Pearl River

Introducing Pearl River
2,129 kilometers in length, Guangzhou Pearl River is the third longest river in China and the second largest in terms of annual flow capacity. Legend has it that where the Pearl River flowed through Guangzhou sits a gigantic stone island. Gradually washed and eroded by the roaring water, the stone becomes slick and smooth and is shaped like a pearl. Thus is the origin of the name “Sea Jewel”.

Pearl River Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Zhujiang 珠江
• Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Cruise, Sightseeing
• Opening Hours: 18:00-22:30
• Entrance Fee: Free; Price for river cruise varies
• Address: Downtown Guangzhou, Guangdong Province

What to expect at Pearl River

Guangzhou Pearl River consists of a variety of tributaries, the most famous of which are the East River, the West River and the North River. Converging in Guangzhou, the three reputed tributaries give birth to a city with mind-numbing beauty. Originally, the Pearl River referred to only a river section that stretched from Guangzhou to the estuary. Later on, the name was used to signal the West River, the North River, the East River and other rivers of the Pearl River Delta. Originated from Maxiong Mountain of Zhanyi County in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province, the West River flows through Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Merged with the North River in Sanshui of Guangdong, the two tributaries empty into the South China Sea from eight estuaries of the Pearl River Delta region.

Scenic Spots near the Pearl River
Pearl River Night Cruise, Shamian Island, Haizhu Square, Tianzi Pier, Dongshanhu Park, Haiyin Park, Gold Coast Water Park, Haixinsha, Canton Tower, etc.

Pearl River Night Cruise
Pearl River Night Cruise is a tourism project with Guangzhou characteristics. When night falls, the city is shrouded in glaring light. Luxury cruise ships depart from Xiti Pier near Remin Bridge and sail eastwards, passing through Jiefang Bridge, Haizhu Bridge, Jiangwan Bridge, Guangzhou Bridge, Hedong Bridge. In the two-hour journey, tourists are exposed to an array of natural and man-made scenic spots, including White Swan Lake, White Swan Lake Bar Street, Western-style houses in Shamian, Shadow Tower, Aiqun Building and Er’sha Island.

How to get to Pearl River

To Tianzi Wharf
• Take bus No. 1, 4, 57, 61, 183, 194, 208, 219, 281, 544 or Tourist Line 2 to Tianzi Matou Sation.
• Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Haizhu Square Station (Exit A).

To Xidi Wharf
• Take bus No. 31, 38, 181, 186, 202,217, 219, 227, 236, 239, 251, 281, 288, 527, 538, 541, 556 or 823 to get the wharf.

To Dashatou Wharf
• Take bus No. 7, 12,36, 44, 57, 61, 80, 89, 92. 128, 131, 182, 184, 194, 208, 287, 543, 546 or Tourist Line 2 to get the wharf.
• Take Metro Line 6 and get off at Donghu Station (Exit B2).

To Haixinsha East Wharf (Pearl River Red Boat: enjoy Cantonese opera performance)
• Take bus No. 293, 499 or 886 and get off at Haixinsha Gongyuan Station.
• Take bus No. 44, 138 or 777 and get off at Linjiang Dadao Station.

Additional travel advice on Pearl River
• Keep your passport on you to claim the ticket and boad the ship.