Guangdong is China's most populous province and its economic powerhouse, located in the far south along the South China Sea. It encompasses the vast Pearl River Delta megacity region, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan. The province is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, culture, and language, and has been the gateway between China and the world for centuries. From the UNESCO World Heritage Danxia Mountain to the gleaming skylines of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Guangdong offers a dizzying blend of ancient tradition and hyper-modern city life.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people warmly and learn a few local phrases.
- Respect religious and historic sites.
- Dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
- Ask permission before photographing individuals.
Don't
- Raise your voice in public — it's considered rude.
- Touch people on the head or point with your feet in religious settings.
- Refuse hospitality without a polite explanation.
- Wear revealing clothing in conservative areas.