Bao Mo Garden
The entrance to Bao Mo Garden, a Qing Dynasty era complex that today offers visitors a glimpse of the architecture and artwork of the time.
Some Shade
Hanging out by the willow tree.
The Corner
A corner of piece and calm.
So Lush
Nobody does ornate gardens quite like the Chinese.
Withered
It's what happens when you visit during the winter: non-evergreen trees looks like this. It's much prettier in the Spring, but then you'd have to contend with the humidity and rain.
Palatial
Lacking the modern technology we've come to take granted, this is what (rich) people did back in the ancient times: take strolls in ornately man-made parks and pavilions.
Gilded
As if it's floating.
Irrigation
Bao Mo Garden is vast enough to get lost.
Koi Palace
Perhaps slightly too many Koi in one pond? It was a sight to see for sure.
Pavilion Life
Pavilions in Asia mean these small ornate roofed huts for people to relax and take a break, rather than the stadium monstrosities it has come to resemble in the West.
Old Village
On the city's outskirt periphery one can still find these old villages and houses that date back hundreds of years.
Village Corridor
The masonry quality in these old Chinese villages are top notch; they have to be in order to survive for centuries.
Evening Traffic
The evening commute on Haiyin Bridge, one of the many to cross over the famous Pearl River.
Upstream
At the Pearl River looking upstream towards the newly iconic Canton Tower.
Luxury Condos
Naturally, Pearl River riverfront properties are amongst the most expensive in Guangzhou.
Golden Hour
Evening strolls along the Pearl River is definitely a must on the to-do list.
Decorative Lights
Guangzhou is smart to decorate all its bridges that cross the Pearl River because at night it's an entirely different experience.
And it gets tourist to pay for river boat tours.
Shamian Park
Take a walk in Guangzhou's Shamian Park to find surprisingly European architecture, due to the fact many foreign consulates and embassies are located around there.
Inner Ring Road
It must've been low-tide.
Mass of Humanity
Do you enjoy massive amount of crowds? Then I've got just the place for you: Shangxiajiu Commercial Pedestrian Street. On weekends it's an absolute zoo.
Family
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, built during the waning end of the Qing Dynasty as a place for family members to learn and study for the imperial exams.
Chen Clan
The main entrance.
Back Garden
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall's vast rear garden.
Bathe in Sun
A pavilion bathed in sunset glow at the entrance to Luhu Park.
Luhu Lake
The beautiful Luhu Lake.
Pathway
Runner's path at Luhu Park.
For Rent
Yes you can indeed rent a cycling boat and venture out onto the lake. Seeing it was winter when we were there, not many takers.
Foliage
You are well covered here.
Canopy
The colors of autumn and winter.
Stillness
Don't move or you'll break up the picture.
Fine Dining
That's indeed a restaurant by the lake. Doesn't appear to be in business when we were there, though.
The Divide
Reflection perfection.
Hideout
Luhu Lake during sunset is an absolute gem.
Cross-section
I'd never known Guangzhou to be this beautiful - and I grew up there.
Basking
There's a reason golden-hour is so renowned and sought-after by photographers. Just look at it.
Golden Amber
It's the dead of Winter yet Autumn still clings on.
Light Show
Come to the Pearl River front during night time and you will be delighted with a display show utilizing the buildings on each bank.
Night Lights
The glorious (at night) BinJiang West Road, directly adjacent to the Pearl River.
Bridge of Emancipation
On the Binjiang riverwalk looking at Jiefang Bridge.
Dazzling Lights
One have to suppose those are commercial buildings being lit up because I'd be crossed if I live there and have to endure these lights every evening.
Blue Streaks
Caught the light streaks of a passing ferry boat.
Night Stroll
An evening stroll alongside the Pearl River is a preferred activity by the locals.
Hotels and Commerce
Next up on the Pearl River bridge tower heading east: Jiangwan Bridge.
Such is Progress
The area to the right with the high-rises is the new downtown/commerce district of Guangzhou. A scant 20 years ago it was but farmland and countryside.
Right in the Childhood
I can faintly remember crossing the river on this bridge when I was a tiny lad, on my father's bicycle.
River Cruise
A batch of ferries heading towards Canton tower. I think it looks best when it's in the rainbow color scheme shown here.