According to local legend, the river got its name from a huge boulder in the middle of the river, smoothed by water erosion to resemble a round pearl in the middle of the river. One of the most popular ways to enjoy the Pearl River in Guangzhou is by cruise, which allows you to pass beneath the 10 bridges that span the water while seeing landmarks, like the White Goose Pool and Canton Tower, from the water. Evening cruises can be combined with dinner or Cantonese opera performance for a full night out on the town.
To get to the Pearl River in Guangzhou, take the metro Line 2 or 6 to Haizhu Square Station and leave through Exit A. Several city buses make a stop at nearby Tianzi Matou (Tianzi Wharf) Station.
While boats ply the waters throughout the day, the best time to experience the sights of the river is at night, when the Guangzhou skyline is colorfully lit up.
Visitors who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground can still soak up the sights of the Pearl River by taking a stroll along the Scenery Corridor. This 14-mile (23-km) path is lined with historic points of interest, including the Huangpu Military Academy, Xinghai Concert Hall, and Shamian historic site.
