Hi. I'm sort of in Guangzhou now (we're staying at the Chimelong Hotel in Panyu, in part due to my recommendation to the Chinese company to keep my client away from the hotel they put me up in last trip; KTV on 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors; putting us way out here is a bit of an overreaction on their part, but I guess I'm somewhat to blame for this plight).

In any event, in spite of the fact that I haven't had any free time yet, I've been impressed by the general buzz. In fact, I'm planning on staying here until at least Saturday in order to meet with a few prospective clients.

In closing, if you come here, especially to Panyu, be sure to pack a powerful insect repellent; the mosquitoes are truly ferocious!

If you can, try a restaurant called "Li Garden" (sorry, don't know the Chinese name). We were in Guangzhou for a week or two in January and ate there a number of times. Excellent food!

Well enjoy all your animals (non mosquito ones) at Chimelong! That is actually one of the better places to go in GZ. Do the night safari!

Today, I've moved onto the Pattra Resort, and have been very impressed... easily the best spa I've visited in China to date.

I think the big problem for U.S. citizens is having to get a China visa just to cross into Shenzhen and/or Canton. It's a hassle and it's expensive.

Since my reputation as a spa guru might be on the line, I'd like to qualify this remark. Basically, while I stand by it, I recognize the fact that there are surely better spas out there. What I liked most: impeccably clean water, good variety of pools, expensive zhuangxiu, views of the valley from almost every pool.

The primary reason for this post is to tip you guys off on the current wifi password for the Starbucks near gate A20:

2036067423

There's a snack shop within range (across from A22) which serves the gold label Tsingtao for Y20 per bottle (unfortunately, not very cold).

Moving on, I'm leaving GZ because I need a break from the 7a meetings and the constant barrage of exotic Cantonese foods. Speaking of food, I demanded a McDonald's visit yesterday because I was near my breaking point. I got my wish, my hosts were irritated, and the world kept turning.

I'm flying into NAY this evening on KN (my second time with that airline), and then it's back to PDX on Monday morning (on DL!).

IMO, Guangzhou has been way under rated as a tourist destination in China, competing high profile places such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin etc....

There are plenty to see and do for 3 days. Since you have 1 day and it will be at no cost to you, why not take the offer.
There are museums & art galleries; temples, Sun Yatsen Memorial, Chinese opera, night markets & thousands of restaurants. Eat in Guangzhou. Go for it.

I'd make it a 3-day trip.