Many have overlooked the city of Guangzhou in southern China and have relegated it as a pass through kind of city because of its rapid modernization, but do not get trapped and fall in this group. While it is true that the city is a bit of a business hub being the third largest city in the country, there are still great sights to be seen here during your China tour.

You could start with a tour of the site where the sixth patriarch was trained, that is the great Buddhist landmark called Guangxiao Temple that was constructed in the 19th century and has an immaculate garden that still holds its historical charm. Take a stroll through this lush garden and simply meditate.

Furthermore, there is the South China Botanical Garden if you cannot get enough of nature, established by famous Chinese botanist Chen Huanyong in 1929. This garden boosts of over 2,500 species of plants on 1,155 hectares of land. There are orchid gardens, magnolias, traditional herbs, bamboo and even a few endangered species of plants here for you to see and admire.

What about a tour around Shamian Island? This is a serene place with understated avenues lined with trees and monuments marking China's colonial era. It is surrounded by the Pearl River and there is a canal connecting it to the mainland. The island it relatively small; less than a kilometer from west to east and 300 meters south to north, but it is still worth a visit. There is a French Catholic and British protestant churches on either side of the island, along with bronze states that mimic times long past as well as more modern depictions.

Founded in 537, there is the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees to see. With its impressive pagodas, this Buddhist temple is popular with tourists and is just another reason to visit Guangzhou during your China tour.

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