Did you ever yearn to take a cruise after seeing The Love Boat on cable TV? Was there something about those sexy white-haired captains or young bikini-clad ladies that got your blooding rushing? Of course, not all of us have the privilege to hop on a cruiser and majestically set sail in search of love (unless your name happens to be Captain Stubing.) But then again, with one of the nation's most iconic rivers at our doorstep, it's no wonder we're all getting that summer-evening-cruise feeling.
So, just skip on down to the Pearl River and feast your eyes on the old and new icons that imbue the city with sparkling charm
(under incredibly gaudy yet picturesque neon lights.) Clichéd as it may sound, it's amazingly romantic and soothing to watch the Guangdong world go by and feel the breeze in your hair. For cynics out there, Guangzhou may not look all that much by day, but once night falls an illuminated boat cruise is a stunningly brilliant way to dine the dusk away.
A word of warning: the information we provide below is only an indication. Cruise schedules and prices often vary during public holidays and can change according to demand/weather conditions. Please check at the wharfs for updated information and turn up at least 30 minutes before departure time. For the ultimate voyage, BYO drinks and snacks. All aboard!

Secret boat parties
During these sultry summer evenings there's one thing you can count - the rockin' monthly boat party! It's currently the talk of Guangzhou town, and for good reason. The Spirit-Napoleon Boat Parties are the brainchild of yes, you guessed it, Frenchmen Eric and Gilles. What began as a test project back in September 2007 has now become an intoxicating institution. But remember, it's all very hush hush. Invites are sent via SMS and through the grapevine, and you have to know the right people (which we're sure you already do). However, in orderto not spoil the party for everybody else, remember: mum's the word...

Where: Tianzhi Wharf (Beijing South Road / Yanjiang Zhong Lu, opposite Honey Club)
Entry Charge: 50RMB, only for men, does not include a drink. Free for women (as usual).
Capacity: 200 people (max). Departure Time: Anywhere from 10.30pm-3.30am. The cruise will moor every 15-30 minutes, depending on the amount of partygoers waiting to be picked up at the wharf.
Music: House/Techno with resident DJ Mauro Molinari from Italy Drinks: basic alcoholic mixes (gin/tonic, whisky/cola) at 50RMB, 30RMB for beers, 500 RMB for Spirit Napoleon 600RMB for vodka, and 700RMB for Whisky.
Booking Tables: email: gilles@spiritnapoleon.com. To be on the SMS distribution list, simply email with your details and you will be updated a few days before each party.

RIVER KNOWLEDGE

For ticket and booking inquiries on the Pearl River, or to rent
cruises or yachts for private parties (approx 3,000RMB/hour)
dial 8333 2222 / 8337 7678. Or call Jeanie Ho (English
speaking) on 3497 8039.
Address: Tianzi Wharf, Beijing South Road / Yanjiang Zhong
Lu, opposite Honey Club.

Schedules from Tianzi Wharf (Tianzi Matou)

Lake cruises
For those who simply want to enjoy a refreshing day of boating and relaxing in the sun without chucking up beer over the prow, try one of Guangzhou's many green havens, specifically Yuexiu Park, Dongshan Lake and Luhu Lake Park.
Surrounded by lush greenery and set in the heart of the city, these three parks boast of expansive and intricate man-made lakes that won't send your sea legs wobbling all the way home.