2,129 kilometers in length, the 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".

The 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.

※ You can take enjoy the nightscapes of the Pearl River by boat, by car, or on foot. A boat ride costs between RMB 48 and RMB 188. You can also take Tour Bus No. 2 and views the sights from the bank. Alternatively, you can stroll along the river to Bai'etan while taking in the views along the way.

>> Related Attractions: To find out more about Guangzhou's landscapes and waterscape, you can go to the Baiyun Mountain. If you're interested in the lakes and creeks in the city, you may head for the Litchi Bay.