3 days in Guangdong

Day two: Zhuhai 

The Meixi Royal Stone Archways is a great place to visit in Zhuhai. It is a key historical site under state protection. The monuments are situated at the former residence of Chen Fang (Chun Afong), a Chinese merchant and China's first consul in Hawaii. As a tourist attraction, the archways combine the commemoration of celebrities with folk custom exhibitions and cultural relics protection. The tourism zone includes the plaza of the Meixi Royal Stone Archways, the residence with family history on display, and Chen Fang's garden. The buildings combine Chinese and Western elements. There are also the Waxworks Hall of Historical Figures of Zhuhai and a Folk House exhibition.

A photo of the Meixi Royal Stone Archways. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Another great tourism attraction you don't want to miss in Zhuhai is the Fisher Maiden statue, which is considered the symbol of Zhuhai. Voluptuously outstretched above the waves curving into Xianglu Bay in the eastern downtown section of Xiangzhou, she extends a glistening silver pearl toward the heavens, manifesting enlightenment for people here and beyond the seas. This enrapturing monument of love is the masterpiece of Pan He, China's renowned sculptor. Created in 1982, it is carved from 10 tons of granite in 70 pieces stacked to a height of 8.7 meters.

In the afternoon, you can tour the New Yuanming Palace (Zhuhai Cultural Park), which is composed of 18 sites simulating those of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan) in Beijing on a 1:1 scale and costing 600 million yuan. It is open to the public free of charge. Occupying 600,000 square meters, the building complexes comprise royal palaces, gardens in the Jiangnan (the region south of the Yangtze River) style, and European structures. There are over 40 scenic spots, including Fuhai Lake at the center. A panoramic epic show, Reminiscing of the Old Summer Palace, is performed at the central theater in the evening, requiring an admission ticket.

A photo of New Yuanming Palace in Zhuhai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]