Visiting Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong

Guangzhou

Also known as “Yangcheng,” Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province, China. It is the political, economic, cultural, scientific, and transportation center of South China, sharing a border with northern Vietnam. The area of Guangzhou is 7,435 km². It is also a city where many overseas Chinese trace their roots.

With a warm climate year-round and beautiful scenery, Guangzhou is nicknamed “the Flower City.”

In ancient times, Guangzhou was also known as “Shi Suo Ting” (a political hub of the Chu Kingdom). Legend has it that five immortals dressed in five-colored robes, riding five goats with ears of rice in their mouths, came to the city. They brought with them flutes filled with grains and fruits, handing out rice to the people and blessing the land with abundance. Since then, Guangzhou has also been called “Yangcheng” or “Five-Goat City,” with the five goats becoming a symbol of the city.

Statue of the Five Goats in Yuexiu Park – a symbol of Guangzhou. Photo: Viet Linh
Whether a shrimp pond is large or small, aeration systems are always used to ensure a good environment and the highest productivity. Photo: Viet Linh

Zhuhai – The City of Pearls

Zhuhai lies on the southern plain of the Pearl River Delta, the main river in southern China flowing into the East Sea. It is only a few dozen kilometers from Hong Kong and borders Macau to the south.

The Fisher Girl Statue in Zhuhai Bay – with arms gracefully raised holding a giant pearl – is a granite sculpture standing 7.8 meters tall, elegant and radiant amid the sea breeze. The pearl glows brilliantly, symbolizing the romantic and hopeful spirit of this “City of Pearls” on the Pearl River.

According to legend, a sea maiden fell in love with a strong and handsome fisherman. However, the fisherman, misled by rumors, demanded that she remove the magical necklace she wore as proof of love. She knew that removing the necklace would mean her death, but she did it willingly. The girl passed away, and the young man mourned her endlessly, cursing himself. Touched by their love, a sea god brought her back to life. At their wedding, the couple offered the god a giant pearl in gratitude.

Zhuhai has since become a “Pearl City,” known for its coastal pearl farms.

Fisher Girl Statue in Zhuhai Bay. Photo: Viet Linh
Boats docked by the shore, pearl oyster cages in the distance. Photo: Viet Linh

Shenzhen – Strong as an Ox

Shenzhen Special Economic Zone covers an area of 2,020 km². It borders Hong Kong and lies 160 km south of Guangzhou. The Port of Shenzhen is one of China’s busiest.

Before becoming a special economic zone, Shenzhen – formerly Bao’an County – was a small fishing village in Guangdong Province. It became the first of five special economic zones in China and has since grown into one of the largest cities in the Pearl River Delta. The delta region has become China’s economic engine and the manufacturing hub of the world.

Yantian Port in Shenzhen is China’s second-largest deep-water container port and the fourth largest in the world.

City symbol. Photo: Viet Linh
Farming under the overpass. Photo: Viet Linh
A seafood shop in Shenzhen. Photo: Viet Linh
Vibrant and lively. Photo: Viet Linh
Aeration system of a live seafood shop. Photo: Viet Linh

Hong Kong

European in style, Hong Kong is like the New York of Asia – a buzzing center for finance, banking, showbiz, and fashion that never sleeps.

Hong Kong – The Dragon of Asia. Photo: Viet Linh
Hong Kong seaport. Photo: Viet Linh
A seafood store in Hong Kong. Photo: Viet Linh
A seafood restaurant in Hong Kong. Photo: Viet Linh
A giant grouper at a restaurant in Hong Kong. Photo: Viet Linh
Feng Shui pond with koi fish. Photo: Viet Linh
“Land” for bonsai trees. Photo: Viet Linh

© Viet Linh, July 2007