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Guangzhou boasts rich tourism resources with its natural beauty and profound history. If you plan to go to Guangzhou during the 2010 Asian Games, here's some basic information that you should know about the city. Liao Jibo has more.

Guangzhou, or the City of Five Goats, originated from a trade port some 2,200 years ago. It is also called the Flower City for its various floras that thrives in all seasons because of warm temperatures throughout the year.

Nestling in the mountains and overlooking the sea, Guangzhou is regarded as a perfect geomantic omen for prosperity. Since ancient times, it has been an important political, military, economic and cultural center in southern China. It is also one of China's busiest transportation hubs and an ideal place for holidaymakers.

In 1982, Guangzhou was listed by the State Council, China's Cabinet, as one of the country's first historical and cultural cities. In 1998, it was selected as an excellent tourism city in China.

Tao Ziji is Vice-chairman of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee.

"Guangzhou is one of China's most important tourism destinations. Its tourism industry has boomed in recent years with its economic output ranking among the top tourism cities in China."

In 2008 alone, Guangzhou received 110 million visitors. The economic output of its tourism industry reached some 84 billion yuan, or 1.2 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for some seven percent of the national total.

Xiao Xing, a teacher at Guangzhou University attributes the prosperity to the city's rich and unique tourism resources.

"The prosperous tourism industry in Guangzhou is characterized by White Cloud Mountain, the Pearl River and numerous historical sites, as well as the unique Guangdong-style landscapes and architecture."

Thanks to its good geographical position, Guangzhou is famous for its natural beauty as well as numerous historical sites. It is where the ancient Maritime Silk Road originated. It is also the birthplace of many of modern China's revolutionary events and a pioneer in the country's three decades of reform and opening up.

Guangzhou is regarded as a paradise for shopping and Cantonese food, one of the world's most famous gourmet cuisines.

It has some 400 tourism spots and attractions. With a wide variety of tourism programs and products, the tourism industry in Guangzhou has contributed greatly to the overall development of the local economy and culture.

The 2010 Asian Games, which will be held in the city next December, are expected to attract a large number of visitors from home and abroad.

Here's Ma Xiangcheng, a local tourism official, talking about some of the most popular tourism attractions for foreign visitors.

"There are mainly four categories for visitors from Asia and the rest of the world-namely cultural and historical sites, leisure and entertainment programs like golf, sightseeing tours around the town and countryside, Cantonese cuisine, and farmhouse stay in rural Guangzhou."

Ma says there are 12 golf courses in Guangzhou, and December is the best season for outdoor sports.

Daniel Morris from Congo has been in Guangzhou for eight months and says he likes everything about the place.

"Guangzhou is a very lovely city. The people here are very friendly, and the parks are very nice with beautiful views. The White Cloud Mountain is very special, and the night cruise on the Pearl River is really beautiful, which is what I like the best."

Morris says everyone who visits Guangzhou will like it.