Hi, I can only answer your question regarding HK and Macau. As I only visited Guangzhou twice and Shenzhen once, so I don’t know much about these two places. I was born in Macau and go back there once a year. A lot has changed over the past couple of years in Macau, especially Taipa where lots of new hotels with casinos are built. For Macau Island, the historical sites are the Facade of São Paulo and Monte Fort nearby as well as the A- Ma Temple. For HK, the main attraction is the Victoria Harbour, the Peak with the ride on the Peak Tram, however it’s under renovation for a few months. The tram takes you round the HK island from Western part to Eastern part. It’s the cheapest and most convenient way to see most of HK island. Ride on the ferry across the Victoria Harbour is also another main attraction. Central is the financial business sector where iconic Bank of China designed by IM Pei and Norman Foster’s HSBC headquarter is. There’s also hop on and bus to take you to many scenic places. Kowloon water front is spectacular at night, there’s also the avenue of Stars at Tsim Sha Tsui. Lots of shopping opportunities. Stanley is also another beautiful place with beaches. The big Buddha on Lantau Island is another attraction.

I've to confess I never travelled in China at the time of Qing Ming but I think the public transports never stop: China is not as "backward" as USA or France where strikes, days off etc. are common haha! Now 'bout the hotel indeed Guangzhou is quite expensive this is why I use to go at the Riverside International Youth Hostel, Changdi lu, Luju lu, Liwan dist, Guangzhou: they have dormitories as well as rooms: no need of being a member but in that case they make a discount. It is nicely situated on the banks of the Pearl River that one can cross by ferry (for 1y only) and reach Shamian island with the luxury Victory hotel & the shopping area. To reach there: metro line 1, Fangcun station, then by walk (enquire). Of course there are other hotels but more expensive and not so near the "old center".

Добрый день! Ближе всего к Canton Tower находится причал 466, Yue Jiang Xi Road (海珠区阅江西路222号). Если планы у Вас изменятся, то можно также сесть на кораблик рядом с островом Шамянь (который обязательно нужно посетить): причал Xidi, 144, YanJiang Xi Road,Yuexiu District ( 越秀区沿江西路144号) Дойти можно от станции метро Culturе Park (линия 6) или от станции Huangsha (линия 1, выход D), 15 минут пешком.

You'll land at Bayun Airport, Guangzhou. There you have the "metro" (subway) that takes you to the city center. If you like modern: go to the Tianhe side with Opera House, Guangzhou Library, Canton Tower. If you prefer ancient: the Chen Academy (Chenjia si) and temples nearby: Six Banians (Liurong si huata), Guangxiao si, Wuxian guan. If you still have time go to Shamian island near the Pearl River. For eating: I'm veg so my opinion is nul (or then order for "chaofan"). For hotel: there are hotels near the airport at medium prices or then go further down to the Bayun district or the Yuexiu park with, nearby, the Nan Yue King Mausoleum ( to see).

The ride on the Pearl River is best at night when you can see the lights from building on both sides of the river. I took my cruise at around 8:00 pm.

There are quite a few companies operating and I remember seeing some cruises in the day time while walking along the river. The most popular ones would be after dark like around 7p or after. If you stay in a hotel, the concierge should be able to give you specific schedule. The info booth of GZ Tourism at the airport shoul have flyers/brochures of various cruises.