A Journey Through Guangzhou - Culture, Cuisine and Celebrations

There’s no better way to truly understand a destination than to experience it first-hand, and that’s exactly what one of our team members did on an unforgettable familiarisation trip to Guangzhou, China, hosted by China Southern Airlines.

From colourful Lunar New Year celebrations and historic landmarks to world-famous cuisine and unique cultural experiences, this four-day trip offered an incredible insight into one of China’s most dynamic cities.

London Heathrow to Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines: A Comfortable Boeing 787 Dreamliner Journey

I had a fantastic flight experience with China Southern Airlines from London Heathrow to Guangzhou aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The long-haul journey took around 11–12 hours and felt impressively smooth and well-managed throughout, with modern cabin design and passenger comfort contributing to a relaxing experience.

Travelling in Economy Class, I found the seating to be comfortable and the overall service reliable and contemporary, reflecting the airline’s strong commitment to quality. The quieter cabin and improved air quality made a noticeable difference on such a long flight, and one of the standout features was the dimmable window, which let me easily adjust the light from my seat and rest more comfortably during the journey.

Day 1: A Festive Welcome in Guangzhou

The trip began with an unforgettable introduction to Chinese culture at the Canton Temple Fair, held during the Chinese Lunar New Year. Immersed in the celebrations, we joined the parade itself, which was a truly special experience. Local residents lined the streets, warmly greeting us and sharing in the festive atmosphere. It’s the kind of authentic cultural moment you simply don’t find anywhere else.

After a fun start, we checked in to the historic 5-star DongFang Hotel, located in the Yuexiu District. Established in 1961, it was originally built for senior government officials and foreign dignitaries. Today, it is recognised as Guangzhou's first state-owned five-star hotel and is known for its blend of traditional Lingnan-style architecture and modern luxury. 

Day 2: Heritage, Martial Arts & Cantonese Flavours

Day two was all about culture and history. We visited the ancestral home of Bruce Lee (1940-1973) in Yongqing Fang, celebrating the life of the pioneering martial artist, actor, and philosopher who became the first global Chinese film star and a massive pop culture icon. 

We then took part in a Tai Chi session at the Chen Clan Academy - an experience that brought a sense of calm and connection to traditional Chinese practices.

Lunch was a true highlight; we savoured a classic big pot dish called 'Poon Choi' - the ultimate Cantonese celebration dish and a towering, layered feast served in a single large basin. Originating from the walled villages of the New Territories in Hong Kong, Poon Choi symbolises unity and abundance.

Poon Choi is a meticulously layered dish rather than a mixed stir-fry, with ingredients stacked by value and function: the bottom foundation contains absorbent items like daikon radish, pig skin, beancurd sticks, and taro that soak up a rich savoury gravy; the middle layer consists of rich, fatty meats such as braised pork belly (kau yuk), roasted duck, and soy sauce chicken that add depth and juice; the top ‘crown’ features the premium showpieces like abalone, whole prawns, dried scallops, sea cucumber, and mushrooms, which also season and enrich everything beneath them.

Day 3: Wildlife & City Lights

The third day brought a mix of adventure and sightseeing. We visited the Chimelong Safari Park, where we saw incredible wildlife up close including pandas, white tigers, lions, and more during a guided coach tour.

In the evening, we enjoyed a relaxing Pearl River cruise, with views of Guangzhou’s dazzling skyline. The highlight was the illuminated Canton Tower, famously nicknamed the ‘Slim Waist’; this 604-metre-tall multipurpose landmark in Guangzhou's Haizhu District is currently the second-tallest tower in the world, serving as a major hub for sightseeing, dining, and telecommunications.

Day 4: Tradition & Lantern-Lit Evenings

Our final day was spent exploring the roots of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Shennong Museum. This unique, semi-open-air garden museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is the first of its kind in China to integrate a natural garden setting with cultural exhibition halls.

We ended the trip on a magical note at the Spring Festival Lantern Fair in Yuexiu Park. Surrounded by colourful lantern displays celebrating the Lunar New Year, it was the perfect way to reflect on an incredible journey through Guangzhou.