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Night Cruise Along The Pearl River

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The third longest river, the Pearl River, measures 2,129 meters in length. The Guangzhou section of the river is where Guangzhou's most scenic spots are located. Many famous sights are clustered along the river and are the reasons for many people taking a trip to Guangzhou.

The Pearl River got its name from a huge rock island. When the thousand-metre long Pearl River cut through Guangzhou City a large rock island in the centre of the river was scoured over. Over time this became smooth and bright like a pearl, hence the rock being named "Sea Pearl Rock" and the river "Pearl River".

An interesting legend offers an alternative explanation of the rivers name. It was said that an Arabian merchant stole the valueless pearl of his country and came to sell it in Guangzhou. Since the pearl was the treasure of his nation, the Arabian State ordered his people to Guangzhou to bring the pearl back.

However, on their ship home, the magical pearl suddenly flew up and fell into the river. Later the pearl changed into a huge shining rock. The river was later named as Pearl River.

The river has a long history and nourishes the civilization of south China. Today standing on the banks of the river are star-graded hotels and commercial buildings, White Swan Hotel, Hotel Landmark Canton, Nanfang Mansion, Aiqun Hotel, Guangzhou Hotel, Gitic Riverside Hotel, all like sky-scrappers. In the evening, both banks are lit brightly joined occasionally by the bright moon hanging in the sky. Full of passengers, pleasure boats for the Pearl River cruise travel from the west to the east elegantly on the river, like playing happy melodies all together.

The evening cruise on the Pearl River is one of the tourist highlights in Guangzhou. The beauty of the Pearl River at night can be compared with that of Hong Kong's Victoria Park. The cruise section from the White Goose Pool to Guangzhou Bridge is the highlight of the Pearl River cruise. Scenery along this part is so fascinating, with jade-coloured water, coloured lights on shore.

During your cruise you can enjoy beautiful scenery with such romantic names as "Night Moon over the Goose Pool", "Misty Rain over the Twin Bridge", "Red Heart of the Pearl River", "Autumn Moon over the Pearl River", "Clear Waves on the Pearl River" and many more. To help you understand what you are seeing there is a detailed introduction to the 30-odd historical and cultural sites given on board by speakers, thus enabling you to sample a brief taste of the colourful local culture.

Travelers can take buses No. 182, 184, 188, 192, 194, 125, 551, 12, 18, 36, 44, 4 (night bus), 287, 128, 208, 277, 546, 61, 80, 543, and 131 and get off at Dashatou Port bus stop.

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Tips & articles

2011-05-23
The Pearl River The Pearl River has a length of more than 2,000 kilometers (about 1243 miles) and is the third longest river in China. It is composed of four separate river systems: the Xi River (originating from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau), the Liuxi River ...Read More
2011-05-20
The Opening Ceremony of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games at Haixinsha Square put on new fancy dresses to the landscapes on the banks of the Pearl River. It is learned that the night tour on the Pearl River recently became a hot hit. As a consequence, Guangzhou ...Read More
2011-05-20
The Opening Ceremony of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games at Haixinsha Square put on new fancy dresses to the landscapes on the banks of the Pearl River. It is learned that the night tour on the Pearl River recently became a hot hit. As a consequence, Guangzhou ...Read More

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Recent posts

by Dave 2011-05-20
The Water-themed opening ceremony of the Asian Games made the lighting landscape of Guangzhou City famous. Those who have failed to take the Pearl River Cruise during the Spring Festival should not feel disappointed. The fleet cruise ships have added a landing at Tianzi Wharf on Valentine's Day (Feb 14) and on the Lantern Festival (Feb 17). Besides, these ...
by Slender 2011-05-20
The Water-themed opening ceremony of the Asian Games made the lighting landscape of Guangzhou City famous. Those who have failed to take the Pearl River Cruise during the Spring Festival should not feel disappointed. The fleet cruise ships have added a landing at Tianzi Wharf on Valentine's Day (Feb 14) and on the Lantern Festival (Feb 17). Besides, these ...
by Kasim 2011-05-23
Open hour 8:00-21:30 Ticket Ticket: 100 yuan (263 meters visit the drawing room) , 135 yuan ( The second ball adds the historical exhibition hall in the city) , 150 yuan ( Third ball) ,The historical exhibition hall in the city costs 35 yuan. Children s fifty percent discount of under 1.2 meters, old man s evidence 40% discount off over 70. 19:30 20:30 p.m. ...