Guangzhou - Essential Information
Airport
Baiyun International Airport opened in August 2004 and is 28 km from the city centre. Flights connect to nearly 100 domestic cities and also to numerous international destinations. There is a shuttle bus to the city centre and a metro station is due to come online in 2010. There are a bunch of express buses that will take you to the main destinations in the city departing every 15 minutes from 7am until late night. Depending on journey, prices vary from RMB10-36.
Trains
Guangzhou has two principal stations. For Guangzhou East Station, take Metro Line 1 for routes to Hong Kong (2 hours) and other nearby destinations. For Guangzhou station take Line 2 for routes all around China to Beijing and beyond.
Public Transport
Metro
Guangzhou’s metro opened in 1999 and is rapidly expanding. There are four lines and an extension to the airport is under construction due for completion in 2010. Tickets range from RMB2-12 but if you are going to be in Guangzhou for a week or more, you are well-advised to purchase a Yang Cheng Tong card which can be used for all public transport (but not ferries) and other amenities including public phones. It will save you in the long run.
Buses
Not the most comfortable way to move around but certainly the cheapest. Air-conditioned buses are double the price of their older cousins at RMB2 but in Guangzhou’s humid summer, it is a price worth paying!
Ferries
Running from Shamian Island’s seafood market to the Bai-e-tan bar Street in Fancun at a cost of just RMB0.5, it is convenient, comfortable and quick. Runs every 5 minutes from 07:00 to midnight.
Taxi
Taxis are cheap, quick and convenient. A starting charge of RMB7 for the first 2.3 km gives way to an incremental rise of RMB2.6 per km plus a RMB1 fuel surcharge.
Post
Guangdong Post Office
Dentist
Kai Yi International Dentist
Telephone
Countrycode +86
Area code 020
Electricity
220 v/50 Hz
