Stories
There's an interesting anecdote about Canton Tower: when they were collecting names, citizens voted for the nickname Little Waist. Although the official name is Canton Tower, everyone loves to call it that, it's affectionate and vivid. It is said that the design inspiration comes from the beauty of the human body's curves. The designer wanted the tower to be as elegant as a dancing girl, so the tower body was deliberately twisted. There's also a rumor that the tower's light show sometimes changes themes according to festivals, like New Year's countdown, visible across the city, becoming a shared memory for citizens. Also, the high-speed elevator inside the tower is amazingly fast, making you feel like you're flying, and it's a favorite among many children.
History
Construction of Canton Tower began in 2005, built for the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. At that time, it set multiple world records, such as the tallest tower and the fastest elevator. It was designed by Dutch architect Mark Hemel, using reinforced concrete and steel structure, with extremely strong wind and earthquake resistance. After completion, it quickly became Guangzhou's new landmark, replacing the Five Rams Statue as the representative of the city's image. From 2010 to now, Canton Tower has witnessed Guangzhou's rapid development and has become a must-visit place for domestic and international tourists. It is not just a building, but a symbol of Guangzhou's transformation from a traditional commercial city to an international metropolis.
Travel Tips
For visiting Canton Tower, I suggest setting aside 2 to 3 hours. The best time to go is from 4 PM to 8 PM, so you can see both the daytime and nighttime views. For transportation, take Metro Line 3 or the APM line to Canton Tower Station; the tower is right outside the exit, very convenient. Tickets need to be booked in advance on the official WeChat account or app. Holidays are especially busy, so try to avoid weekends and Golden Week; weekdays are less crowded and offer a better experience. A recommended route is to start from the bottom and work your way up: first take the sightseeing elevator to the 108th floor, then go on the Ferris wheel, and finally dine at the revolving restaurant. Dress comfortably, bring your camera, and note that the observation deck is windy, so keep warm. For photos, I recommend shooting the tower from across the river at Flower City Square, or from the riverside walkway below the tower, where you can capture reflections. For rest and refreshments, you can go to the café inside the tower to avoid peak-hour queues. Also, remember to check the weather forecast; rainy days will affect visibility.
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