Guangzhou, formerly called Canton, lies to the northwest of Hong Kong on the Pearl River. With its cutting-edge architecture, delicious Cantonese cuisine and age-old temples, this bustling metropolis has become a hot tourist destination in the past few years.
Before you travel to Guangzhou, be sure to purchase China travel medical insurance so that you have suitable financial coverage for injuries, accidents and other mishaps as you explore this amazing city.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Guangzhou – FAQs
Traveling abroad is never without its risks. From natural disasters to injuries and illnesses, it's impossible to predict the need for emergency medical care. However, what you can do is protect yourself financially with travel medical insurance. With a travel medical insurance plan, you can be covered for the cost of medical treatment you need to receive on your trip to Guangzhou.
Why should I get travel medical insurance for my trip to Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has world-class medical facilities available, but they can be very expensive. If you get injured or fall sick, you could drain your savings paying hefty hospital bills. Furthermore, if a serious medical condition were to occur, you could find yourself financially responsible for emergency medical evacuation back to your home country.
Travel medical insurance exists to provide medical coverage when you're in a foreign country, where your domestic health insurance will likely be inapplicable or insufficient. It's a smart investment to protect your finances from big medical bills with travel medical insurance.
Top Tourist Destinations in Guangzhou
Canton Tower
Located in the Pearl River Scenery Zone, Canton Tower is the tallest building in Guangzhou and the second tallest in China. It's unique twisty and slender shape makes it stand out from other well-known skyscrapers. Visit Canton Tower in the evening when the building lights up, illuminating the sky with colorful lights. Inside you'll find coffee shops, restaurants, and observation decks.
Chen Clan Academy
A century ago, Chen Clan Academy served as a study hall for students preparing for the imperial examination. Today it has become the Guangdong Folks Arts Museum. Famous for its unique and mythical decorations, this museum exhibits various folk arts and crafts. Plan to spend at least a few hours here if you're traveling with your family.
Shamian Island
Shamian Island is like a small European town in the middle of China. It was once an important port for foreign trade. This place is ideal for a stroll. Stop for a meal or savor a cup of tea and enjoy its lively, tree-lined neighborhoods.
Baiyun Mountain
Baiyun Mountain serves as a place of retreat from the bustling city life. Take a cable car to Peak Park and admire spectacular views of the Pearl River. Enjoy the natural beauty and fragrance of spring flowers once you're at the top. Feed the beautiful Koi Fish. If you're looking to picnic on the grassy slopes, carry bottled water and some snacks with you.
Pearl River
Also known as Guangdong or Canton River, the Pearl is the third-largest river in China. It takes its name from the stone island resembling a huge pearl. Board a river cruise and admire the astonishing nighttime scenery of the city. You can also dine onboard the cruise.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Guangzhou
Weather Conditions
Guangzhou receives plenty of rainfall throughout the year, especially in April and September. Visit Guangzhou is in October and November. These months have the most comfortable weather.
Getting Around the City
The Metro is the best way to get around the city. It also offers announcements in both Chinese and English. If you're staying in Guangzhou for a long time, buy a value-stored card to pay for the metro and other public transportation systems.
Most of the parts of the city are best explored by foot. This includes the traditional Liwan and Yuexiu districts. Renting a bicycle is another good option. Over 100 rental outlets are available throughout the city to promote a low-carbon mode of transportation.
Safety Tips
The crime rate in Guangzhou is low, but it always pays for visitors to be vigilant. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.
- Avoid unlicensed taxis. Check for the license on the dashboard before getting in.
- Inspect any currency you receive as change when shopping to make sure it's legitimate.
- Typhoons are most common from February to September. Pay attention to weather forecasts when planning your trip.
- Exchange your money only at banks or with trustworthy exchange officers to avoid receiving counterfeit currency.
Medical Concerns
It's best to avoid drinking tap water in Guangzhou, and stick to bottled water instead. Air quality can also be a concern if you have an underlying respiratory condition, so pay attention to the air quality index. To reduce your chance of contracting dengue fever from mosquitoes, wear long-sleeved clothes and apply mosquito repellent.
Before You Go to Guangzhou – Do This
- Program common emergency numbers into your phone for your stay in Guangzhou such as 110 for police, 120 for medical assistance, and 119 for the fire department.
- Visit your doctor before traveling to ensure you have all the appropriate vaccines or boosters.
- Keep your important travel documents separate from your other luggage and in a place that's easy to access.
- Invest in travel medical insurance so you can vacation with confidence.