The Pearl River, also known as the Canton River (Zhujiang in Chinese), is an extensive river system in southern China and ranks the third-longest river in the country. This river flows mostly through southern China, and some parts of it are located in the northern areas of Vietnam. Here is the list of what we’ll read about Guangzhou Pearl River in this article:
How large is the Pearl River?
The Pearl River is made up of four distinctive river systems. These four river systems meet each other in the city of Guangzhou. Then the river flows for around 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) and pours into the South Sea. The four distinctive river systems of Pearl River are:
- The Xi River, which originates from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau
- The Liuxi River, which originates from Conghua City in Guangdong Province
- The Bei River, which originates from Jiangxi Province
- The Dong River which also originates from Jiangxi Province
The Pearl River is around 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles), which makes it the third-longest river in China after the Yangtze River and the Yellow River. The Pearl River also has the title second-largest by volume in China, while the Yangtze River is the first.
Why is it called Pearl River?
When the people hear the name Pearl River, Guangzhou City name would instantly come to their mind. Pearl River used to be called The Pearl Sea in the olden days. This name was due to its vast channel width which reached 2,000 meters (around 2,187 yards). During the time, this width of this channel started to gradually shrink until today that it has significantly changed and became only 180 meters (about 197 yards).
There is also another theory for the river’s name. It is said that the name Pearl River is derived from a large rock, located on the river bed. This huge boulder is called Sea Pearl due to its smooth and round surface, which resembles a shining and large pearl.
Pearl River Today in Guangzhou
Guangzhou has experienced many modern developments, and today there are ten functional bridges over this beautiful river. As you can walk along the banks of Pearl River in Guangzhou, you will see high-rise buildings like star-grade hotels and a large number of modern shopping malls.
Pearl River Scenery Corridor
If you enjoy walking in beautiful water scenes, then the Scenery Corridor located alongside the Pearl River is where you need to go, especially during the day. This corridor has a length of around 23 kilometers (14 miles) which functions as a dike to better appreciate the scenery of the river in the city. Besides, you have the chance to visit Guangzhou’s artistic and historic buildings.
Some of the artistic and historic buildings of this area such as the Huangpu Military Academy (China’s first military academy), Tianzi Dock (used hundreds of years ago for greeting officials), the Xinghai Concert Hall (a great place to see elegant but unusual appearances), and the Historic Site in Shamian (which has hundreds of buildings in various architectural styles inside) are remarkable.
Night Scene in Guangzhou
When nighttime comes, you will encounter a whole different exciting scenery. The night scene of Pearl River in Guangzhou is magnificent, and its beauty is considered to be equal with Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor. At nights, when the city nightlife begins, both banks of Pearl River would be blazed by lights.
You can also enjoy cool breezes at nights while enjoying the full of colors night view. The lights on the bridges resembling fantastic rainbows arching over the river is another highlight that would capture your attention. All these lights have positive effects on the surface of the Pearl River as well, especially when you can witness beautiful reflections on the water.
The river acts as a ribbon that links the beautiful scenery and historical sites along the way while showing you both Guangzhou City historical legacy and modern culture.
Cruising on Pearl River
In Guangzhou, you can take cruise ships to enjoy the beauty available on different levels. The following are the wharf Pearl River cruise ships where you can find one and take in the beauty of the river.
Xidi Wharf
What’s the Address?
Yanjiang West Road
How to get there by Bus?
Take the Sightseeing bus Xiguan Style Line to Xidi Matou
Or
you can take bus 1, 31, 57, 64, 128, 131A, 186, 208, 209, 217, 219, 552, 556, Guang 281 or Peak Express Line 78 to reach Nanfang Dasha.
How to get there by Metro?
Get on metro Line 6 to Cultural Park Station and walk for 5 minutes toward the southeast.
Tianzi Wharf
What’s the Address?
Yanjiang Middle Road, Taikang Street
How to get there by Bus?
Take Sightseeing bus Ancient City Line or bus 4, 57, 128, 131A, 208, or Tour Bus 2, to Tianzi Matou (Tianzi Wharf) Station.
How to get there by Metro?
Take Metro Line 2 or 6, leave at Haizhu Square Station and use Exit A.
Fangcun Wharf
What’s the Address?
20, Changdi Road
How to get there by Bus?
Take Peak Express Line 22, or bus 19, 52, 64, 181, 202, 206, 217, 236, 275, Guang 275A, 309A, 312, 309, 780, 782, 812, 838, 965, 966, 990, Fangcun Matou Zongzhan (Fangcun Wharf Terminal);
How to get there by Metro?
Get on Metro Line 1 to Fangcun Station and walk 10 minutes toward the northeast.
Dashatou Wharf
What’s the Address?
466, Yanjiang East Road
How to get there by Bus?
Get on bus 12, 35, 36, 57, 61, 80, 89, 125, 128, 131B, 184, 194,192, 208, 211, 221, 229, 247, 546, B21, or 864 to reach Dashatou Youchuan Matou Station.
How to get there by Metro?
Get on Metro Line 6 to Donghu Station and walk 10 minutes toward the south.
Zhongda Wharf
What’s the Address?
135, Xingang West Road
How to get there by Bus?
Get on bus 8, 11, 121A, 131A, 131B, 182, 229, 247, 266, Peak Express Line 59, Tour 1, or Tour 2 to Zhongda Beimen Xi Station.
As mentioned, the pearl river is very famous in China, especially its Guangzhou section. Have you ever been to Guangzhou before? how was your experience? don’t forget to share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comment section
