2Guangzhou

This enormous museum has 12 exhibition halls that show works in mediums ranging from photography to sculpture to abstract paintings. There is a great deal to see; so much so that it makes sense to visit more than once. Current exhibitions include Call of Beauty, Professor Zhoubo’s selections of notable women’s portraits, Youth Apartment, a 3-part abstract look at the sentiments of Guangzhou’s youth culture, and the particularly wonderful The Defining Photography of Juan I-Jong.
Two other sections of the museum that are worthy of note are the Pan He Sculpture Garden (particularly the epic sculpture entitled “Glaive Charge”) and the Sichuan Earthquake sculpture exhibition on the second floor.
Visiting hours are from 9am-5pm (closed on Mondays). You may be asked to pay a 15RMB admission fee (7RMB for students), but it is sometimes waived during exhibitions. The museum also has a very nice, though highly priced, restaurant.

Getting there: Take bus number: 18, 89, 194, or 248 to Guangdong Museum of Art Stop

This 7 story complex houses a multitude of book and electronics shops, as well as a sporting goods store and a Yamaha Music Store in the basement, not to mention a seldom seen Apple store right next door, so it’s a great place to stop if books aren’t the only thing on your list. You’ll want to stick to the higher levels to find the English books, as the lower levels are dedicated primarily to Chinese school-books. Many of the bookstores on the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors feature large Art books in English and bilingual books about Chinese culture and cuisine that are fun if you are looking to browse.

Getting there: Metro line 1 or 2, Tiyu Xilu Station

Its great location too, because there is a Starbucks right next door as well as several other more authentic cafés down the street if you're looking to get a start on your book right away. It's also just across the street from the Elephant & Castle Pub. And, if you think you'll be coming back, there are membership card opportunities that get you discounts on many of the books.

The first and foremost stop to make at any time of year is the Chimelong Paradise Amusement Park. One of the largest theme parks in China, it has some of the most impressive rides in the entire world. Since it opened in 2006, the park now offers over 70 massive rides. Its biggest draw is an enormous rollercoaster featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for its 10 consecutive loops. The rides are the main draw, but the park also runs a water stunt show in which performers entertain with vertigo-inducing dives.

Getting there: Bus number: 221, 247, 512, 562

If it happens to be particularly hot and humid (typical for Guangzhou), it might be wiser to set your sights on the Chimelong Water Park. This is the largest water park in the world, and one of the few in China, so visiting is a must since it’s so close - a prime location to cool off during those unbearable summer days. Chimelong Water Park currently holds records for the world’s longest lazy river, the world’s largest wave pool, and some of the world’s fastest slides. It can get busy in high season, but never gets too crowded thanks to its immense size. So if you’re looking for a place to beat the heat, Chimelong Water Park is a good first stop.

Getting there: Bus number: 221, 247, 512, 562