Settling into a big city like Guangzhou takes a lot of time no matter who you are. Learning transportation routes, finding your favourite foods and getting an idea of entertainment options is a long process. Guidebooks and internet how-tos abound, but often cover the same old activities. If you've already exhausted the usual sights and scenes, here are a few quirky ideas for fun, lesser-known pastimes in Guangzhou.  

1) Go Ice Skating

When Guangdong's temperatures start to soar, take a refreshing spin around the ice at Glacier Bay in Tianhe District’s Grand View Mall. Individual and small group classes are also available. If skating's not your thing, chill out with a drink at one of the mall's cafes and watch others try their luck on the ice.

Glacier BayView In Map
Add: 5F, Grand View Mall, 228 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
地址 : 广州市天河区天河路228号, 5偻      
Tel: 020 383 31482, 020 383 30966
Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
Website: www.binghewan.com
Price: Adults 50 RMB; Children 40 RMB for 2 hour tickets. 68 RMB per person for unlimited use in one day.

2) Join a Club

Guangzhou boasts several organizations that might make you feel more at home and connect you to the local community. People looking for an informal bunch might check out the Hash House Harriers, an international drinking-and-running club. Ladies may be interested in joining the Guangzhou Women's International Club, which also provides opportunities for volunteering in the community.

Guangzhou Hash House Harriers
Open to: Anyone
Website:http://www.gzh3.net/
Email: gzhash@gmail.com

Guangzhou Women's International Club
Open to: Expatriate women and women married to expatriates
Website:http://www.gwic.org/
Email: webmaster@gwic.org

3) Visit Tibet for an Afternoon

Take some time to enjoy Tibetan culture at Shambhala Restaurant in Zhejiang New Town. Sample teas and vegetarian cuisine from China's 'Western Treasure Box' and while away a few hours admiring the interesting décor and listening to soothing mountain music.

ShambhalaView In Map
Add: 2F, Stars Bldg., 172 Huasui Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou
地址:广州珠江新城华穗路172号星辰大厦2楼
Tel: 020 288 69000, 020 288 69111
Opening hours: 11:00-02:00
Getting there: Take metro line 3 or 5 to Zhujiang New Town Metro Station, exit B1

4) Commune with a Panda (or 10)

Need a little time-out? There's nothing like China's national animal to show you that all your worries are no more important than the next feeding time. Hang out and watch these roly-poly creatures at Guangzhou's Zoo or at the Chimelong Xiangjiang Safari Park.

Guangzhou Zoo广州动物园 View In Map
Add: 120 Xianlie Zhonglu, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
地址：广州市越秀区先烈中路120号
Opening hours: Daily, 08:00-18:00
Price: Adults 20 RMB; Children (1.2 meters – 1.5 meters tall) 10 RMB for the zoo alone; 30-50 RMB per person for the zoo + animal performances or Goldfish World; 120 RMB for the Ocean World and zoo.
Website: www.gzzoo.com
Getting there: Take metro line 5 to Guangzhou Zoo station.

Chimelong Xiangjiang Safari Park 广州香江野生动物园View In Map
Add: Dashi, Panyu District, Guangzhou
地址: 广州市番禺区大石
Tel: 020 8478 3333
Opening hours: Daily, 09:30-19:00
Price: Adults 180 RMB; Children (1.2 meters to 1.5 meters tall) and senior citizens over 65 years old 90 RMB
Website: http://xjzoo.com.cn/
Getting there: take metro line 3 to Hanxi Changlong station (汉溪长隆站).

5) Go Speed Dating

If you're still feeling lonely after the pandas, you could try your luck at finding a human partner. Events coordinator Initiative Public Relations has begun offering speed-dating events. To check on upcoming dates and locations for when you could meet your next date, email them.

Initiative Public Relations
Email: ipreventsgz@gmail.com

6) Learn to Belly Dance

Middle-Eastern style belly dance has been growing in popularity as a work-out and as a performance art in China for several years now, and odds are it's now taught at a fitness club near you. Learn to control your belly muscles, work those hips and sweat off the pounds to sensual music. This is traditionally a women-dominated dance, but men might also get a kick out of the classes. Many gyms and dance studios offer belly dancing lessons, for example the Total Fitness branch at Grand View Mall. If you're still feeling footloose after those shimmies, they also offer classes in Chinese folk and Latin dances.

Total Fitness (Grand View Mall Branch) View In Map
Add: 8F, Center Atrium, Grandview Mall, 228 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
地址：广州市天河区天河路228号，8偻
Tel: 020 383 61688
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00-22:00
Price: 80 RMB per day to use all gym facilities, including fitness classes; 788 RMB per month for unlimited use
Website: www.totalfitness.com.cn 

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Keywords: Guangzhou Entertainment; Activities in Guangzhou unusual activities Guangzhou things you didn’t know you could do Guangzhou