The Cantonese Cupid: How to Spend Valentine’s Day in Guangzhou

Oh, the fourteenth of February: the time of roses, proses, love-potion doses. The eye sockets of every love-fool grow wider and the egos of every greeting-card company grow snider.  
For a romantic romp that only a Cantonese Cupid could whip up, ye olde Guangzhou offers a few places worthy of the blood red stamp of Eros' approval.  If wining, dining…and respectable ways of passing away the timing…happen to be your passion, direct your rosy-fleshed person to some of the more sultry stages the city of Guangzhou has to offer. 

"D" is for Delicious Dinner

Photo: blogspot.com

If your palatial predilections are pining for a European-esque plate, shoot your arrow in the direction of the following locales; all have cozy, candlelit patios (if you'd prefer to snuggle away the winter chill) as well as warm, mellow indoor ambiances. Wilber's, on Zhusigang Er Ma Lu (竹丝岗儿马路), emulates an Italian viscus; sure to satisfy even the most romantic Capulet.   For a heartier heart-felt occasion, 1920 on Yanjiang Zhong Lu (沿江中路)offers a woodsy, peaceful way to share a bite of bratwurst and a sip of beer just across the street from enchanting river scenes.  No 9. Garden on Jianshe Liu Ma Lu (建设六马路) has a Verona worthy veranda and always pulses with the energy of passion during this time of year.

If Asian happens to be your persuasion, Vaastu's Indian fare will light the flame in one's eye and the restaurant offers a set Valentines Course, with discounted bottles of red wine and a candlelit couples' special for 388 RMB. Silk Thai on Tianhe Bei (天河北路) can certainly help curry up a canoodle; upscale, roomy and reasonable, it might not be a Samui sunset, but can do the trick nonetheless.

"P" is for Promising Promenades

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If you aren't quite sure where to cast those come hither eyes, then simply follow the river. 
Shamian Island and Yanjiang Zhong Lu both lovingly lap out promising promenades; you can stroll by the river and soak in the evening illuminations dancing on the sleepy river. This area, with its expansive strip of clubs, is also the perfect place for lovers to shake those late night tail feathers. Litchi Bay, in old Liwan, is a renovated addition to GZ's atmosphere of amour; with gondola-style boat rides, quaint shops selling traditional items and the glowing rosy hues of hanging lanterns, it's a nice way to emulate the ancient lovers' walks that took place centuries before. It also has easy access; the Zhongshanba stop on metro line five or bus 66 to Pantang are the lifts to take to your Litchi Bay liaison.

The garden area in between Tianhe Dong Lu and Tianhe Nan Lu (behind Grandview Mall) is splayed with glowing, crimson cafes; all offer eclectic décor and comfy seats from which to gaze endearingly.  Aside from these little gathering gems, there are also spots available for those infatuated with a more serious dining experience.  Jardin d'Olive on 48 Tiyu Xi (体育西路48号) offers French cuisine that is complimented by a bistro-like setting and a viney, softly illuminated patio; the generous glass of wine at 38 RMB is something to wink at. Closer to the Tianhe Dong end of this garden area is the newer Piz'a Inn (天河南一路108号), a warm little nestle with decent Italian food, a cocktail list and bottles of wine for upwards 168 RMB.

"H" is for High-rise Heaven
If a room with a view is the choice of rendezvous, (and Cupid doesn't mind kissing out a bit more cash), the high-rise restaurants at the Garden and Westin Hotels are gastronomically complete with buffet options including aphrodisiacs like raw oyster bars. The China Hotel's Prime  is the spot to indulge in some sexy steak, and the adjacent Sapphire Lounge whips up the kind of martini that can get anyone saying yes to anything. The Canton Tower in Zhujiang New Town, with its twisting, trysting curvature, already exudes erotica and is a sight worth a look, (and, with all humility, is definitely a better-dressed date than the Eiffel). You can enjoy the fine dining on the 105th floor and enjoy your reduced jus while eyeing in views of GZ only shared by Aphrodite. 

If you'd like to add a twist of funk to your romantic interlude, the Tibetan restaurant behind the Holiday Inn (on Huanshi Dong Lu| 环市东路) has an earthy, rustic feel that soaks in the vibe of what togetherness ought to be. Yak may not be customary Valentine's Day fare, but that doesn't mean you can't grab the bull by the horns. The artful atmosphere and homey cuisine will reap no regrets.

And for all you Anti-tines out there, don't let the day of amour get you sore:  all of the above listed are totally single-friendly. Take yourself out on a date or grab some friends and soak in the ample atmosphere. Enjoy some glasses and embrace the best of what the expat and local culture has to offer.

So go hence, to these happy Guangzhou events. And hey, regardless of how it all goes, at least you've made it through to read these last little lines…unlike Romeo.
 

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