Guangzhou - best & classy dim sum, modern subway, colonial feel... but very much Mainland China

Finally- a new city.  We took a last minute train trip to Guangzhou a few hours away.  By far, its a bigger and more modern, lively metropolis compared to other Guangdong province cities (namely Zhuhai or Shenzhen).  The subway is impeccable and rapidly expanding. People dress better.  The restaurants look old China classic and some are actually clean! Possibly due to them hosting the Asian Games 2010 a few months ago.

But don't get me wrong, this is definitely still Mainland China.... I am starting to like more now.  That said, the train ride is really dirty.

There's a lot of history in Guangzhou area.  Apparently both the Communists (Mao) and the Nationalists (Sun Yat Sen) were based here. The colonial and chinese architecture is lovely, open parks, wide glitzy shopping areas, modern and historical food, etc.  There are 'copies' here and there of Hong Kong, including the waterfront laser show with music each evening.

https://picasaweb.google.com/irene.stephen.yang/Guangzhou#