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Guide
Guangzhou, China π¨π³
#34
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, situated in the Pearl River Delta. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 14 million. |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 70 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 CNY β 0.15 USD. Banks like ICBC, Bank of China widely available. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type I sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include China Mobile and China Unicom, prepaid plans start around 100 CNY per month. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Alipay and WeChat Pay widely accepted, USD accounts available at major banks. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and long-term rentals through platforms like Beike. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments dominate. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms are reliable for short stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like The Canton Hostels offer beds starting at 50 CNY per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Tianhe District is ideal for tourists with shopping and attractions nearby. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Haizhu District is popular among digital nomads for co-working spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | WeWork in Zhujiang New Town, offers flexible packages. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Coffee in the We, a cozy environment with good Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Tech & Startup Meetups held regularly at various locations. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Guangzhou Expat Network hosts regular meetups and activities. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the most popular ride-hailing app. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo offer bike-sharing services across the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Nansha Beach is about 1 hour away by car. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | China Southern Airlines. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | China Eastern and Hainan Airlines operate international routes. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | G107 and G4 highways provide good access to neighboring cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Guangzhou South Railway Station connects to high-speed rail services. |
π Public Transport Passes | Guangzhou Metro card available for unlimited rides with daily limits. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Guangzhou with major cities like Shenzhen and Hong Kong. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Guangdong Provincial Peopleβs Hospital, offering comprehensive medical services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaboost offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness has multiple locations across the city. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Self-service laundries and pickup/drop-off services available in most districts. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Meituan and Ele.me are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Cantonese dim sum, especially at places like DimDimSum Dim Sum Specialty Store. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Offers vegetarian restaurants like Vegetables First. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Hui Mei Tang for traditional treats. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets including the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street provide budget options. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are widely used for shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Services like Alibaba's Freshippo offer quick grocery delivery. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Party scene concentrated in the Zhujiang New Town area. |
π» Local Brewery | Guangzhou Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | The Barrels provides an extensive selection of wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Huanshi Road is famous for its street food vendors. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants offer Western, Italian, and Japanese options. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Canton Tower and the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall are top attractions. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Guangdong Museum showcases cultural artifacts. |
π° Historical Sites | The Sacred Heart Cathedral is an architectural marvel. |
π Religious Sites | Bright Filial Piety Temple attracts visitors for its architecture. |
π Annual Events | Canton Fair held biannually is one of Asia's largest trade fairs. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Shamian Island is known for its colonial architecture and history. |
π Theater Venues | Guangzhou Opera House features international performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Qingping Medicine Market for traditional Chinese medicine. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music at venues like Mao Livehouse attracts local talent. |
π¨ Street Art | The area around Dongshan covers vibrant street art and murals. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cantonese cooking classes available at venues like the Yang Cheng Culinary School. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Redtory Art and Design Factory hosts contemporary art exhibitions. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Former Site of the Guangdong Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Guangzhou's rich Cantonese culture and dialect reflect its unique heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Zhongshan Scenic Area offers beautiful parks and skylines. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | South China Botanical Garden is within the city for nature walks. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Baiyun Mountain includes trails for walking and hiking. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Canton Tower's observation deck provides stunning city views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Nanyue National Forest Park is great for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks like Yuntai Garden allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and Zhongtong Express offer reliable delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in electronics districts like the Huaqiangbei are available for tech repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have table tennis tables available for free. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Guangzhou Language School offers Mandarin courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Guangzhou Library is a quiet space with ample resources. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Guangzhou International Community Club hosts diverse events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes like Wangba are popular for gaming. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Although search for gaming is limited, the city has some electronic gaming centers. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯45,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯1,800,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯30,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯1,200,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯40,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯2,400,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯28,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯1,680,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯35,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯2,800,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯25,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯2,000,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25%, with incentives for high-tech industries. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 20%. |
π¦ Tax System | Residence basis for tax, worldwide income subject to tax. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Applicable rate is 13%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations exist for foreign ownership. |
π Property Tax | Applicable in forms of urban land use tax. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate for residential property. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Nominal tax rates are low for foreign professionals, with exemptions possible. |