangzhou? Then head to Nansha’s Shijiuchong! Driving an hour from downtown Guangzhou, covering 80 kilometers, you’ll reach the city’s 'South Pole' – Shijiuchong. With a superb ecological environment, it’s like a secluded paradise far from the city. Here, sightseeing, photography, seafood feasting, and seaside strolls are all perfect. Best of all, the hardworking local Shantou people are warm and hospitable, immersing every visitor in their unique local culture. At Shijiuchong, you’ll see the Nansha Shijiuchong Fishermen’s Wharf, a comprehensive spot combining shopping, dining, and leisure. From the bird-watching platform, you can overlook the entire sea vista of Shijiuchong – endless blue, with over a dozen fishing boats docked by the shore, their full holds against blue sky and white clouds creating a stunning living painting. Just gazing at it is beautiful! After several upgrades, Shijiuchong now has local seafood markets, specialty product markets, and fruit markets. The bustling seafood market is the liveliest, with all kinds of fresh, affordable seafood and the lively hubbub of bargaining – full of life’s vibrancy. Shijiuchong abounds in seafood at reasonable prices. The vendors warmly invite you to sample; you can buy what you like and have it cooked at nearby restaurants. Soon, your personally chosen seafood becomes a delicious meal – fresh and authentically Nansha-style, earning high praise! Seafood you can’t take with you can be cooked on the spot or packed for home. Beyond seafood, the fruit is abundant, with a whole fruit street offering mostly tropical and subtropical varieties like cute little red bananas and papayas. You can try many fruits you’ve never had before, at low prices, with hospitable vendors letting you sample first. Past the fruit street is the specialty lane, selling local Nansha treats. Red sweet potatoes are a highlight – crisp and sweet. Summer is also lotus root season, and Nansha is famous for its lotus roots, especially Xinken lotus root, nurtured by the unique geography. Most farmland here is wetland, with fertile, potassium-rich soil, producing nutrient-packed lotus roots with superb texture. Shijiuchong is a foodie’s paradise. After eating your fill, stroll along the stone embankment, watching the moored fishing boats, with a gentle breeze carrying a faint fishy scent – natural and full of life. The Nansha residents here have lived by the sea for generations, fishing for a living. To facilitate irrigation and farming, the Shantou people left water channels between the embankments. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the 19th Chong was formed, giving Shijiuchong its name. To taste authentic Guangzhou seafood, don’t miss Nansha’s Shijiuchong!
