With the length of more than 2,000 kilometers (about 1243 miles) the Pearl River (zhū jiāng 珠江)  is the third longest river in China. It is composed of four separate river systems: the Xi Rive (xī jiāng 西江) originatingfrom the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (yún guì gāo yuán 云贵高原), the Bei River (běi jiāng 北江), and the Dong River (dōng jiāng 东江) both originating from Jiangxi Province (jiāng xī shěng 江西省). These four rivers join up in Guangzhou City (guǎng zhōu shì 广州市), flow for about 70 kilometers, and then pour into the South Sea (nán hǎi 南海). The section flowing through Guangzhou City is the 'Pearl River' that most people are familiar with. In ancient times, the Pearl River was called 'The Pearl Sea' for its 2000 meters-wide (about 2187 yards) channel. Later, the channel gradually shrunk, and now it is only 180 meters wide (about 197 yards). The name Pearl River is said to derive from a huge boulder in the river bed. This rock, with the name of 'Sea Pearl', is so round and smooth that it looks like a large, shining pearl.

Today, with the modern development of Guangzhou, ten bridges span the Pearl River. Along both banks of the river, high-rise buildings such as star-grade hotels and modern shopping malls stand in great numbers. Passing through such a prosperous city, the Pearl River, unlike other rivers displaying only natural beauty, boasts the type of scenery that only belongs to a modern urban area. When night falls, the Pearl River immediately starts to look more interesting. The bridges, decorated by colorful shining neon lights, seem like fantastic rainbows spanning the river. On both banks, the nightlife of the city awakens. It becomes gorgeous with a blaze of lights. The water in the river reflects the magnificent lights in shimmering patterns. Cruise ships full of tourists ply the waters at a leisurely pace. Visitors enjoy the gentle cool breeze and soak up the colorful night view. The night scene on the Pearl River is almost on a par with Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong.

During the day, people can walk the 'Scenery Corridor'(fēng jǐng cháng láng 风景长廊) alongside the river, enjoying the beautiful water scenes. The corridor, about 23 kilometers (14 miles) long, is actually a dike built especially for appreciating the scenery. In addition to the attractive water scenes along the Pearl River, people can also find historic and artistic buildings in Guangzhou including the Huangpu Military Academy (huáng pǔ jūn xiào 黄埔军校), the first military academy in Chinese history, the Xinghai Concert Hall (xīng hǎi yīn yuè tīng 星海音乐厅), which boasts an unusual elegant appearance, the Historic Site in Shamian (shā miàn 沙面) which includes hundreds of buildings in different architectural styles), and Tianzi Dock (tiān zǐ gǎng 天子港) which was used for greeting officials hundreds of years ago).

The Pearl River is like a ribbon that connects the historical sites and beautiful scenery along the river and shows people both the modern culture and the historical legacy of Guangzhou City. 
 
   
Night Cruise along the Pearl River
Directions: Many boats depart from Xidi wharf on the northern side of the Pearl river. 
Most cab drivers will know how to get there.
Travelers can take buses No. 182, 184, 188, 192, 194, 125, 551, 12, 18, 36, 44, 4 (night bus), 287, 128, 208, 277, 546, 61, 80, 543, and 131 and get off at Dashatou Port bus stop.

There are two departures every night:
A: 18:30 -20:00, a buffet dinner will be supplied on board.
B: 20:30-22:00, tea and coffee are available on the ship for free.
Day Cruise is sometimes available on major holidays, Sunday, Saturday or even Peak tourism seasons.