guangzhou travel guide

• Attractions
• Top 10 Things to Do
• 12 Best Places to Visit
• Transportation
• Travel Tips
• 1 Day City Tour
• Night Cruise on Pearl River
• 1 Day to Chimelong Park
• 3 Days Guangzhou Tour
• 5 Days Guangzhou & Guilin

Guangzhou Attractions - Things to Do

Guangzhou, with the nickname of the “City of Five Rams” or the “City of Flowers”, is a migrant city filled with flowers, modern high rises, delicate foods, and stylish boys and girls but yet keeps its traditional lifestyle in some parts. As a glamorous travel destination, Guangzhou owns a large number of tourist attractions, either focusing on natural landscapes or cultural heritages. History buffs always like to explore the Shamian Island with European flavor, the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family showing the clan culture and history of Guangzhou, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in memory of the Father of Chinese modern democracy, and the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, which boasts over 10,000 pieces of funerary objects.   Well, if you are more fond of natural scenery, Guangzhou attractions will not disappoint you either. The White Cloud Mountain consisting of more than 30 peaks ranks as the most beautiful mountain in Guangzhou. The Yuexiu Park, where the landmark Five-Ram Sculpture is set, offers enchanting mountain and lake sceneries. At night, be sure to take a cruise on the Pearl River so that you will fully take in the charm of this dynamic city. Food is another Guangzhou tourist attraction. Locals lead a slow life pace and have the habit of eating Yum Cha. While enjoying tea, they tend to select an assortment of exquisite desserts as the side dishes. Nowadays, tourists also follow this tradition and enjoy Yum Cha in the time-honored restaurants. The prawn dumplings, steamed creamy custard buns, barbecued pork buns, and steamed chicken feet are the favorites of most tourists.

Top 5 Guangzhou Attractions

• The largest park in Guangzhou, well suitable for a leisurely walk.
• Visitors can see the Five-Ram Sculpture in the park, one of the most famous icons of Guangzhou.
• The main tourist attractions include the Zhenhai Tower, the seven hills, the three artificial lakes, and ancient city wall ruins.
• The Guangzhou Museum is inside the park, and the Guangxiao Temple is nearby, so that tourists can visit them together.

• It is like a small European town presenting the history of Guangzhou during the colonial period.
• It used to be an important international trading port in ancient times and became the concessions of the British and French in the 19th century.
• Over 150 European style buildings can be found on the island and western elements prevail in the statues, wooden chairs, flowerbeds, and fountains on streets.
• There are beautiful cafes, restaurants, churches, and bars, providing good places for taking pictures.

• A dreamlike world suitable for tourists of all ages.
• It is made up of the Chimelong Paradise, Chimelong Safari Park, Chimelong Water Park, Chimelong International Circus, and Chimelong Birds Park.
• The Chimelong Safari Park is the largest wild life park in Asia, inhabited by over 500 species of rare animals, including giant pandas, the national treasure of China.
• In Chimelong Paradise, tourists can enjoy all kinds of thrilling rides and test their courage; besides, there is a section dedicated for kids.

• The White Cloud Mountain, consisting of more than 30 hills, is a famous place for spring outing in Guangzhou.
• You can have a bird’s view of Guangzhou at the top of this mountain.
• The spectacular wonder of mists shrouding the whole mountain will appear after rain or in late spring.
• Tourists can have fun in the entertainment activities offered by the scenic area, like grass skilling, bumper car ride and bungee jumping.

• It’s the largest, best-preserved and most beautiful Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) clan architecture in Guangzhou.
• The temple keeps the original architectural style and serves as Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, thus providing a good place to learn the traditional culture of Guangzhou.
• The superb wood, brick, pottery, copper, and iron carvings are scatted on the roofs, corridors, and courtyards. The colorful sculptures on the roofs are particularly eye-catching.
• Murals are another attraction worth visiting in the temple.

Hot Guangzhou Attractions

More Attractions in Guangzhou

• historical sites
• modern sites
• natural scenery
• religious sites
• Baishui Village
• Baomo Garden
• Guangdong Museum
• Guangxiao Temple
• Guangzhou Ocean World
• Guangzhou Zoo
• Huaisheng Mosque
• Lingnan Impression Park
• Nansha Tin Hau Palace
• Nanyue Garden
• Shawan Ancient Town
• South China Botanical Garden
• South Sea God Temple
• Sunflowers Garden
• Yuyin Garden

Recommended Itineraries to Explore Guangzhou Attractions

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Home » Asia » China » Guangzhou

14 BEST Places to Visit in Guangzhou (2024)

Guangzhou is a port city that’s an important entrance and exit in and out of China. That’s why it’s a great stop to make when you explore this huge country. The food is amazing, and you’ll find an amazing array of great places to visit in Guangzhou, as well as a fascinating, unique culture that will make you eager to explore the rest of the country.

Traveling anywhere in China isn’t always easy. Once you get outside of the major cities, you’ll encounter a language barrier, and the culture is very different to what you’ll find back home. These differences can make some people reluctant to travel to Guangzhou, but it shouldn’t. The richness of the culture, the food, the unusual sites, they all makeup what’s so exciting about exploring this amazing country. And to help you find those sites, we’ve created this list.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Guangzhou:

These are the best places to visit in guangzhou, faq on the best places to visit in guangzhou.

Yuexiu is the oldest part of the centre of Yuexiu and used to be the old walled city of Guangzhou back in the day. As Guangzhou is the largest city in the Guangdong Province

• Head to Yuexiu Park to look at the remains of the old city wall
• Learn more about Chinese culture at the Guangzhou City Art Museum
• Shop til you drop on Beijing Road

This sparkling metropolis of fun and festivities is home to some amazing accommodation options as well as a light-up rainbow tower. Be sure to check out where to stay in Guangzhou and make sure you nab somewhere close to your favourite attractions.

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#1 – Canton Tower

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• One of the best places to visit in the city for amazing views.
• This tower is also home to some extreme challenges if you’re looking for an adrenalin rush!

Why it’s so awesome: This tower has become one of the most popular and visible landmarks in Guangzhou. It’s 600 meters tall and from the top, you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire city. There are also some attractions on the top floor that will excite even the most jaded adrenalin junkie and this is one attractions that should be on every Guangzhou itinerary !

What to do there: If you head over to this tower at sunset, then you’ll be treated to the most amazing viewed around. But if you want to take advantage of the activities, it might be better to go during the day. The tower boasts the world’s tallest horizontal sky wheel, a transparent spiral aerial ladder called the Spider Walk, and the Sky Drop. This is an attraction that will let you experience a 30-meter free fall from 485 meters up. This is the highest vertical free fall in the world, so it’s a Guangzhou must-do for anyone with a really strong stomach!

#2 – The Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family – What to do in Guangzhou if you are alone/traveling solo

• This is a Guangzhou must-do if you’re interested in history.
• The temple was built in 1888 and remains mostly intact today.

Why it’s so awesome: This temple was built to provide accommodation for the students of the Chen family when they were preparing to take the imperial examination. Despite that, it’s a beautiful, ornate building with enough delicate, intricate features to be something much more important and impressive! That’s why it’s one of the most interesting hotspots in Guangzhou for tourists.

What to do there: Take a couple of hours and just explore. The details on this building will amaze you, from the wooden, brick and stone carvings to the pottery sculptures. If you’re an art lover, you’ll also enjoy the colorful paintings, which are done in a range of Chinese styles.

#3 – Shamian Island – What to do in Guangzhou if you love architecture

• This city has a long and varied history and nowhere is this clearer than on Shanmian Island.
• This is the ideal spot for a short day trip from the city.

Why it’s so awesome: You probably wouldn’t expect to find an enclave of European architecture outside of the main cities in China. But when you travel to Guangzhou, you’ll see how this port city has been influenced by trade with other parts of the world. It’s filled with 150 buildings in a variety of European architectural styles including new baroque, neo-classical, and pseudo-Gothic styles.

What to do there: If you want to wander and relax, this place should be at the top of your list of where to go in Guangzhou. The scenery is great, combining the best aspects of China and Europe, and the atmosphere is relaxed. You’ll also find a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and bars where you can try some food, have a drink, and just soak in the atmosphere.

#4 – White Cloud Mountain – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Guangzhou

• This is the preferred weekend spot for locals who want to exercise out in nature.
• If you love to hike, you’ll find lots of hiking trails and amazing views at this mountain area.

Why it’s so awesome: This is the most famous mountain in the city of Guangzhou. It’s also a preferred weekend trip for the locals. The biggest draws are the hikes and views. The mountain has more than 30 peaks, each of them with some spectacular views. There are also electrical cars if you get tired of walking and want an easier way to get up or down.

What to do there: If you enjoy hiking, take the trail up to Moxing Ridge. It offers spectacular views of the entire city, especially on days after rain when the white clouds cluster around the peak. There are 7 main scenic areas in total, all of them accessible by trail, and the area is particularly beautiful in the spring when there are blossoms everywhere.

#5 – Beijing Road – Where to go in Guangzhou with friends!

• The best place to visit in Guangzhou if you have a little extra money and want to spend it!
• This street is lined with designer brands and places to eat and drink when you get tired of shopping.

Why it’s so awesome: People in China love designer brands and almost every city has its hotspot for high-end shopping. In Guangzhou, that shopping center is on Beijing Road. This road is designed for tourists, with lots of international brand clothes, souvenirs, and jewelry.

#6 – Yuexiu Park – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Guangzhou

• Chinese cities tend to be crowded and polluted, so spend some time in this park if you want a breath of fresh air.
• The park is filled with sculptures, lakes, mountains and trees, so it is the perfect place to relax.

Why it’s so awesome: Chinese cities need parks to offset the busyness and the pollution, and Yuexiu Park is the largest in Guangzhou. The stunning natural surroundings foster a laid-back atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to relax. You can also wander and take in the historic sculptures or the museum on site.

What to do there: You can take a picnic and relax in the park, but make sure you explore it too. The park contains the Five Rams Sculpture, which is iconic and is the symbol of the city. There’s also a museum and old city wall in the park. You’ll have to pay a small fee if you decide to go to the museum, but it’s a great open when you’re visiting Guangzhou with kids.

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#7 – Chimelong Tourist Resort – Awesome place to visit in Guangzhou with kids!

• This tourist resort is the perfect place to take the kids and know that they’ll be occupied all day!
• The resort includes a series of theme parks including a water park and a huge amusement park.

Why it’s so awesome: if you want to get all your theme park hours in one day, then spend that day at the Chimelong Tourist Resort. This is where all the themes parks live in Guangzhou. It includes Chimelong Paradise, a world-class amusement park, an International Circus with amazing night shows, and a water park. So, no matter what your kids are into, they’ll have a great time, which is why this is one of the best places to visit in Guangzhou.

What to do there: Prepare for an active day in this tourist resort, put on your walking shoes, and gird your stomach. There’s a huge range of things to do and see, so make sure you arrive early. Spend some time in the amusement park, and the water park and stay until night so you can see one of the circus performances.

#8 – Shangxiajiu Street – A great place in Guangzhou if you love to shop!

• A huge shopping area where you’ll see more locals than tourists.
• The shops mostly sell domestic brands, and you’ll find some great Korean, Japanese, and Chinese clothing and goods.
• Bargaining is definitely recommended.

Why it’s so awesome: This street is a little off the usual tourist trail, which is why it’s one of the best hotspots in Guangzhou if you’re looking to spend some money. It’s popular with the locals, the prices are cheaper, and it’s also extremely noisy, so be prepared to have your eardrums assaulted.

What to do there: This is a great area to pick up clothes and souvenirs. Make sure that you bargain to get the best price and don’t worry about hurrying either. This shopping area is open until around 11.30 at night. It also covers about 10 streets in all, so make sure that you’re wearing comfortable shoes. And when you’re ready for a snack, there are lots of well-known Cantonese restaurants and street snacks ready for you to try.

#9 – Guangzhou Restaurant or Guangzhou Jiujia – A must-see for foodies!

• One of the oldest and most famous dim sum restaurants in Guangzhou.
• This restaurant is now a chain, but you should visit the city center location for a more authentic and classical experience.

Why it’s so awesome: Chefs in Guangzhou cook up an amazing array of dumplings of all descriptions, flavors, and appearances. In fact, you probably can’t travel to Guangzhou without eating dumplings. And if you’re looking for a great place to get them, then this is one of the best places to eat in Guangzhou.

What to do there: They have an array of dumpling options to try, so make sure you’re hungry and be brave. Some of the most popular options include the har gao shrimp dumplings and more classical dim sum like pork and shrimp or BBQ pork buns.

#10 – Baima Clothing Wholesale Market – A perfect place to visit in Guangzhou if you are on a budget!

• One of the most famous places in Guangzhou if you’re looking for a bargain.
• Be prepared to dig a little, as the shop may be more chaotic than you’re used to.
• And remember to bargain for the prices you want!

Why it’s so awesome: The wholesale markets are some of the best and most popular attractions in Guangzhou. The Baima Clothing wholesale market is the largest, high-grade market in Guangzhou, with comfortable surroundings and standardized management. It contains floors of good quality men’s and women’s clothing at cheaper prices than you’ll find anywhere else in the city.

What to do there: Different floors of this market contain clothes of different quality. On the first, fourth and fifth floors, the clothes are better quality and more expensive. ON the second and third, the price is a little lower because the offerings aren’t as well-made. So, take a few hours and explore. You never know when you might discover a bargain!

#11 – Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

• Built by the great revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen, this hall carries a lot of historical significance.
• If you’re interested in Chinese history, then this hall must be on your Guangzhou itinerary.

Why it’s so awesome: Sun Yat-sen was an extremely important man in Chinese history. He was a philosopher, politician, and the first president of the Republic of China. He is often called the ‘Father of the Nation’ because of his role in overthrowing the Qing Dynasty during the Xinhai Revolution. That’s why, if you want to understand how China came to be as it is, then you need to learn more about his role in its development.

What to do there: Spend some time exploring this memorial hall, which was built in memory of Sun Yat-sen’s contribution to China. The building itself is stunning and contains lots of traditional Chinese features, so make sure you take lots of photos. Inside the hall, have a look at the exhibits that explore Sun Yat-sen’s life and his contribution to modern life in China.

#12 – Redtory – One of the more unique places to visit in Guangzhou!

• A unique area where factories have been turned into an artist’s paradise.
• This area is the confluence of the traditional way of life in China and everything that’s new and diverse.

Why it’s so awesome: Redtory is a unique area, which is why a visit there is one of the more unusual things to do in Guangzhou. The abandoned factories that stand in this area have been repurposed to contain art of every description. This includes not only creative spaces for artists but also galleries and areas where designers can create cutting-edge fashion. So, if you want to see the latest creative thinking, then this is one of the best places to visit in Guangzhou.

What to do there: There’s a lot to explore in this area. Not only are there a variety of galleries to see, several cafes and restaurants have also sprung up around the streets. Take the time to explore the galleries and the work of the artist’s within. And then head to nearby Pearl River for a picturesque stroll. And if you’re hungry, walk down Yuancun Siheng Lu. The whole street is packed with Chinese street food stalls and reasonably priced snacks and restaurants.

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#13 – Guangdong Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Guangzhou

• This is a relatively new building that will teach you all about the history and culture of the city.
• This is a quiet and education place to spend some time when you explore Guangzhou.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum contains a wide variety of exhibits that explore the history, art, and culture of Guangzhou. It’s located next to Huacheng Square, so it’s easy to locate, and it contains both permanent and temporary exhibits that are worth seeing.

What to do there: Take a couple of hours and learn about Guangzhou’s history. Make sure that you see the main exhibits, the Guangdong History and Culture and the National Resource of Guangdong. But if you have the time, see what temporary exhibits are on offer as well.

#14 – The Pearl River

• This river runs through the city and might not look so great by day, but by night it takes on a power of its own.

Why it’s so awesome: Guangzhou is crisscrossed by rivers and canals and that offers some amazing activities for travelers. The Pearl River looks ordinary in the daytime, but at night it’s one of the best places to visit in Guangzhou. From the river, you’ll get the perfect view of the night city and its lights.

What to do there: When visiting Guangzhou, lots of people choose to cruise up the river at night. And there are good reasons for the popularity of this activity. The city looks stunning at night, and the lights make the dark sky shine. So, check out the night cruises and choose one that appeals to you. It will give you a whole new vantage point from which to view the city.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Guangzhou

What’s Guangzhou famous for?

It is most famous for the annual Canton Fair, the oldest and largest trade fair in China.

Where is the best place to visit in Guangzhou for food?

Guangzhou Restaurant or Guangzhou Jiujia is the place to be for some authentic and delicious Chinese food.

Are there any free places to visit in Guangzhou?

Yuexiu Park is a stunning park in the city and is free to enter.

Is Guangzhou a safe place to visit?

According the government website , there is a minimal risk of crime in Guangzhou.

Final Thoughts on the Coolest Places to Visit in Guangzhou

When you travel to Guangzhou, it will give you access to a country that’s been a mystery to the western world for centuries. You’ll find the best food you’ve ever eaten, a long and fascinating history, and sites that will keep you in beers at the pub for years to come. To help you make the most from your trip, take this list of the best places to visit in Guangzhou with you. It will help you find all the best things to see, do and eat, and help soothe your fears about traveling in this very different country.

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Guǎngzhōu (广州), once better known internationally as Canton, has been China's busiest trading centre for centuries. Despite breakneck redevelopment up to and after the 2010 Asian Games, much of the metropolis still hums along at a pleasantly sedate pace, where narrow, leafy streets conceal temples and mosques, pockets of colonial-era heritage, traditional dim-sum eateries, distinctive qílóu shophouses and Lǐngnán architecture. Equally, you can embrace modernity via the 21st-century architectural landmarks of the showpiece Zhūjiāng New Town, such as the late Zaha Hadid's Opera House and the slim-waisted Canton Tower, rising up over the Pearl River, which cuts a lazy swathe through the city.

Attractions

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Shamian Island

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Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

An all-in-one ancestral shrine, Confucian school and ‘chamber of commerce’ for the Chen clan, this compound was built in 1894 by the residents of 72…

Qingping Chinese Medicine Market

Just north of the channel that divides Shamian Island from the city, this tumbledown market is a sensory delight, with open-fronted vendors arranged…

Guangzhou Opera House

Designed by Zaha Hadid, southern China's premier performance venue has transformed the area with its typically commanding, otherworldly aspect. Futuristic…

Yuyin Mountain Villa

One of Guangdong's four famous classical gardens, this graceful property on the outskirts of the city was built in 1871 by an official of the Qing court…

Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

You'll feel like Indiana Jones/Lara Croft (select as preferred) as you descend the two-millennia-old steps into an actual Han dynasty tomb. This was the…

Canton Tower

Built for the 2010 Asian games, this 604m tall tower was designed to look 'female' by its Dutch architects, earning it the nickname 'slim waisted' (小蛮腰,…

Tree-lined streets Xinhepu Lu (新河浦路), Xuguyuan Lu (恤孤院路) and Peizheng Lu (培正路) in the historic Dōngshān area offer a welcome respite from the city. Here…

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Guangzhou Travel Guide 2024

Guangzhou , also known as Canton , is the capital city of Guangdong Province as well as the third biggest city in China (after Beijing and Shanghai). Founded in 214 BC, Guangzhou has a history over 2200 years and is always a mix of old and new, ancient and modern, Chinese and western. This “City of Goat” is a booming metropolis full of cutting-edge architecture, tasty Cantonese food and plenty of interesting points to explore. Besides attending “the oldest and biggest trade fair in China” - Canton Fair and sightseeing, many travelers come to Guangzhou for seeking their root, eat and shop.

Situated at the heart of the most-populous built-up metropolitan area in Pearl River Delta and close to South China Sea, Guangzhou was a major terminus of the maritime Silk Road and served as a major port and transportation hub in the area. It is about 120 km (75 mi) north-northwest of Hong Kong , 145 km (90 mi) north of Macau, and neighbors Shenzhen , Foshan, Dongguan and Zhongshan. Since 2017, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area has been coming into being, forming one of the largest urban agglomerations on the planet and the most potential area in China. And also, Forbes ranked Guangzhou as the best commercial city in mainland China.

Why visit Guangzhou:

• Mix of Modernity and Tradition. With a history over 2200 years of Chinese culture influenced by western cultures, Guangzhou boasts its unique Lingnan culture which was reflected in many aspects of modern Guangzhou, such as Lingnan architecture, Lingnan gardens, Cantonese opera, Cantonese cuisine, Lingnan painting and Cantonese language. Old and modern, traditional architectures and uprising skyscrapers...can be easily found on both sides of the central axis.
• The Annual Canton Fair. Guangzhou is the city held the “China Import and Export Fair” in the spring and autumn seasons every year since the spring of 1957. The Canton Fair is with the largest scale, the most complete exhibit variety and the broadest distribution of overseas buyers and the greatest business turnover. The event place is Canton Fair Complex located on the south bank of Pearl River and close to Canton Tower. Guangzhou welcomes you for business.
• Transport Hub in South China. Connected by very mature transportation network, Guangzhou is served as an very important transport hub linking with Hong Kong/Macau and mainland China. For most travelers travel inland, Guangzhou will be the stopover between Hong Kong/Macau and inland destinations. For travelers who want to leave China, Guangzhou is also the hub for transit.

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy: Since May 1, 2019, Guangdong Province has been implementing 144-hour visa-free period for nationals from 53 countries. The qualified travelers can enter Guangdong via its three airports - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, and exit via the province’s 32 ports. Learn more about Guangzhou visa-free policy >>

Top Attractions

With profound history over 2200 years, Guangzhou has been a springboard for trading, cultural exchanges, many revolutions and reforms, making it an unavoidable stopover to understand what shapes the modern China. A visit to Guangzhou, travelers can explore the mix of Chinese and Western, ancient and modern, inland and marine culture, and feel the breeze of freedom and innovation everywhere...Below is the list of elegant towers, beautiful parks, exquisite architectures, incredible villages and wild safari paradise to make most of your time when visiting the metropolis. To know all the top-rated attractions in Guangzhou, please check our Top 16 Attractions in Guangzhou >> .

Being the landmark of Guangzhou and the tallest sightseeing tower in China, Canton Tower is the must-see site to capture the panoramic view of flourishing Guangzhou.

Praised as the Pearl of Lingnan Architecture, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is an exquisitely decorated academic temple and a lively folk museum with Guangdong culture.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is an octagon-shaped magnificent building which was built with funds raised by locals and overseas Chinese in memory of Sun Yat-sen - “Father of the Nation” in China.

It is the largest park in downtown Guangzhou. Take a relaxing walk and explore the highlights - Five Rams sculpture, Zhenhai Tower, Sun Yat-sen Monument.

With 1500 years' history, Temple of Six Banyan Trees is one of the four Buddhist temples in Guangzhou and is famous for its17-story octangular Flower Pagoda.

Museum of the Mausoleum of Nanyue King

This museum houses the tomb of the Nanyue King Zhao Mo with a history of 2000 years. It is the oldest and largest Han tomb with the most funerary objects in Lingnan area.

Listed as World Heritage Site, Kaiping Diaolou & Villages feature the Diaolou, multi-storyed defensive village houses which display a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles.

Chimelong Safari Park

Chimelong Safari Park is the best-known, most beloved, and the largest animal park in China where you can see over 500 species including giant pandas, koalas, rhinoceros, tigers...

Featured & Inspiring Activities

Wonder what to do after the daytime sightseeing in Guangzhou? Don’t worry. You’ll never get bored and there are many inspiring activities to try to enrich your life in Guangzhou. Just open your mind, hold your breath and do now! Learn more about Top 15 Things to Do in Guangzhou and Top Things to Do at Night >> .

Pearl River Night Cruise

The Pearl River is the third largest river in China. To fully appreciate the beautiful river and stunning sites and tall buildings along the banks, taking the night cruise is the best choice. It is a 70-minute cruise sailing through the most prosperous and bustling section.

Taste Cantonese Gourmets

As the paradise of gourmets, Guangzhou houses countless mouth-watering food to please you highly. Various kinds of exquisite dim sum, desserts, Char Siu, seafood, flavorful porridge and nutritious soups... All those in big restaurants and small street shops are so wonderful for a food discovery!

Chimelong International Circus

If you are family with kids, it is a good choice to watch the awe-inspiring Chimelong International Circus. It is the world’s largest circus - a combination of traditional acrobatics and aesthetic modern arts. It is performed at 19:30~21:00 every night.

Do Shopping in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a shopping paradise for buying most fashionable clothes and local specialties. Travelers can get to clothing wholesale markets, pedestrian streets or high-end shopping malls to do some shopping.

Weather & When to Go

Guangzhou is situated in the Pearl River Delta in Southern China which has a humid subtropical climate with very mild winters and hot, rainy and muggy summers. The average temperature is 23 °C of the year and the average high temperature can reach 34 °C and the average low temperature is about 10 °C. Rainfall is abundant, around 1700 millimeters (68 inches) per year. The rainiest period is from May to September and the least rainy period is from November to January.

Spring (March to May) is mild and pleasantly warm. Summer (June to August) is hot, humid and rainy, and sometimes with heavy showers or thunderstorms. The average temperature in summer is around 32/33 °C. Autumn is from September to November. September is still hot and October to November is with rare rain and less frequent sun. While the winter (December to February) is mild with average temperature of 13 °C. Guangzhou can be visited all year around and the best times for traveling are March to early May and September to December.

Learn more about Guangzhou Weather, Climate & Best Time to Go >>

Transportation

Get to Guangzhou City: by Flight & High Speed Train

By air: The airport in Guangzhou is called Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, which is about 34 kilometers driving distance north from central Guangzhou. Numerous international and domestic flights are well connecting with Guangzhou. The international destinations include Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Auckland, Bangkok, London, New York, Paris, Singapore, Seoul, San Francisco and more; while domestic destinations include Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Xiamen, Kunming, etc. So travelers can transit easily during your tour in the vast China. >> Flights to Guangzhou

By train: Guangzhou operates normal trains and high speed trains with most cities in China. To experience the super fast speed and travel in comfortable way, it is highly recommended to use high speed trains. Three frequent used train stations are Guangzhou Railway Station, Guangzhou East Railway Station and Guangzhou South Railway Station. Travelers can take bullet trains to Shenzhen (0.5 -1 hour), Hong Kong (around 1 hour), Guilin (2.5-3 hours), Guiyang (4.5-5.5 hours), Beijing (8-10 hours), Xian (7.5-9 hours), Wuhan (7.5-9 hours), Changsha (7.5-9 hours), Shanghai (7-8.5 hours), Chengdu (8-10 hours), Huangshan (around 7 hours), Hangzhou (6-7.5 hours), Xiamen (around 4.5 hours) and more cities in China. To know all the high speed train schedules and tickets information, please head to Guangzhou High Speed Trains .

City Transportation: by Taxi, Metro, Shuttle Bus or Private Car

Public transportation system is comprehensive and mature in Guangzhou. To transfer independently, you can take taxi, metro, shuttle bus or local bus to transfer among airport, railway stations and different points of interests. The basic taxi fare in Guangzhou are CNY 10 for the first 2.5 kilometers, CNY 2.6 per kilometer between 2.5 and 35 km, and CNY 3.9 per kilometer after 35km. To save money, you can take metro instead which is also fast enough. There are altogether 14 metro lines in operation by the end of 2018. Metro is access to the city center and almost tourist attractions, like Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yuexiu Park, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Canton Tower. To transfer without any trouble, it is suggested to our private tour service which cover the private cart service with experienced driver and local guide showing you everything about Guangzhou.

Useful Links: How to Get to & around Guangzhou | How to Get from Guangzhou Airport to City Center

Get from Shenzhen/Hong Kong/Macau to Guangzhou

Ways are lot to transfer from Shenzhen to Guangzhou, Hong Kong to Guangzhou, Macau to Guangzhou, travelers could choose among high speed trains, through trains, flights, ferries, bus, private car, etc. To know detailed distance, length and how to choose your way, you can head to How to Get from Hong Kong to Guangzhou 2024 | How to Get from Shenzhen to Guangzhou 2024 | How to Get from Macau to Guangzhou 2024 .

If you have your own plan to travel to other destinations in Guangdong Province from/to Guangzhou, please feel free to drop your questions and ideas to us and our professional travel consultants are here to give you a suitable transportation plan as well as the tour arrangement.

Accommodation & Best Places to Stay

Guangzhou is so large and have no idea where to stay in Guangzhou? No matter you are travelers or business people, you’ve got several good options of best areas for accommodation in Guangzhou, including Tianhe District, Yuexiu District, Haizhu District , Liwan District, Pazhou Exhibition area and Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, etc.

Staying in Tianhe District with modern cityscape of Guangzhou, you can choose Oakwood Premier Guangzhou (5 Star), The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou (5 Star), The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou (5 Star) and more. If you stay in Yuexiu District, your hotel will surrounded by many iconic attractions, including Yuexiu Park , Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King. The recommended hotels include Baiyun Hotel (5 star), Asia International Hotel (5 star), Hotel Landmark Canton (4 star). If you are in Canton Fair, it is better to stay in Pazhou Exhibition and Haizhu District. The recommended hotels include Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou (5 star), Langham Palace Guangzhou (5 star).

To know all the accommodation plan in Guangzhou, please check Where to Stay in Guangzhou - Best Guangzhou Accommodation Areas | Recommended 5 Star Hotels in Guangzhou | Recommended 4 Star Hotels in Guangzhou .

Cantonese Food & Best Recommended Restaurants

There is a saying “Eat in Guangzhou” - that’s telling you the ultimate goal in Guangzhou is to eat! It is full of delicious food here! Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province, which is famous in China and throughout the world as the home of Cantonese food or Yuecai (粤菜) in Chinese. As one the 8 famous Cuisines of China, Cantonese Cuisine has special local flavor to match the climate, environment, and lifestyle of people, which is specialized in light, fresh and tender favors.

You must have a try at the most recommended food, like Dim Sum (Har Gow 虾饺, Shumai 烧麦, Rice Noodle Roll 肠粉, Char Siu Bao 叉烧包, Salted Egg Yolk Buns 流沙包), traditional Cantonese dishes (White Cut Chicken, Roasted Goose, Sweet and Sour Pork), Cantonese old fire soups, Wonton Noodles Soup, and so on. To enjoy Dim Sum, the best restaurants include Dian Dou De (Ju Fu Lou) (点都德聚福楼), Tao Tao Ju (陶陶居), Pan Xi Restaurants (泮溪酒家), Lian Xiang Lou (莲香楼). To have traditional Cantonese dishes, you can go to Guangzhou Restaurant (广州酒家), Bing Sheng Pin Wei (炳胜品味), Lai Heen Restaurant (The Ritz Carlton Guangzhou), or Bing Sheng Mansion (炳胜公馆) and other recommended restaurants.

Useful Links: Cantonese Cuisine - Top Food to Eat in Guangzhou | 10 Best Cantonese Restaurants in Guangzhou

Latest & Useful Guangzhou Maps

We’ve collected and made some useful Guangzhou maps - all are downloadable and latest! These Guangzhou maps will help you get a vivid impression and know detailed location of Guangzhou’s main tourist attractions, airport, railways stations as well as locations with neighboring destinations, like Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau, Zhuhai and more.

For more maps, please check Guangzhou China Map | Guangzhou District Map | Guangzhou Tourist Map | Guangzhou Transportation Map | 2024 Overall and Updated Guangzhou Maps .

Guangzhou Tourist Map

Guangzhou Surrounding Map

Other Destinations in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area

Guangzhou is core metropolis situated in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area which consists of 9 cities and 2 special administrative regions. Among all the cities and regions, travelers can combine Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau, Zhuhai into a discovery. Click the links and check the features and travel guides of each destination below!

Other Hot Destinations in China

Guangzhou is usually served as transportation hub. It is a good idea to travel from Guangzhou to other destinations in China. If you are first-timer to China, the following top 4 destinations will definitely be your first choice. Get inspired!

Chinese Name: 广州

Chinese Pinyin: guǎng zhōu

English IPA: ['ɡwɑ:ŋ'dʒəu]

Population: 14.5 million

Language: Mandarin & Cantonese

Tel Code: 020

Zip Code: 510000

Time Zone: (UTC+8)

Plan your Guangzhou Tour

About 2 to 4 days is the most suitable length in and around Guangzhou. Most travelers usually spend 2 days in Guangzhou downtown area for in-depth exploration. The stunning highlights for classic city tours include Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Canton Tower, Yuexiu Park, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Shamian Island, etc.

Traveling out of Guangzhou, you can spend 1 full day extending to Kaiping Diaolou and Villages in Jiangmen City (about 2.5 hours’ drive), or 1 day to the home of Cantonese Opera, Kung Fu and Lion Dance - Foshan, or 1 day to Shunde to have a bite of the classic Cantonese food. Besides, you are highly recommended to cover Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau and other hot destinations into your Guangzhou China tour! All these tours can be tailor made according to your plan, time and interests and demands. Feel free to select your likes or customize your tour with us!

Recommended Tours

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The city of Guangzhou is famous for foreign trade and business and hosts China's largest trade fair, the Canton Fair. Yet in between the seemingly endless skyscrapersn and shopping malls, there is also a lot of culture and history to explore.

Things to Do and Travel Advice

Guangzhou’s relatively isolated geography and comparatively early exposure to the outside world have created a unique culture, lifestyle, and cuisine that makes it a fascinating destination to visit. The city is home to some of China’s most impressive colonial architecture and some beautiful parks that serve as a welcome respite from the fast pace of life.

Once a major trading port, Shamian Island is now one of the best-preserved examples of European architecture anywhere in China.The old foreign concession area offers a glimpse into Guangzhou’s colonial past and is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

This still-active Sacred Heart Cathedral is another physical representation of the city's colonial past. Built just after the second opium war (1856-1860), its 48-meter-high neo-gothic towers stand in impressive juxtaposition to Guangzhou’s modern skyscrapers.

Accidentally discovered in 1983, the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King is home to some of China’s best cultural relics, the most impressive of which is the burial suit of Zhao Mo (the Nanyue King), which is lavishly embellished with the jade, once believed to make one immortal.

Built in 1894, the Chen Clan Academy is an architecturally fascinating complex of 19 buildings constructed in the traditional southern Chinese style (also known as the Lingnan Style). The buildings themselves are as intricate and beautiful as the many artworks that they house.

Standing at just under 600 meters tall, the Canton Tower once topped the list of the world’s tallest buildings. The building is best viewed from afar at night when it is spectacularly illuminated, but there is also a dizzying observation deck where you will take in some fantastic views.

Eat in Guangzhou

By far one of the biggest attractions of Guangzhou is the food. Cantonese cuisine emphasizes the freshness and flavor of ingredients such as green vegetables and just-caught seafood, avoiding the strong seasoning and saucing of northern Chinese cuisines. Roasted meats such as goose, duck, and pork are a regional specialty and are often served sliced on the bone with a plate of dipping sauce. Head to the Xiguan district to sample a range of the authentic local dishes.

However, if you only have time for one meal while in Guangzhou, make it dim sum (also known as yum cha). Served primarily at breakfast and lunch, a dim sum meal consists of dozens of small plates of buns, steamed dumplings, and noodle dishes, accompanied by copious amounts of tea.

Guangzhou's history of bustling trade means there are also many international restaurants to be found around the city, especially if you head to the old concession area.

Popular Nighttive Activities

Guangzhou’s night scene is ever-expanding. From clubs to craft breweries to trendy cocktail bars, you are guaranteed to find something to suit your tastes.

For fans of the performing arts, Guangzhou Opera House is both architecturally spectacular (especially when lit up at night) and plays host to a wealth of different acts and performances.

Best Time to Visit Guangzhou

Spring and autumn are the perfect time of year to visit the region, with October to December offering less rainfall than the spring, but temperatures in spring reaching slightly higher. Avoid the in between months if possible to escape the high rainfall and chance of typhoons.

Transportation

Located in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, Guangzhou is one of the country's main transport hubs. The city is well connected to Southeast Asian and further afield by both land and air.

Baiyun International Airport is located around 30km north of Guangzhou city center. You can fly from here to many international destinations such as Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Flights to Beijing take around 3 hours and Shanghai can be reached in 2 hours 30 minutes.

A high-speed rail line connects Beijing and Guangzhou, with a journey time of 8-10 hours. There are also slower overnight trains available for the budget traveler. Guangzhou south station, located 50 minutes from the city, is the high-speed rail hub for trains to Beijing and Shanghai.

Guangzhou has a ten line metro system and a very extensive bus network which make traveling around the city very easy. You can purchase a transit pass (30 CNY deposit) that can be used on buses, trains, and yellow taxis.

Guangzhou Private Tours

• 3-Day Guangzhou Highlights and Canton Fair Tour
• Gourmet China Adventure - 11-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guangzhou tour
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The Top 12 Things to Do in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is one of China's top 10 most popular tourist areas according to TripAdvisor and Google . The big export industry and rapid bullet trains to other regions in China draw hundreds of thousands of foreigners to the city each year.

On your visit, you can find an interesting range of things to do , from some of the cheapest bargain shopping to some of China's best amusement and entertainment and skyscrapers and luxury malls. In some areas, the history has been well retained, notably on Shamian Island.

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• Visit Chimelong Safari Resort
• Ascend Canton Tower
• Sightsee on Shamian Island
• Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
• Watch an Artistic Performance in Guangzhou Opera House
• Visit Zhujiang New Town
• Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral
• Visit the Statue of Five Goats in Yuexiu Park
• Get Out to Baiyun Mountain Park
• Take a Pearl River Cruise
• Attend the Semi-Annual Canton Fair
• See the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

1. Visit Chimelong Safari Resort

It is quite unusual to have some of the world's leading entertainment and amusements ranging from a big safari park to a world-class circus all in one big place. Due to its quality and diversity, most tourists consider the safari park to be the best in Asia, and they rank the circus entertainment as among the best in the world.

• The Safari Park features cart rides and walks past animals that are let to roam around. Some of the animals can be touched. There are more pandas than anywhere outside of Chengdu.
• Chimelong Circus provides comedic, musical, acrobatic, and performing animal show. The acrobatics are about the best in China, but the unusual performing animals puts the show in a class by itself.
• Chimelong Paradise is an amusement park with some world-class rides.
• Chimelong Waterpark has some world-class rides and has received awards.
• Chimelong Birds Park is a wetland park that is home to rare birds, such as red-crowned cranes and black-necked swans.

Besides all these facilities, there is a golf practice center and a luxury hotel. Read more>>

Contact us for a customized Guangzhou trip.

2. Ascend Canton Tower

Canton Tower is a modern landmark located in Guangzhou CBD. Tourists like going to the top of the tower because it is the tallest structure in Guangzhou, offering a wonderful bird's-eye view of the city. At night, it lights up the Pearl River and Zhujiang New Town area with its rainbow of lights.

There are various features for you to enjoy:

• Observation ride at the top in which people sit in revolving glass balls to see the view.
• Glass floor observatory at 450 meters .
• The world's highest rotating restaurant at 424 meters serves an international buffet.

Other features include a 4D theater.

3. Sightsee on Shamian Island

A foreign settlement was built on this island in the Pearl River in the 19th and early 20th centuries. You could enjoy strolling among old European buildings of different styles and big old trees. Some restaurants complement the area.

While walking around Shamian Island, there are lots of incredible buildings to be seen, and there is a lot of opportunity to try different cuisines including the local Cantonese cuisine . It's a great place for a stroll, and you'll find many old official embassy buildings, cathedrals, churches, as well as shade walking along the greenery. Read more>>

4. Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is an ancient architectural complex, which has 19 buildings with nine halls and six courtyards that are connected in a symmetrical pattern. It was established by members of the large Chen clan who were very influential in southern China in the late 1800s.

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall has a very traditional look to it, and it is huge. It is interesting that the structure was built in such a traditional manner at a time when building going up in commercial cities in the south often had a Western architectural style.

There is a folk museum called the Guangdong Folk Art Museum in it now. Read more>>

5. Watch an Artistic Performance in Guangzhou Opera House

The architecture of Guangzhou Opera House is a masterpiece of British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. The fantastic shape of the building blends perfectly with the skyscrapers in Guangzhou CBD.

Watching an artistic performance, such as an opera, ballet, drama, symphony concert, Beijing opera, or local Cantonese opera, in this opera house is an amazing experience. You can check out the homepage of Guangzhou Opera House to find out if there is a show you may be interested in. Read more>>

6. Visit Zhujiang New Town

Zhujiang New Town is the CBD of Guangzhou and its modern showcase. Also called Tianhe CBD, the area is only 6 square kilometers in size but it has the most skyscrapers at a height of over 300 meters in China. Over 140 of the world's top 500 companies have set their headquarters or agencies there.

There are a lot of things to enjoy: check-in at some of the highest skyscrapers, go shopping in some of the luxury malls, or feast on the delicious food. The art center of Guangzhou is there, which is where Guangzhou Opera House and Guangdong Contemporary Art Center are located.

7. Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral

The foundations of the Sacred Heart Cathedral were laid in 1863 and it took 25 years to build, with it now being the largest Catholic cathedral in Guangzhou. It is one of the four whole stone Gothic cathedrals in the world.

Although damaged in the turbulent ages of China, the Sacred Heart Cathedral has now been restored to its old glory. No matter whether you are a Catholic or not, the artistic architecture, the colorful glass windows, and the exquisite carvings are all worth a visit. Read more>>

8. Visit the Statue of Five Goats in Yuexiu Park

Guangzhou is called the City of Goats. This is not because the city has many goats but because of the legend of five goats that brought good harvests and wealth to ancient Guangzhou city. Today, the statue of the five goats is in Yuexiu Park and has become the city's symbol.

Yuexiu Park is the largest park in the city. There are verdant trees, bamboo groves, flower gardens, and stepped paths up the hill. Every morning, local people will visit the park to exercise or go for a stroll. Try to join in with them - this is an excellent chance to get closer to the locals.

Check out more Guangzhou tours or contact us for a customized Guangzhou tour.

9. Get Out to Baiyun Mountain Park

Baiyun Mountain has a stunning natural landscape and cultural heritage. The mountain range is full grandeur with majestic peaks and crisscrossed valleys. There are seven scenic areas on the mountain.

Travelers can appreciate the overall splendid landscape of Guangzhou and especially the beautiful jade-belt-like Pearl River at the top of the mountain. See more>>

10. Take a Pearl River Cruise

The Pearl River is China's third longest river . Its Guangzhou section is where the city's most scenic spots are located.

Along the cruise, the scroll of modern Guangzhou gradually unfolds before your eyes: the distinctively-shaped Liede Bridge, the site for the opening ceremony of the 2010 Asian Games, a concert hall with an artistic appearance, as well as the CBD skyscrapers.

A nighttime cruise is highly recommended.

Contact us for the Pearl River Cruise

11. Attend the Semi-Annual Canton Fair

The most famous visitor highlight is the twice-yearly Canton Fair that is China's biggest trade fair and one of the biggest in the world. It is held in April/May and October/November each year and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world. See The Top 5 Trade Fairs in China .

12. See the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

Guangzhou has its own version of the Qin imperial mausoleum in Xi'an but this is much, much smaller and is the mausoleum of a king from the Nanyue Kingdom who ruled in about 130 BC. A small but well-constructed museum was built to hold the beautiful artifacts discovered inside.

Visit Guangzhou's Highlights with Us

With our private tour service, you can enjoy a bespoke Guangzhou tour with an English-speaking guide. Whether you're there on vacation, on business, or just a layover, we can offer you some excellent experiences in this vibrant city.

Check out our most popular Guangzhou tour for reference:

• Contact us to go on private tour with us or to stay at luxury hotel in the tower.

Onward Tours to Hong Kong and Macau

Guangzhou's advantageous location makes Hong Kong and Macau conveniently accessible. It is a great idea to extend your trip to experience some cultures that are different from other cities in Mainland China.

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