Find your bearings
Guangzhou only embarked on the path to modernity in the last decade, but it is barrelling down that path at incredible speed. TaiKoo Hui mall for a bite to eat and a bird’s-eye view of what the city has to offer.
Feed your mind
A magnificent synthesis of glass, granite and steel, the was designed by architect Zaha Hadid and features a steady stream of international drama troupes, touring musical productions and classical orchestras. Just across the way is the cuboid Guangdong Museum, a treasure chest of Chinese culture and handicrafts.
Shop like a local
Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou is situated in the same building as TaiKoo Hui, the city’s premier shopping mall, filled with international brands including Hermès, Fendi, Gucci and Armani. It also includes an array of restaurants and a supermarket which caters for all. In fact, all the best shopping sites are right on the hotel’s doorstep, including Tee Mall and Grandview Mall. Parc Central, a hybrid of green design and high-end retail, is an increasingly popular option thanks to its serene environment.