I’m travelling to Guangzhou and I was wondering if you might have a kit-list with must-have essentials and overall tips? — Andrew Bankole
China’s third-largest city is about 80 miles north-west of Hong Kong. Guangzhou was known as Canton when the Europeans established a trading foothold here.
There’s a spiritual dimension to the city as witnessed in the Wuxian Guan temple and the oldest Islamic minaret outside Mecca. But the two great religions here seem to be business and eating — and the best way to sample both is to visit the vibrant markets.
In terms of essentials, the main thing to get sorted out is your visa. Guangzhou is a city where you can spend 72 hours without a visa but only if you have an onward air ticket to another country. If you are staying longer, you should apply for a visa now. I always apply through a London agency, which can check your application; CTS is reasonable — see more at ctshorizons.com.
In terms of currency, the Chinese yuan is traded in London but you are unlikely to get a rate much above 10 to £1; at bureaux de change in Guangzhou, reckon on 10.5. But it’s a cash economy, so don’t rely on credit and debit cards. In terms of other essentials, whatever you need, if you can’t find it in China you’re probably better off without it.
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