The Pearl River (Zhūjiāng) earned its poetic name from a legendary rock formation that once rose proudly from its waters near Guangzhou. For centuries, a massive sandstone outcrop—polished smooth by the river’s currents—glistened like a pearl under the sun, earning it the name “Sea Pearl Rock” (海珠石). This natural landmark became so iconic that the surrounding waters were called the “Pearl River”—a name that eventually extended to the entire 2,200-km waterway.
Though the original rock was destroyed in the 1930s during urban expansion, its legacy lives on in Guangzhou’s culture. Today, a bronze monument marks its former location near Haizhu Bridge, where locals still recount tales of the glittering stone that named their city’s lifeline.
From Ancient Trade Route to Modern Metropolis
Long before skyscrapers lined its banks, the Pearl River served as South China’s gateway to the world. As early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), foreign merchant ships sailed up its waters to trade in Guangzhou’s bustling ports. The river’s tides carried silk, ceramics, and spices—wealth that built the city into a global hub.
A Living Postcard: Guangzhou’s Pearl River Today
By day, the river hums with energy as cargo ships churn toward the delta and commuter ferries dart between piers. The occasional dragon boat team slices through the currents, their synchronized paddles flashing in the sunlight. But as twilight falls, the river undergoes a magical transformation, its surface becoming a liquid mirror for one of China’s most spectacular urban panoramas.
Must-Do Experience: The Pearl River Night Cruise
No visit to Guangzhou is complete without a nighttime voyage along its glittering artery. Departing from multiple piers along the waterfront, these cruises offer front-row seats to the city’s most dazzling sights:
Architectural Marvels:
White Swan Hotel (白天鹅宾馆): China’s first five-star hotel (1983), its curved façade resembling unfurled wings over Shamian Island
Nanfang Mansion (南方大厦) – The 1922 Art Deco pioneer that once dominated as Guangzhou’s tallest building
Canton Tower (广州塔): The 600-meter-tall “Lady of the Pearl River” puts on a nightly light show, her slender waist cinched like a qipao as she dances with colors
Bridging the waters, four generations of spans stand shoulder-to-shoulder:
- Haizhu Bridge (1933): The city’s first river crossing, rebuilt after war damage with distinctive steel trusses spanning 486 meters
- Renmin Bridge (1967): A 701-meter concrete bridge reflecting the architectural ethos of its era, now enhanced with golden nighttime lighting
- Jiefang Bridge (1998): A sleek cable-stayed bridge stretching 976 meters, representing Guangzhou’s late-20th century modernization
Cultural Highlights:
Shamian Island: A colonial-era time capsule with tree-lined avenues and European architecture
Haixinsha Island: Site of the spectacular 2010 Asian Games opening ceremony
Pro Tips for Visitors:
Best viewing times: Board at 7:15pm to witness the city’s gradual illumination
Prime seating: Upper deck starboard side offers uninterrupted Canton Tower views
Local flavor: Try a Zhujiang Beer, brewed locally since 1985, as you cruise
Budget option: The 2-yuan ferry from Xingang Pier offers authentic local perspectives
Key Distinction:
The Pearl River System: The vast 2,200-km network spanning six provinces
Guangzhou’s Pearl River: The iconic urban stretch where history and modernity converge