guangzhou tourist guide

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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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

Must-see attractions.

Shamian Island

Don't depart Guangzhou without an amble through the concession-era gem that is Shamian Island. The central east–west drag is a time-warp boulevard of…

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…

Latest stories from Guangzhou

Apr 20, 2020 • 2 min read

As China eases lockdown restrictions work is underway on building the $1.7bn football stadium for Guangzhou Evergrande, one of the top teams in China's…

Aug 8, 2018 • 5 min read

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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
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Top 15 Things to Do in Guangzhou 2024/2025

No matter you are going to have a short 3-day stay or spend a longer week vacation in Guangzhou, the top 15 things to do favored and ranked top by lots of tourist people to this charming city will make your time there a real blossom! After putting your luggage in the accommodation in this prosperous modern megacity decorated with verdant plantations, take your curiosity to have a nice encounter with its skyline in Tianhe Zhujiang New Town, exquisite buildings in the old Yuexiu and Liwan districts, world well-known dim sum and other kinds of Cantonese food, exciting shows and activities at Chimelong Park, mysterious history changes, surprising markets for budget shopping, and so forth. Start your Guangzhou closing up from our guide of the top must-do for your Guangzhou tour planning!

Top 1: Ascend Canton Tower for Guangzhou Panorama

Opening Hour: 09:30-22:30, everyday

Best Time to Experience: All Year Round (At Dusk and Night of a Day)

How Long to Spend: About 1~3 hours

Ticket Price: ¥150~¥398 based on different heights and activity items you choose

Where & How to Go There: No. 222 Yuejiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (广州市海珠区阅江西路222号 - 广州塔); It needs 50 minutes (50km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 3 and APM Line (Canton Tower Station) are available.

Canton Tower as the tallest building in Guangzhou with the height of 600 meters and the landmark of this city is surely your must-go place. Apart from admire its “Slim Waist” outlook from the land, it is more suggested to take the superfast elevator up to the observation deck in the air. From the world highest “Outdoor Observation Deck” at 488 meters, panorama of Guangzhou City is easily caught, including IFC Tower and other skyscrapers in Zhujiang New Town, Flower City Plaza, the central axis of urban planning, Pearl River, etc. Many people go there in the late afternoon to appreciate the city’s full view in clear, and then with the lights and neon lit on gradually, the shining night view is the main course for your visual feast! After getting down to the foot of Canton Tower, you can even enjoy the amazing changing light show of this appealing tower.

Besides, visitors also can enrich your experience at Canton Tower to have fun with other exciting amusement, such as sky drop between 450m-484m, Bubble Tram at 460m, world longest spiral staircase - spider walk between 168m-344.8m, etc.

Learn More about Canton Tower >>

>> 3 Days Guangzhou Short Stay Tour with All Highlights

Top 2: Marvel at Lingnan Buildings at Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Opening Hour: 08:30~17:30 Everyday

Best Time to Experience: All Year Round

How Long to Spend: 2-3 hours

Ticket Price: ¥10 per/person

Where & How to Go There: No.34, En Long Li, Zhongshan 7 Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广东省广州市荔湾区中山七路恩龙里34号 – 陈家祠); It needs 50-60 minutes (32-43km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 1 (Chen Clan Academy Station) is available.

It may be failed to visit Guangzhou if you go there without a visit to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall! Housing and preserving the outstanding seven wonders, which are wood carving, stone carving, brick carving, pottery figures, stucco relief, iron and copper casting and colored drawing, this old house composition is a heaven for Guangdong architectural arts. Once you step in front of the entrance, its colorful carvings and sculptures of vivid figures and articles on the roofs will draw your attention very tight and well. Walking in there, you will see more delicate patterns and decorations of typical Lingnan elements arranged in the tranquil traditional compound. Follow the materials of words, pictures and relics to know its history from an ancestral hall to an academy and figure out why it is so popular among world visitors to Guangzhou!

Learn More about Chen Clan Ancestral Hall >>

Recommended Tour to Enjoy Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: >> 2 Days Guangzhou Best Essence Savory Tour

Top 3: Discover Guangzhou Dim Sum and Other Cantonese Gourmets

Best Time to Experience: morning hours (better avoid weekends and public holidays)

Per Capita Consumption: ¥30-¥150 for morning tea dim sum

Where to Experience Guangzhou Dim Sum: Pan Xi Restaurant, Dian Dou De, Tao Tao Ju, Lian Xiang Lou, etc.

Making a trip to Guangzhou, there is no reason not to try its food since this is a great place for gourmets. The best recommendation is absolutely the Yum Cha “Cantonese morning tea”, as hundreds of and even over one thousand kinds of “Dim Sum” of different delicious flavors and feelings are offered in any one local morning tea restaurant to give you a big feast for tongue and eyes. The fresh and transparent Shrimp Dumplings are not to be missed. Furthermore, you are also highly recommended to discover more delicious Cantonese Cuisines and street snacks during your free time in Guangzhou, including Char Siu, desserts, seafood, porridge, old fire soups, etc.

Learn More about Cantonese Food | >> Top 10 Best Restaurants in Guangzhou

Recommended Tour to Enjoy Cantonese Food: >> 3 Days Guangzhou Food Tour >> 3 Days Guangzhou Short Stay with All Highlights

Top 4: Admire Historical World Architectures at Shamian Island

Opening Hour: all day long, every day

Best Time to Experience: all year round, except very hot summer days

Ticket Price: free

Where & How to Go There: North Bank of Baietan Area, Pearl River, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区珠江白鹅潭畔北岸 - 沙面); It needs about 50 minutes (40km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 1 (Huangsha Station) and Metro Line 6 (Cultural Park Station) are available.

Shamian Island in Liwan is a nice place to seek the opposite appearance of Guangzhou. Keeping more than 150 buildings of strong European features left from the colonial period during the 19th Century, Shamian is reputed highly as a “Museum of World Architectures”. There you can not only see buildings of Baroque, pseuso-Gothic, neo classic styles, etc., but also find a lot of precious historical relics such as the previous site of Britain Consulate, Soviet Consulate, HSBC, Guangdong Museum of Foreign Affairs, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, etc. Taking a leisure stroll between the typical exotic buildings, it seems being in a European country.

>> 3 Days Guangzhou History & Culture Experience Tour

Top 5: Have Fun with Kids at Chimelong Resort

Opening Hour: Chimelong Safari Park: 09:30-18:00 on Monday - Friday; 09:30-18:30 on Saturday - Sunday; Chimelong International Circus: 17:00-21:00, etc.

Best Time to Experience: all year round

How Long to Spend: 1-2 days

Ticket Price: Chimelong Safari Park: ¥210 per/person for children and 300 per/person for adults; Chimelong International Circus: ¥245-550 per/person for different types of seats, etc.

Where & How to Go There: Hanxi Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou (广州市番禺区汉溪大道 - 广州长隆度假区); It needs 1 hour (60km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 3 (Hanxi Changlong Station) is available.

To get a lot of fun and laughter with your kids and family member, Chimelong Tourist Resort is surely your must-visit site in Guangzhou. Chimelong Safari Park with over 500 species of animals from different countries and regions, including the chubby giant pandas, cute koalas, etc., is really good to stimulate your innocent smiles and create interesting moments for memorable photography. More than that, you will have wonderful time with the international class performance and acrobatic shows at Chimelong International Circus, screaming amusement activities in Chimelong Paradise, Water Park…

Recommended Tour to Enjoy Chimelong Resort Guangzhou: >> 4 Days Guangzhou Family with Kids Tour

Top 6: Take the Pearl River Night Cruise

Popular Used Pier: Dashatou Pier (the largest and most frequently used pier)

Opening Hour: 18:00-22:20 for Dashatou Pier; 18:40-21:00 for Tianzi Pier (Jetty Tianzi)

How Long to Spend: about 70 minutes

Ticket Price: ¥58-¥198 for different types of seats

Where & How to Go There: Dashatou Pier: No.466, Yanjiang East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区沿江东路466号 - 大沙头游船码头), Guangzhou Metro Line 6 (Donghu Station) is available; Tianzi Pier: No.200, Yanjiang East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区沿江中路200号 - 天字码头)

Pearl River traveling through Guangzhou downtown is the mother river of this city. Taking a night cruise Pearl River is very popular for many tourists to see this city in a different angle and different time. Starting from Shamian Island, you can travel from the old Guangzhou during colonial years with various foreign buildings, vibrant streets of bars and pubs, to meet the new area of lots of high risings in Tianhe District, including Canton Tower, Zhujiang New Town, etc. You will successfully see this southern Chinese girl change into a charming lively lady with dazzling costume of lights.

Learn More about All Top 6 Things to Do in Guangzhou at Night >>

Top 7: Watch Symbol of Guangzhou at Yuexiu Park

Opening Hour: 06:00-22:00 every day

Best Time to Experience: all year round except very hot summer days

How Long to Spend: 3-5 hours

Where & How to Go There: No.988, Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区解放北路988号 - 越秀公园); It needs about 50 minutes from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 2 (Yuexiu Park Station) is available.

Yuexiu Park as the very old site of Guangzhou City preserves a lot of precious historical materials and feelings of this city. More importantly, boasting the “Five Rams Statue” which is the symbol of Guangzhou and explaining perfectly of why people call it “City of Rams”, Yuexiu Park is quite suggested to pay a visit to appreciate more culture and historical remaining. As many people play Tai Chi, dance, practical Cantonese Opera there in Yuexiu Park, it is a great place to get close to life of local citizens.

Learn More about Yuexiu Park >>

Recommended Tour to Enjoy Yuexiu Park: >> 2 Days Guangzhou Best Essence Savory Tour >> 3 Days Guangzhou Short Stay Tour with All Highlights

Top 8: Seek Guangzhou History at Nanyue King Museum

Opening Hour: 9:00-17:00, all year round, except Feb. 28th and Aug. 31st.

How Long to Spend: 1-3 hours

Ticket Price: ¥12

Where & How to Go There: No.867, Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区解放北路867号 - 西汉南越王博物馆); It needs about 50 minutes (about 32km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 2 (Yuexiu Park Station) is available.

The Museum of Mausoleum of Nanyue King is one of the most important archeological discoveries in the 1980s in China. Displaying more than 10,000 pieces precious cultural and historical relics, including the unbelievable “The Jade Burial Suit with Silk Thread”, rich types of pillows in old styles, and the royal mausoleum of Zhao Mo, the second king of Nanyue Kingdom 2,000 years ago, this museum is the best place to explore the old history of Guangzhou, the evidence of Guangzhou once being a capital city in China, and know the change of politics, economies and culture of the whole Lingnan area in southern China.

Learn More about Museum of Mausoleum of Nanyue King >>

Hottest Guangzhou Tours with Nanyue King Mausoleum Exploring: >> 2 Days Guangzhou Best Essence Savory Tour >> 3 Days Guangzhou History & Culture Experience Tour >> 6 Days Best Hong Kong Guilin Tour with Guangzhou Layover >> 9 Days Minority Culture and Landscape Exploration by High Speed Train

Top 9: Enjoy Serene Buddhist Culture at Temple of Six Banyan Trees

Opening Hour: 08:00~17:00 everyday

How Long to Spend: around 2 hours

Ticket Price: ¥5 per ticket

Where & How to Go There: No.87, Liurong Road, Zhongshan Six Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区中山六路六榕路87号 - 六榕寺); It needs about 1 hour (about 35km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 2 (Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall) is available.

Temple of Six Banyan Trees, historical as about 1,500 years, is one of the 5 great Buddhist temples in Guangzhou. Many cherished historical relics are preserved well there including the symbolic standing out Flower Pagoda of 57.6 meters, precious Sarira, old temple structures, etc., just for your good knowledge of the long history of this temple. furthermore, enormous amount of Buddhist believers visit here to express their sincere hope of better life and health, so you can see the particular scene of incense and red candles burned nearly nonstop in rich Buddhist atmosphere. Besides, the nearby Guangxiao Temple as the oldest temple in Lingnan area is also recommended to visit its Iron Pagoda of over 1,000 years.

Learn More about Temple of Six Banyan Trees >>

Hottest Guangzhou Tours with Temple of Six Banyan Trees: >> 3 Days Guangzhou History & Culture Experience Tour >> 3 Days Guangzhou Short Stay with All Highlights

Top 10: Wander or Go Shopping at Beijing Road / Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Streets

Opening Hour: all day long, all year round

How Long to Spend: 1-2 hours

Where & How to Go There: Beijing Road: from Guangwei Road to Yanjiang Middle Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区北京路); Guangzhou Metro Line 6 (Beijiing Lu Station) is available; Shangxiaxiu Pedestrian Street: Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区上下九商业步行街); Guangzhou Metro Line 6 (Cultural Park Station) is available.

Wandering along the city’s most prosperous pedestrian street is the best way to feel the prosperity and people’s passion and lifestyle there. Beijing Road of 2,000 years old is in the center of Yuexiu District. As the nationally famous and vibrant pedestrian shopping street, it is really popular among tourists to do nice shopping along with various shops and stores lining on both sides. Apart from that, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street in central Liwan is also favored for locals with countless budget buying options. No matter you want to take something there, take a leisure walk along the historical streets lined with featured Arcade buildings is so special to seek the past look of Guangzhou in 19th century. And rich kinds of local food are handy to get more joy!

Hottest Guangzhou Tours with Shopping & Eating Experience: >> 2 Days Guangzhou Best Essence Savory Tour >> 3 Days Guangzhou Short Stay with All Highlights >> 3 Days Guangzhou Food Tour

Top 11: Pay a Meaningful Visit to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Opening Hour: 08:00-18:00 every day (no entering after 17:00)

Ticket Price: ¥10

Where & How to Go There: No.259, Dongfeng Middle Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区东风中路259号 - 中山纪念堂); It needs about 1 hour and 10 minutes (about 45km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 2 (Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall) is available.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall near Yuexiu Park is constructed by local Guangzhou people and overseas Chinese to commemorate that great Father of the nation of China. A large quantity of materials, real historical relics and cultural records give detailed introduction of Mr. Sun and his devotion to make China rise up. Besides, the inner design of non-pillar of the hall, combination decoration of Chinese and Western styles and the magnificent appearance of octagon in blue and red, statue of Mr. Sun, etc. are must to admire for most visitors there!

Learn More about Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (Guangzhou) >>

Hottest Guangzhou Tours with Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: >> 2 Days Guangzhou Best Essence Savory Tour >> 3 Days Guangzhou Short Stay with All Highlights

Top 12: Have a Nice Look at Qingping Chinese Medicine Market

How Long to Spend: about 1 hour

Where & How to Go There: No.226, Liuersan Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区六二三路336号 - 清平中药材市场); It needs about 1 hour from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 6 (Huangsha Station) is available.

Favored by lots of foreign tourists there, Qingping Market in Liwan is a nice place to have a walk and see the authentic life of Guangzhou people who put much emphasis on keeping in good health. Unnumbered sorts of traditional Chinese herbs, dried seafood, preserved food materials including tens of kinds of mushrooms, and so on are offered in the open-fronted shops along the worn out roads. Aroma of the Chinese medicine products, the busy sellers and hardworking removers offers the best pleasant moment to feel the simple but passionate hope of life of people in Guangzhou.

Hottest Guangzhou Tours with Qingping Chinese Medicine Market: >> 3 Days Guangzhou History & Culture Experience Tour >> 3 Days Guangzhou Food Tour

Top 13: Take Great Photos at Sacred Heart Cathedral

Opening Hour: 8:30-11:30, 14:30-17:30 from Tuesday to Sunday

Where & How to Go There: No.56, Yide Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区一德路56号 - 广州石室圣心大教堂); It needs about 1 hour (35km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 6 (Yide Lu Station) is available.

As one of the must visit attractions in Guangzhou for visitors home and aboard, Shishi Sacred Heart Cathedral is also a top nice recommendation for you! Built for 25 years since 1863 AD by Chinese with the design of French architects, this cathedral is the most magnificent and characteristic Christianity church in Guangzhou and also one of the only 4 Gothic churches of full stone structure in the whole world (the other three are Notre Dame de Paris, Westminster Abbey in London and Cologne Cathedral in Germany). Besides admiring the beautiful typical Western facade, you will surprisingly find some traditional Chinese elements like Chinese lions at the water outlets, sticky rice and China wood oil instead of concrete at the whole church, and Cantonese styled wood carvings.

Top 14: Attend Canton Fair at Proper Time

Opening Time: 9:30 to 18:00; April 15th-19th, April 23rd-27th, May 1st-5th, October 15th-19th, October 23rd-27th and October 31st-November 4th every year

Where & How to Go There: No. 380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou (广州市海珠区阅江中路380号 - 广交会展馆); It needs about 1 hour (48km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro Line 8 (Pazhou Station) is available

Held twice every year in spring and autumn, Canton Fair is a superb world class trading fair to see enormous number and kinds of products, and that is why there are always a large amount of people participate in this grand fair every year. Arranged into 3 phases during 20 days, Canton Fair gives outstanding exhibition of tens of thousands of things from wearing, eating, living, traveling, to entertainment, etc. to please your curiosity and vision. Traveling in Guangzhou, you are surely not to miss this wonderful event.

Learn More about Canton Fair >>

Recommended Tour to Enjoy Canton Fair: >> 6 Days Canton Fair & Guangzhou Highlights Tour

Top 15: Savor More Culture at Guangdong Museums

Opening Hour: 9：00-17：00; Tuesday to Sunday

How Long to Spend: 2-4 hours

Ticket Price: free (valid documentation is needed for entry)

Where & How to Go There: Guangdong Museum: No.2 Zhujiang East Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (广州市天河区珠江东路2号 - 广州省博物馆); It needs about 1 hour (42km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car; Guangzhou Metro APM Line (Guangzhou Opera House Station) is available. Guangzhou Museum of Art: No.38, Yanyu Road, Ersha Island, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区二沙岛烟雨路38号 - 广东美术馆); It needs about 1 hour (40km) from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport by car.

Guangzhou houses multiple museums of different types to let you get more culture and joy of this region in slower pace. Guangdong Museum in Zhujiang New Town is a national first class museum and collects more than 166 thousand pieces of exhibitions of historical development, traditional and modern culture, valuable folk arts and skills, and natural resources and creatures in Guangdong Province. Guangdong Museum of Art on Ersha Island offers proud collections of paintings, sculptures and ceramic crafts of coastal art in modern time of China and modern Guangdong area.

Apart from the top 15 things to do in Guangzhou mentioned above, this vigorous cultural city also has many other popular places to ignite your trip there. for example, you can seek the old Xiguan Mansion and Arcade structure, learn the historical stories of the nationally influential Whampoa Military Academy, catch the fresh air as well as urban panorama at Baiyun Mountain, enjoy the classic Cantonese Opera at Guangzhou Opera House, enjoy a relaxing sip along the famous bar streets, etc. Do not worry about what to do, if you have done all those we recommended, you can meet more surprises just walking on the streets in old Guangzhou or lay back by the sea.

How to Plan Your Guangzhou Tour

For most regular travelers to Guangzhou, they spend 2-4 days to enjoy the best highlights of the culture, history, food, architectures and development of this City of Flowers, including Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yuexiu Park, Canton Tower, Temple of Six Banyan Trees, Museum of The Mausoleum of The Nanyue King, dim sums, etc. You can also spend 1 more day to have fun at Chimelong Safari Park with you family. If you want to discover Guangzhou deeper, you can spend more days there to experience the top things to do we recommended above. Besides, for many visitors, they also combine a trip to Guangzhou together with Hong Kong , Guilin , Macau, Guizhou, and other nearby cities like Shenzhen, Foshan, etc. to enjoy more delicious food and explore the southern China deeper!

Learn More about How to Plan a Guangzhou Tour >>

If you are considering a personal trip to Guangzhou and other destinations in China but do not want to do the detailed planning of every transportation, hotel and connection of each attraction, you can feel free to contact our travel expert for professional advices and recommendations, and we will help you sincerely with your Guangzhou tour planning according to your interests, needs and budget!

Travel Guangzhou with China Discovery

Traveling with China Discovery, we can help you arrange everything in Guangzhou according to your likes and budget very well, so you can worry free about anything. To enjoy a relaxing and joyous trip experience, you can also choose our private transfer service for traveling in and around Guangzhou. Our professional local guide and driver will escort you from your hotel, train station, airport to all attractions with comfortable private car with speed and convenience and let you catch the highlights of every site and this city, so you can get really relaxed on the way and focus on what you are interested. Please contact us directly to tell your needs if you are interested!

Top Attractions in & around Guangzhou

• Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
• Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
• Yuexiu Park
• Canton Tower
• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
• Nanyue King Mausuleum
• Kaiping Diaulou and Villages

Other Useful Travel Articles of Guangzhou

• All Popular Guangzhou Tours
• How to Plan a Guangzhou Tour
• How to Get to & Around Guangzhou
• From Guangzhou Airport to Downtown
• Guangzhou Maps
• Guangzhou Metro
• Flights to Guangzhou
• Things to Do in Guangzhou
• Featured Activities in Guangzhou
• Top 6 Things to Do at Night
• Canton Fair (Import & Export Fair)
• Guangzhou Weather & Seasons
• Luxury Hotels in Guangzhou
• Comfortable Hotels in Guangzhou
• Where to Stay in Guangzhou
• 10 Best Cantonese Restaurants
• Top Food to Eat in Guangzhou
• All Guangzhou Travel Guide

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

24 Must-Visit Attractions in Guangzhou

Guangzhou in southern China is a huge metropolis that combines old and new, offering sights and attractions for everyone, no matter if you are a history buff or looking for a family-friendly holiday destination. Here are the must-visit attractions in the City of Five Rams.

1. canton tower.

2. Shamian Island

Natural Feature

3. Baomo Garden

4. Chen Clan Academy

5. pearl river.

6. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Memorial, Park

7. Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Buddhist Temple

8. Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

9. baiyun mountain.

10. South China Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden, Forest

11. Sacred Heart Cathedral

12. Huacheng Square

Library, Museum

13. Chimelong Tourist Resort

14. redtory.

Art Gallery

15. Guangdong Museum

16. Yuyin Garden

17. yuexiu park.

Museum, Park

18. Whampoa Military Academy

Memorial, Museum, School

19. Guangxiao Temple

20. qing ping chinese medicine market.

Qing Ping Market is an interesting destination for a visit not only for those who wish to buy the traditional herbs of Chinese medicine, but also for the exotic experience it offers. A local guide knowledgable about herbs makes the tour even more fascinating, and visitors can learn how to use herbs safely to promote health.

21. Hope & Sesame speakeasy

Bar, Cocktails

Hidden among the streets and people is an evergreen door embellished with a golden lionhead knocker—this is the secret entrance to one of the city’s swankiest bars. Finding Hope & Sesame can be difficult, but it is worth the struggle and will prove to be one of the best things to do see and do in Guangzhou. Once you’ve arrived and have taken in the sheer brilliance of the venue, ask the bartenders to make you a drink, either their favorite or most exotic—you will not regret it. The bartenders here are magnificent; their drinks are concocted with a science and presented as a work of art. Ask for the story behind the drink you’re served and enjoy the live jazz music while you’re there. Recommended by Julianna Tetreault .

22. Ancient Town of Panyu

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

One of Guangzhou’s most picturesque areas, the ancient town of Panyu, is truly a must-visit for any history buff or architectural admirer in the area. Snaking through the historic town are narrow alleyways and streets that twist between buildings and homes—walking through them evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time period you’ve never experienced. While Panyu as a whole is picture-perfect, some of the buildings are more so; crafted from oyster shells, the walls of a handful of residential buildings were built with an essence of the ocean, making for some stunning architecture. Shawan’s Ancient Town of Panyu also caters to tourists, selling hand-crafted souvenirs, and speciality foods. With something for every traveler, the city is a perfect way to spend a couple of hours. Recommended by Julianna Tetreault.

23. BingSheng Mansion

Restaurant, Authentic

Known to have some of the best Cantonese food in all of Guangzhou, Bing Sheng is a staple restaurant. With authentic dishes, and an extensive menu offering up loads of traditional dishes, the restaurant serves up a variety of food renowned for its quality. Customers who eat here can expect high-quality cuisine, in a well-maintained restaurant atmosphere, for a reasonable price. Recommended by Julianna Tetreault.

24. Guangzhou Library

The Guangzhou Library will arguably be one of the largest libraries you’ll ever step foot in. The architectural design of the building mirrors that of what a carelessly stacked pile of books looks like—it is stunning . Aside from being absolutely massive from the outside, the interior of the building is jaw-droppingly huge; with nine floors filled with books, any bibliophile will feel like they’re in a literary heaven. The Guangzhou Library serves not only as an amazing city landmark, but also as a place to relax; curling up with a book at the Guangzhou Library is a must . Recommended by Julianna Tetreault.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

See & Do

The best day trips from guangzhou.

Places to Stay

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• Destinations

Guangzhou is a dynamic, bustling metropolis and the third-largest city in China. It’s also renowned as a popular tourist hotspot with numerous attractions and fantastic shopping and nightlife. As one of the first Chinese cities to be ‘opened up’ to visitors, there’s plenty of cultures, from the ancient era as well as from modern times, making Guangzhou a must-visit destination.

Tours and activities in Guangzhou

Guangzhou offers so much to see and do, planning your time and organizing your transport can be one headache you don’t need. Maximize your time here with a local city guide; an expert on Guangzhou who can bring you the best of the city without all the stress.

From taking you to the best antique shops to booking the perfect table for dinner, Guangzhou guides will be there to help. They can show you around the parks, arrange an evening Pearl River cruise, or help you get tickets for any of the city’s festivals and events. Find out more below or get in touch for advice.

Best time to visit

Guangzhou has a sub-tropical climate with a warm temperature all year round. The rainy season is between April and August, so your best time to visit would be from October to December. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and while there will still be rainfall, you’ll get to experience the joys of wandering around the “City of Flowers” in full bloom.

Top Attractions in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is among the most significant urban agglomerations in China which offers a wide variety of modern-day activities to its visitors. The city is populous and has a metropolitan structure, but still, it has amazing lakes, parks, museums, and several other exciting spots.  

The Pearl River flows through the city, and it’s worth taking a boat tour at night; the city is breath-taking in the evening.

If you’re looking for historic destinations, the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family should be top of your list of landmarks to visit. Crafted in exquisite detail in wood, stone, and brick, with metalwork that includes copper and iron, the temple is magnificent. Inside, you’ll find the Guangdong Museum of Folk Arts and Crafts, displaying carvings of nature in wood, pottery, brick, and stone.

The Guangdong Museum contains over 166,000 items of calligraphy, paintings, woodcarvings and ceramics with five permanent exhibitions covers aspects of Guangdong culture and history. It is considered one of the premier museums in China and you’ll easily lose hours wandering around its many displays.

Another important museum is the Guangzhou Museum in Yeuxiu Park. Containing items of historical importance for the city itself, it has two major exhibition areas. The Zhenhai Tower contains many historical relics, while the Art Gallery displays local craftworks.

If nature is your thing, you’ll want to visit the Lotus Hill (Lianhuashan). Home to an ancient quarry site that has been preserved, this has resulted in spectacular sandstone cliffs, stelae and peaks. The “hill” is actually a series of peaks, including Swallow Rock, the Eagle Cliff, and the Lion Stone, all of which offer vistas that will take your breath away.

Lingnan Impression Park offers the opportunity to step back in time and into the Lingnan culture, with houses, temples, and actors working hard to replicate the authentic experience. Spanning 40 acres, the park is based on the original Lianxi Village, and offers an immersive cultural experience for all the family.

If you’re looking for something to keep the kids occupied, Guangzhou Zoo is a massive urban zoo that is home to a variety of rare animals, including giant pandas, South China tigers, and golden monkeys. It also contains Guangzhou Ocean World, a fantastic aquarium that hosts regular shows including mermaids, seals, and sharks.

If some fresh air and energy release is required, Guangzhou has more than its fair share of beautiful parks and open spaces. Yuexiu Park is one of the best –featuring glassy lakes, amazing topiary sculptures and lush greenery stretching for several acres. The Million Sunflower Garden deserves to be mention here too, stretching over 260,000 square meters and home to more than a million sunflowers.

There are also theme parks and water parks nearby, including Chimelong Paradise, Chimelong Water Park, Guangzhou CrocoPark and Guangzhou Xiangjiang Safari Park. Whatever your family enjoys, there will be no excuses for boredom in this city!

It’s hard to imagine a city that offers such a variety of shopping choices as Guangzhou. From mega massive modern malls to cluttered antique shops in back alleys, whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find here eventually.

As with many Asian cities, shopping is arranged in districts, so it’s a good idea to understand what you’re looking for before you set out. Take your pick from flower street at Baohua Road, toy street at Yide Road, antique street near Liwan Park or cultural street at Wende Road.

It’s hard to imagine a city that offers such a variety of shopping choices as Guangzhou. From mega massive modern malls to cluttered antique shops in back alleys, whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find here… eventually.

As with many Asian cities, shopping is arranged in districts, so it’s a good idea to understand what you’re looking for before you set out. Take your pick from flower street at Baohua Road, toy street at Yide Road, antiques street near Liwan Park or cultural street at Wende Road.

For modern-day shopping enthusiasts, the walking streets at Beijing Lu and Shangxiajjiu have late opening stores that sell pretty much all you could ask for. You’ll also find large malls such as the China Plaza and Tee Mall which provide a more western style shopping experience.

You’ll also find large malls such as the China Plaza and Tee Mall which provide a more western style shopping experience. You can get anything and everything in these malls. From clothes to souvenirs, stationery to accessories, decoration pieces to weaved rugs and everything in between these. 

Tee mall looks like an ordinary mall but in actual its not! It has the essence of Chinese culture in every bit of it. The items being sold here are surprisingly unique and very artistic.

Guangzhou hosts a number of festivals throughout the year. Also known as the “City of Flowers” due to its abundance of evergreen plants and flowers, it’s perhaps no surprise to know that flower festivals are popular, with the Spring Festival Flower Fair taking place in February and the Lotus Flower Festival, which takes place every June.

Christmas is also popular here and is celebrated more as a time to get together with friends and loved ones more than as a religious festival. The many busy shopping areas in the city become even more swamped with crowds, but the lively atmosphere and extensive range of tasty snacks, and sweets make it a joyful experience.

Getting here and getting around

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is one of the three busiest air travel hubs in China and is situated about 28 Km from the center of the city. Plenty of international and domestic flights make Guangzhou accessible from the rest of China and the world beyond, with connections to Europe, Australia, Canada, the US, and many other Asian destinations.

The ground transportation system from the airport is comprehensive, with taxis, express and shuttle buses available. The most convenient transfer is by Metro Line 3, which will shuttle you into the city center in just 50 minutes for ¥12. Taxies take around the same amount of time to get into the city, but cost from ¥120 and can have waiting times of 45 minutes and more.

Three railway stations in the city operate to Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu, Lhasa, and many other Chinese cities. You can also get long-distance buses from one of 20 stations. Guangzhou is a port city with ships available to over 100 domestic and 300 foreign ports, so if you’re using the city as a stopover, you might want to consider taking a passenger ship to visit other parts of China.

City buses and a subway system with nine lines allow easy transportation across the city and taxis are widely available, with fares starting at ¥10.

Eating and drinking

Thanks to its wide range of influences over the years, you can sample all kinds of cuisines in Guangzhou. However, Cantonese delicacies are among the most widely available and include dishes popular in other parts of the region, as well as local snacks.

Dim sums are popular, with the Panxi Restaurant offering over 1,000 different varieties. Local people enjoy Chang Fen, a steamed vermicelli roll, which is available in almost all local teahouses and night markets. Try Guangzhou Jiujia for a fantastic selection of local specialties.  

Herbal tea drinking is also prevalent – locals use it to reduce summer heat and to cure sore throats in the winter, so you’ll find an abundance of teahouses. Gongu Cha has become popular here, and the making of the tea is an art in itself! Well worth trying. If you’re looking for something sweeter, try Tangshui, or Sweet Water, which is enjoyed as a soft drink.

As it was one of the first Chinese cities to open up to the rest of the world, Guangzhou has a bustling and exciting nightlife, comprised of Karaoke parlors, pubs, and opera houses. There are three streets full of bars – Binjiang Lu, Huanshi Lu and Bai’e Tan, the latter of which is the most exotic.

Getting a good night's sleep

Guangzhou has an almost limitless number of places to stay, whatever your budget. One top-class, 5-star place is the Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun hotel at the airport. If you want to make the airport your case while you explore the city, this luxurious, air-conditioned hotel is ideal. Stylish interiors, a ballroom, gym, and entertainment facilities mean you have everything on your doorstep.

Guangzhou Boyi is a fantastic mid-price option in a great location in the city. Great value for money means you don’t skimp on luxury and with plenty of facilities, you’ll find this an ideal place to stay. Location in Tian He, a popular area with travelers who are interested in gourmet and local food.

If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s no need to miss out on the more beautiful things with the Denise Hotel ShangXiaJiu Branch. En suite bathrooms and the opportunity to book tours from the main desk, this hotel is in a great location if you want to venture out and sample some fantastic street food.

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Guangzhou Travel Guide

Known as "Goat City" and "Flower City", Guangzhou is located in southeast China, at the northern edge of the Chu Chiang Delta, close to the South China Sea, neighboring Hong Kong and Macau.

Guangzhou is famous for being an example of a comprehensive reform experiment area within China. It is not only the provincial capital of Guangdong Province, but also the economic, cultural, technological, and transportation center of Southern China. It is regarded as the Southern Gate of China.

City of Overseas Chinese

As a true example of the city's desirability and prosperity, one of Guangzhou's other titles is "City of Overseas Chinese" because of the high number of overseas Chinese and foreign residents. According to statistics, there are 1.35 million overseas residents, including 520,000 overseas Chinese and Chinese with foreign nationalities from over 116 countries and areas. Furthermore, 830,000 Hong Kong and Macau citizens, and more than 1 million returned overseas Chinese and their families and relatives have been drawn to Guangzhou for business-related reasons.

In terms of sightseeing, Guangzhou is one of the most important tourism cities in China. One reason for its popularity is because it is located so close to Hong Kong and easily accessed. The city is richly endowed by nature and has its own unique flavor and entertainment activities as a result of its rich Cantonese culture. It has a flourishing service industry for business, trade, and domestic and international tourism.

Guangzhou History and Culture

Guangzhou is very famous for its history and culture. Historical documents state that the original city walls were established in 214 BC, meaning that its history extends more than 2,210 years. Legend has it that 5 immortals arrived in Guangzhou wearing colorful clothes and riding colorful immortal goats and the goats held ears of rice in their mouths. They presented the ears to the people and proclaimed Guangzhou would never have famine. Thereafter, Guangzhou was known as "Goat City" or "Sui Cheng", and "Wu Yang" (5 goats) became the symbol of Guangzhou.

As the third-largest city in China and an urban population of more than 4 million citizens, Guangzhou has many important cultural and historical sites that vividly reflect the development of its historical phases. The city was the starting point of the legendary 4,000-mile Silk Road which began during the Han Dynasty (206-220) and many relics still exist from that era. The trade route played an immeasurable role in international commerce in ancient times, and to this day, Guangzhou is one of the most important trade centers in modern China. Since China's opening up, the city has been a leader in promoting economic and cultural communications and developing a friendly relationship with foreign counties, establishing itself as an example of prosperity due to proper leadership in this area.

Looking back, Guangzhou is a city full of Chinese heroes, many of whom rose to significance during the revolutions in modern China, and a number of museums and statues can be found honoring their bravery and contributions. Sites such as Zhenhai Tower, Wuxian Taoist Temple, the Tomb of the King of the Southern Yue Dynasty, Chenjia Ancestral Shrine, Liurong Temple, Guangxi ao Temple, Huaisheng Temple, and Shishi are all of particular interest for visitors.

As well, the city's more modern history can be evidenced at Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall, Huanghuagang Mausoleum, Memorial Mausoleum to the Martyrs, Luxun's Memorial, the former site of the Peasant Movement Training Institute at Guangzhou, Sanyuanli Site of Revolt against the British Rulers, and the former site of Whampoa Military Academy.

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Home » Asia » China » Guangzhou

EPIC GUANGZHOU Itinerary! (2024)

Did you know that Guangzhou has been a major maritime terminus for over 2200 years?! And with so much history, there’s sure to be endless activities to explore! The city continues to serve as a major port and a transport hub for its country, and is one of China’s three largest cities.

Guangzhou, together with its neighboring cities Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, and Shenzhen, form one of the largest urban clusters on the planet! The city is ranked as an Alpha global city and is rapidly transforming into a hub for expats and foreigners.

In such a huge city, there’s an enormous amount of Guangzhou things to do, and activities to take part in! So if you’re wondering what to do in Guangzhou, wonder no more. We’ve put together the ultimate itinerary that will keep you busy for your entire vacation in Guangzhou!

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Best time to visit Guangzhou

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While planning a trip to Guangzhou, you’re probably wondering when to visit this wonderful city. While the city is beautiful all year round, there will probably be a season that will suit your personal preferences!

Autumn in Guangzhou (October and November) is by far the busiest month in the city. The temperatures are warm but not scorching, and the city experiences very little rain. You may encounter crowds during this time, but if you’re looking to meet up with other travelers, this is an ideal time to visit Guangzhou!

Summer in Guangzhou (May to September) is exceptionally long and provides wonderfully warm weather. You can expect a lot of rain during this time, but that’s not a problem if you’ll be joining in on the great variety of watersports that take place during this time!

During the winter months (December to February) you’ll experience colder weather. But, you’ll also be treated to discounted prices and very little rain, allowing you to make the most of the many Guangzhou attractions.

Spring in Guangzhou (February to May) is filled with many misty and cloudy days, as well as mild weather that allows for a myriad of wonderful outdoor activities.

Now that you know when to visit Guangzhou, you can start planning things to do in Guangzhou and creating your very own Guangzhou itinerary!

To get the most from your trip, you need to know the best places to stay in Guangzhou . Here are a few of our favorite areas for those wanting to travel to Guangzhou.

Tianhe Commercial Area is the perfect place to stay for first-time travelers! The area is located in downtown Guangzhou and is newly developed, with brand new skyscrapers and shopping centers! It’s also home to the highest concentration of shopping malls in China, which makes it perfect for those looking to do a fair amount of Guangzhou shopping.

There are a large number of expats living in this area, which makes communicating and asking for directions a whole lot easier.

Shangxiajiu is located in the center of the Liwan District and is a traditional commercial area. There is a strong sense of culture in the area, and there are many historical sights to explore. If you’re a fan of rich cultural history, this is the perfect place to spend one day in Guangzhou.

Best Hostel in Guangzhou – Lazy Gaga Hostel

This hostel was the first to be built in the very center of Guangzhou. With such a convenient location, this no-curfew hostel is close to many of the Guangzhou points of interest, which helps you cut down on travel costs. The hostel is surrounded by restaurants, museums, and zen temples, giving you an overwhelming amount of places to explore.

Best Airbnb in Guangzhou – Modern zen studio in the city

This open plan studio room is in a prime location for making the most out of your time in Guangzhou. You’ll find a mix of old and new on your doorstep, with museums and shopping right outside. Self-check-in means no time wasted, you be straight into exploring mode the moment the bags are down.

Best Budget Hotel in Guangzhou – Paco Hotel

Paco Hotel is just a few minute’s walk from an urban park, as well as the Guangzhou uprising monument. It provides free WiFi in every room and offers on-site parking for all guests. This hotel is perfect for those wanting to go shopping in Guangzhou, and visit the very best markets in the area!

Best Luxury Hotel in Guangzhou – Langham Place

The extravagant Langham Hotel offers a luxurious indoor swimming pool, 5 dining options, and elegant rooms with all the facilities you’ll need for your stay! The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the subway station, and shuttle services are provided by the luxurious hotel.

With so many places to visit in Guangzhou you really need to think about getting around the city.

Buses are by far the cheapest way to get around. They stick very strictly to their schedules and are highly dependable. However, if you’re wanting to travel around the inner city, then the interlinking Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), is a better option, as they travel to areas that the buses don’t.

The Metro is also a great way to get around, and connects all the major districts of Guangzhou! You can purchase individual tickets, but it’s far cheaper to purchase a Yang Cheng Tong card for your entire stay at one of the Metro stations. There are English translations on all signboards.

Trains are mainly used for long-distance travel, so if you plan on traveling to a nearby city, taking a train is the best option.

Taxis are great if you’re doing short-distance travel in Guangzhou. Most taxi drivers don’t speak any English, so it’s advised to have the address written out in Chinese, or travel to a major landmark near your desired destination.

Now that you know how to get around the city, it’s time to start planning where to go in Guangzhou, so you can create the ultimate Guangzhou itinerary!

Sacred Heart Cathedral | Canton Tower | Yuexiu Park | Xiangjiang Safari Park | Chen Clan Academy | Sun Yet-sen Memorial Hall

If you’re wondering what to do in Guangzhou, wonder no more! On your first day, you’ll explore the incredible Chinese culture, as well as meeting some of their finest exotic animals! Delve deep into the countries history and enjoy scenic views of the beautiful city of Guangzhou.

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Explore Sacred Heart Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral that took over 25 years to build.
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Xinji Seafood Restaurant is the perfect place to stop for supper on the way back to your hotel. The seafood provides the perfect change of pace from all the Chinese food you’ll be eating. It’s right near the Zhujiang River, so it provides wonderful views while you indulge in your meal.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral took 25 years to be built but was eventually finished in 1888. It is one of the very few buildings to be completely built out of granite. This makes it very architecturally interesting and well worth the visit!

You can enter the building at any time to view its stunning interior, however, if you’d like to attend a mass should visit in the morning. These are held in various different languages such as Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and English.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Enjoy Views from the Top of Canton Tower

• Why it’s awesome: Set out in the early morning to enjoy views from the top of the highest building in China.
• Cost: USD $22 – to climb to the top.
• Food nearby: Lan Kwai Fong is a nearby restaurant that serves delicious food! They have a wide variety of seafood and meat dishes on their menu that are an absolute delight to the tastebuds!

Canton Tower is the tallest building in China and stands an impressive 600-meters tall. Set out in the early morning to climb to the top of the building in a completely transparent staircase that allows for great views on the way up.

If you’re not up for the climb, you can always go part of the way (at a discounted price), or you can take the Sky Wheel Bubble Tram that will transport you to the top. Once you’re at the top you’ll get the chance to enjoy an incredible birds-eye view of the city, and panoramic views of the surrounding area.

If you want to fast track your trip down, or you’re up for the thrill of an adrenaline rush, why not take the Sky Drop, where you can experience a 30-meter free-fall at the height of 485-meters. This experience is in the Guinness World Records for the highest vertical free fall in the world!

If you’re up for some of the best Guangzhou sightseeing, this is sure to be the experience for you!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Take a Stroll Through Yuexiu Park

• Why it’s awesome: Yuexiu Park is the largest of all the urban parks in Guangzhou.
• Food nearby: Tiger Prawn Vietnamese Restaurant makes a wonderful variety of Vietnamese dishes that you simply must try. Whether you’re in the mood for tasty Raman, or wonderful seafood or noodle dishes, this is the place to visit!

Take a stroll through Yuexiu Park and enjoy the beautiful landscape and luscious vegetation. Take in the wonderful garden aromas and spend the morning listening to birds chirping and locals chattering as they walk through the park.

Grab a take-away coffee and a pastry to enjoy while you walk, or sit down to a full meal after your walk. As if the wonderful scenery isn’t enough to indulge your senses, there are also a variety of landmarks in the park.

View the five-rams sculpture which is one of the most famous sculptures in the city. The trees and lakes in the park provide a laid-back atmosphere that provides a truly relaxing and enjoyable morning.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Spend Time With Native Animals at Xiangjiang Safari Park

• Why it’s awesome: Meet some of China’s most endangered animals and learn what is being done to protect these amazing creatures.
• Cost: USD $22
• Food nearby: China Food City serves a delicious variety of Chinese food. Help yourself to a large plate of dumplings or rice and chicken dishes that will blow your mind.

If you’re ready to meet an incredible collection of exotic animals, this is the. Xiangjiang Safari Park contains the world’s largest collection of white tigers, which you will be able to meet. Learn about what it takes to protect these incredible animals and what’s being done to make sure they don’t go extinct.

Visit the first-class Giant Panda Center, where you’ll see Giant Pandas being rehabilitated for their release back into the wild. You’ll also see many other protected species such as the Giant Salamander.

There are two portions of this safari park – the safari on wheels (which is the drive-through section) and the walkthrough. During the safari on wheels portion of the experience, you’ll see different landscapes and habitats that have been created for the different animals. These animals will often get close to your car which allows you to get a better look!

The walkthrough portion is where you’ll find different exhibits. This is also very interesting! Each exhibit and habitat has ample space for the animals to roam freely and explore, and they’re treated with the utmost care!

Insider Tip: Make a list of the exhibits that you’d like to see most, and visit them first. The park is so large, it’s unlikely you’ll get to see everything in one day.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Visit the Chen Clan Academy

• Why it’s awesome: The Chen Clan Academy is also known as the Ancestral Temple of the Chen family, and is a great activity for history lovers.
• Cost: USD $2; but free on Wednesdays!
• Food nearby: Panxi Restaurant is a traditional Chinese restaurant that serves amazing food. Be sure to order their dumplings with a side order of egg-fried rice, and wash that down with some Jasmine tea after your meal.

The building contains Chen’s Lineage Hall, which is where you’ll find information about the ancestors of the famous Chen family. This is where descendants used to offer up sacrifices to their ancestors in hopes of creating a better life for themselves.

It now serves as a folk art museum and contains many artifacts and shows off the characteristics of traditional Chinese architecture.

The Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family consists of nine buildings and nine courtyards, each showing off different exhibits to their visitors. You’ll find various carvings and sculptures throughout the museum, made from things like wood, brick, pottery, stone, and lime.

In the temple, you’ll also be able to learn about historic scenes and events that took place and shaped the lives of those who lived in the Guangdong province. If you have a keen eye for art, you’re sure to enjoy this historic site.

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Visit the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

• Why it’s awesome: The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built in commemoration of the great Chinese revolutionary leader – Sun Yat Sen
• Food nearby: Bosphorus Turkish Restaurant serves incredibly tasty Turkish cuisine. Whether you’re stopping by for supper, or a delicately arranged snack platter, this restaurant is sure to satisfy any craving!

The memorial hall is built on a plot that takes up 16 acres of land. You can walk around the plot, enjoying the beautiful scenery, ancient trees, and picturesque views before heading inside to learn more one of modern China’s founding fathers.

The building itself is absolutely stunning! Built in traditional Chinese architecture, style the structure is ornately decorated and has been well preserved and taken care of over the years.

Inside the building, you’ll find photographs, artworks and other memorabilia that commemorate the amazing life of the revolutionary San Yat Sen.

One of the most interesting exhibitions is in the exhibition hall for Sun Deeds. The best part is the 10-square foot section that is paved with bricks from five different time periods. This gives you an idea of how things have changed over the years!

If you’re a history lover, this is a must-do activity during your weekend in Guangzhou!

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Baomo Gardens | Guangdong Museum | Yuyin Gardens | Mausoleum of the Nanyue King | Temple of Six Banyan Trees | Huacheng Square

For the second part of your 2-day itinerary in Guangzhou, you’ll be diving headfirst and immersing yourself in the unique culture of the land, as well as exploring beautiful traditional gardens!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Take an Early Morning Stroll Through Baomo Gardens

• Why it’s awesome: The Baomo Gardens were originally created by the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911 AD) as an extension of the temple.
• Food nearby: Ajisen Ramen serves an incredible variety of ramen dishes, as well as other lovely Vietnamese food. Be sure to indulge in their hearty egg noodles, or order a delicious snack off their tapas menu.

There’s no better way to start a day than with a stroll through gardens taking in the wonderful beauty of nature. The Baomo Gardens offer you the chance to do exactly this.

The Gardens were created by the Qing Dynasty but were later destroyed in 1950. This was a great loss to the villagers, who then began to reconstruct the gardens in 1955. This reconstruction took 8 years but was well worth the effort.

The garden is a prime example of what traditional South China gardens look like. You’ll also find many public artworks in the gardens, many of these are decorative sculptures! Be sure to take your camera along for this excursion.

Insider Tip: The plants and flowers are what really make this garden beautiful all year round. The very best areas to enjoy the plants are the Rose Yard, Lotus Pond, Orchid Garden, and the Purple Bamboo woods.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Learn the History of the Area at Guangdong Museum

• Why it’s awesome: Guangdong museum is a general museum that features Cantonese art, nature, culture, and history.
• Food nearby: Antalya Turkish Restaurant is the perfect place to stop off for a delicious brunch. Be sure to indulge in their home-made breads as a side to your meal, you won’t regret it.

This wonderful museum was built in 1959 and greatly enlarged in 1992. It contains several distinct exhibitions and notice boards in English, which come in very handy when you’re in a country where English is barely used.

One of the most popular displays is “Chauzhou Wood Carving”. This is where you’ll find objects elaborately carved into wood as well as an explanation of the history of this skill, and the different techniques involved.

You’ll also find a section dedicated to modern ceramic figures, crafted in the traditional Shiwan style. Each window is dedicated to a different artist and displays examples of their works.

The main exhibition space consists of historical artifacts, an exhibition space for nature, and a few temporary exhibitions which are updated regularly. If you’re into history, then the Guangdong Museum is a must-visit during your Guangzhou itinerary!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Explore Yuyin Gardens

• Why it’s awesome: The garden was first built in 1864 as a private garden for Wu Bin.
• Food nearby: Morgan’s Restaurant serves decent Western Cuisine. Get ready for a juicy burger and a side of fries, paired with a margarita or chilled beer!

The gardens cover an impressive area of 1598 square meters and it boasts of dainty features and a very well organized layout. The garden is complete with pavilion, bridges, lotus pool, rock hills, and beautiful flower gardens.

There are many archways in the garden with descriptive poetry written on them. There is also a fairly new section of the garden that was built by the fourth generation grandson of Wu Bin. He named this section Yu Garden or Ladies Garden, as it was created to allow women to have a space to play Zheng and paint.

Insider Tip: There is a two-story platform in the garden that contains a glass floor. This allows you to go upstairs and look out over the garden through the floor. It’s a spectacular experience that should be treasured!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Visit the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

• Why it’s awesome: Zhao Mo ruled China between 137 BC until 122 BC, but his tomb was only discovered in 1983.
• Cost: USD $5
• Food nearby: Buongiorno Italian Restaurant is an Italian restaurant that serves a wonderful variety of pizza and pasta – a refreshing change from the Chinese food you’ll become so accustomed to. Indulge in a hearty carbo-loading before heading to the next activity on your Guangzhou itinerary.

Zhao Mo’s tomb (previous ruler of China) was only discovered in 1983, but it wasn’t until 1988 that the museum was opened to showcase the wonderful artifacts found in the tomb. The area was named a National Historic Site in 1996, and is renowned for its funerary artifacts!

The tomb is hidden 20 meters underground and is made up of 750 huge stones, as well as colorful murals. In the tomb, there are 1000 pieces of cultural relics made from mainly bronzeware and terra cotta.

The tomb is 11 meters wide and 12 meters long, and you will be able to venture inside during your visit to the Mausoleum, which is built around the tomb site.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Spend Some Time at the Temple of Six Banyan Trees

• Why it’s awesome: This temple was originally built in 537 AD.
• Food nearby: Water Restaurant serves great Chinese food in very generous portions! If you’re famished after all the exploring, be sure to pop into Water Restaurant for a large helping of noodles and veg!

The Banyan Tree Temple has become known for it’s proximity to the foreign consulates. It has become popular a place where children who are going to be adopted come to give blessings to their new family. This little tradition has been going on for quite some time, and has given the temple a new meaning!

It was originally built to house the relics of Cambodian Buddhist Saints, which had been brought to Panyu. But the temple was burnt down and rebuilt during the Northern Song Dynasty – losing all the relics in the fire.

The architecture of this temple is amazing. It’s built in the form of a tower with many tiers. Be sure to take your camera along for this excursion as you’ll want to remember this beautiful building!

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Watch the Sunset from Huacheng Square

• Why it’s awesome: Several prominent landmarks surround the square, making it a great place to visit if you’re interested in killing a few birds with one stone.
• Food nearby: Bingsheng Restaurant is a wonderful Chinese dinner restaurant that serves a wide variety of flavor. Eat seafood and veg to your heart’s content at this wonderful little casual dining spot.

Huacheng Square is also known as the Flower City Square and is by far the largest square in Guangzhou city. Guangzhou Opera House, Guangzhou Museum, and Guangzhou library are all located around the square, and the famous Canton Tower is located just across the river.

It is a car- and bike-free pedestrian zone (a rare thing in this bustling city), which allows you to walk around freely, exploring the park, ponds, and fountains that decorate the square.

It’s the perfect place to visit in the evening, as locals stroll through the square on their way home from work. It’s also perfectly located next to the Pearl River, giving you stunning sunset views. You can also watch the Canton Tower light up for the night as the daylight starts to fade.

The square was only opened to the public in 2010, and ever since has been a huge hit amongst the locals as well as tourists visiting the city.

Lazy Gaga Hostel

This hostel was the first to be built in the very center of Guangzhou! With such a convenient location, this no-curfew hostel is close to many of the Guangzhou points of interest, which helps you cut down on travel costs.

• Free Laundry Facilities

Shamian Island | Chimelong Paradise | Chimelong Water Park | Guangxiao Temple | South China Botanical Garden

If you’re spending more than 2 days in Guangzhou, you’ll need a few more activities to add to your list of things to do. Here are a few extras that you simply must add to your Guangzhou itinerary if you have a little extra time.

Take a Trip to Shamian Island

• Shamian Island is a quaint town dominated by European architecture
• There are plenty of landmarks to visit that would take up an entire day
• Experience the exotic atmosphere

Shamian Island is easy to get to from Guangzhou! A short ride on the metro and a walk across an oversea bridge will see you on the island safely. The island is connected to the mainland via 4 bridges and is extremely close to the mainland, making it easy to travel to.

On the island, you’ll notice the exquisite architecture of over 150 European style buildings. It’s not uncommon for tourists to take architecture tours here, but we think you can just as easily explore the town and take it all in for yourself.

There are plenty of landmarks to be explored on Shamian Island, and a wide variety of statues, pavilions, and fountains that seem to catch the eye of many first time visitors.

The exotic atmosphere so prevalent on the island is sure to leave a lasting impression! If you’re keen to stay a little longer on the island, be sure to explore the thriving nightlife scene and pop in at the unique bars and nightclubs.

If learning about history, architecture and culture are all things you enjoy, then Shamian Island is a must-visit on your Guangzhou itinerary!

Spend the Day at Chimelong Paradise

• Chimelong Paradise is an amusement park that is just as entertaining for adults as it is for kids
• Variety of fun rides
• Cable car for sightseeing

Chimelong Paradise is a massive amusement park that contains fun for the whole family. The park was opened in 2006, and is the largest amusement park in China.

The park is so big it has themed areas, which make it all the more exciting! Whirlwind island is the first of these and boasts 6 attractions, all with a spinning or rotating motion. If your stomach can handle it, this section can be loads of fun!

Screaming Zone hosts 4 activities that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping! The biggest roller coaster in the park is a must-do on your Guangzhou itinerary, and the jumping machine also proves to be fun for everyone who is brave enough to try it!

The Happy Kingdom is home to 15 attractions that are a lot tamer, and are recommended if you’re with small children, or just prefer to take it easy.

Kid’s Land , Rainbow Bay , and Phantom Zone are other sections that you’ll need to explore! It’s recommended that you buy a 2 or 3-day pass if you’d like a chance to try all the rides. This way you don’t have to rush around the park!

Splash and Swim at Chimelong Water Park

• 450-acre water park
• USD $20 per day ticket
• Enjoy a great variety of supertubes and other water rides

The water park is known for its amazing variety of rides, and it’s ever-changing landscape. It’s a  part of the Chimelong Paradise amusement park, but because they are both so big, they are best separated into different days’ activities.

Spend the day swimming in the Super Wave Poo l with a group of friends or head to the Merging Slide for an extra speedy experience! If you’re looking for something a little more peaceful, try the Drift River Adventure where you can slowly make your way down the man-made river in a tube, while taking in the beautiful jungle-like scenery.

If you’re taking a small child, be sure to visit Parent-Child Water City , which caters to toddlers with gentle splash activities. You can accompany your child in this section, or leave them in the care of a knowledgable care-taker.

Be sure to purchase your ticket online on their website, to get a considerable discount on your day pass!

The water park also hosts a variety of musical events in the evenings. If you’re lucky, a K-Pop group will be in town to perform their latest hits. At the water park, there are often performances given from the shallow water, which make for a very unique experience. If you’re a K-Pop fan, be sure to check the concert schedule in advance!

Explore Guangxiao Temple

• Guangxiao Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Guangzhou
• Many Buddhist scriptures were translated here
• Stop-over point for Asian missionary monks

Guangxiao is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the Guangzhou area, and because of that has a great history. The temple has acted as a stop-over for missionary monks traveling from Asia. Many Buddhist scriptures were also translated in the temple, making it a sacred place for any Buddhist people.

The temple was repeatedly renamed as it changed hands many times in the first 200 years AD. It contained over 5 different names during this time. Between the 4th and 10th centuries, the temple was used as a stop-over for missionary monks and after that became the permanent residents of a few monks looking to increase Buddhism in the area.

During the 17th century, the temple fell into a state of disrepair and had undergone many alterations until it was completely restored to its former glory.

On the property, you’ll find an animal liberation pond, which was built by the monks who live there. Although the temple is much smaller today than it was in the past, it’s still definitely worth the visit!

Picnic in South China Botanical Garden

• Make sure you include this beautiful experience in your 3-day itinerary in Guangzhou
• The garden was founded in 1929 by a botanist
• It covers an area os 1155 hectares

This expansive garden is not only beautiful, but it is the source on which much plant research is based. The garden contains over 2400 species of plants, making it the perfect place to do scientific research on plant life.

The botanical garden is divided into sections, with greenhouses and other open-air gardens. Take a stroll through the garden and see a variety of beautiful ponds as well as designated flower areas.

The best way to enjoy this garden is to take a picnic with you. This way when you get tired of strolling through the garden, you can sit down to enjoy a meal in the lush surrounds.

Be sure to take your camera with you to these gardens, as there’s plenty of flora and fauna that’s unique to China, that you’ll want to remember in years to come. Be sure to make a stop off at the South China Botanical Gardens during your trip to Guangzhou!

Guangzhou is generally a very safe city, and there aren’t many thefts or crimes that affect tourists. However, there are a few things that you should be watching out for!

When you’re deciding where to shop in Guangzhou, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. There are many fake goods on the market in China, so be careful especially when purchasing jewelry!

Fake liquor is often sold to tourists in Guangzhou. This can be very dangerous or even deadly. For this reason, you should shop where the locals do or purchase liquor at a big grocery store.  The fake liquor is often made cheaply and of very poor quality – being sold as high-quality goods.

Watch out for counterfeit money. Before you go, be sure to learn how to tell the difference between real and counterfeit money. There is a lot of it in circulation, and often taxi drivers or owners of small shops will accept it by mistake and then try pass it on to unsuspecting tourists.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Guangzhou

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re spending more than 3 days in Guangzhou, you can consider some day trips from Guangzhou to spice up your vacation. Here are the top day trips that we’d recommend!

Kaiping Private Day Tour from Guangzhou

Go on the adventure of a lifetime from the wonderful Guangzhou metropolis. Explore the fascinating Diaolou Towers, and learn all about their interesting history. These were once used as watchtowers, but are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll then head to the Kaiping villages.

Then head to the Southern Canton Province and indulge yourself in the local rural life. On the private tour, you’ll learn about the people who live there and their way of life. You can even take time to interact with the locals!

Mount Danxia and Nanhua Temple Day Trip from Guangzhou

On a day trip from Guangzhou to Mount Danxia, you’ll travel through the tranquil Guangdong province.

Head to Danxia Mountain, and take a hike to the very summit which provides incredible views. You’ll then visit the Chinese Buddhist Monastery – Nanhua Temple. There, you can learn about the culture and the way of life of the people who stay there.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one you should treasure. It’s absolutely beautiful and puts modern architecture to shame.

Zhaoqing Full-Day Private Tour

Leave Guangzhou in the early morning and head out into the far reaches of the province. Marvel at the impressive peaks of the Dinghu Mountains , and the wonderful limestone rock formations called Seven Star Crags. Here you can enjoy wonderful views of the lake below.

Take some time to climb partially up the Dinghu mountains, so you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Then stroll through the ancient trees, and even learn about the history of the area from a knowledgeable guide. This is one of the best Guangzhou walking tours that you can do in the area!

Guided Afternoon Tour from Guangzhou

Spend your afternoon admiring the Pearl River City in Guangzhou, and visiting many of the best Guangzhou landmarks. Your first stops on this tour will be the Five-Ram sculpture and the historical relic of Zhenhai Tower in Yuexiu Park. There you’ll spend some time in the park and stroll around the gardens.

Then visit the Six Banyan Trees Temple that was built over 1500 years ago. It holds an incredible amount of history in its walls, which you will learn a little more about on this tour. This experience will help you open your mind and heart to the Guangzhou area.

Pearl River Night Cruise

This tour will allow you to see Guangzhou from a different perspective as you’ll cruise along the Pearl River at night. See the spectacular lights of the city reflected in the water below you as you indulge in a wonderful chef-prepared meal.

Sail past famous landmarks such as the Canton Tower, and many others. During the 3 hour cruise, you can help yourself to the buffet dinner at any time, and enjoy different courses throughout the evening. If you’re a foodie, or just love to be on the water, this is a great activity for you to take part in!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Guangzhou itinerary.

How many days should you stay in Guangzhou?

Two days in Guangzhou is enough if you’re looking to tick off all the hotspots. However, stretching your Guangzhou itinerary over three days will give you time to relax and properly take it all in.

What should you include on a 3 day Guangzhou itinerary?

If you’ve only got a short time in Guangzhou, definitely check out these hotspots: – Sacred Heart Cathedral – Baomo Gardens – Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Where should you stay in Guangzhou if you have a full itinerary?

Tianhe Commercial Area is ideal for making the most of your trip to Guangzhou. Its downtown location gives you easy access to top attractions and awesome eateries.

Is Guangzhou worth visiting?

As one of the three largest cities in China, Guangzhou is loaded with things to see and do. Plus, 2000 years of history means it’s full of history to discover.

This great big metropolis is filled with exciting things to do, and wonderful sights to see.

Guangzhou travel is an absolute treat and is one of the finest holidays you’ll ever experience. If the hustle and bustle of city life doesn’t sweep you off your feet, then the sweeping shoreline with its majestic views most certainly will.

Use this Guangzhou trip itinerary as a guideline for your vacation, you’re sure to have a wonderful time! No matter what time of year you decide to take a trip to the city, there’ll be no shortage of Guangzhou tourist attractions, and fascinating places to visit in Guangzhou.

So what are you waiting for? This mega-metropolis is waiting to be explored!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Thank you for sharing this very informative and helpful content about your trio to Guanzhou. I am from the Philippines and planning to visit the city on January 2024. I cannot speak the Chinese language and will be travelling solo. I hope it is still safe snd foreign friendly.

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• 1 Day City Tour
• Night Cruise on Pearl River
• 1 Day to Chimelong Park
• 3 Days Guangzhou Tour
• 5 Days Guangzhou & Guilin

Yuexiu Park

Shamian island, pearl river, canton tower, chimelong tourist resort, ancestral temple of the chen family.

• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Guangdong Museum

• Guangzhou Museum
• Guangxiao Temple
• Huaisheng Mosque
• Mausoleum of Nanyue King
• Temple of Six Banyan Trees
• White Cloud Mountain
• Zhangjiajie

12 Best Places to Visit in Guangzhou for First-time Visitors

Guangzhou is a large metropolis in the delta of Pearl River, the southeast China. It is one of the most developed cities in the country also famous for profound culture, refreshing Cantonese Cuisine and rich products for shopping. Then when you go there for the first time, where are the best places to visit in Guangzhou? This article will tell you the top Guangzhou destinations you should not miss.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Shangxiajiu pedestrian street, xiaozhou village, museum of the western han dynasty mausoleum of the nanyue king, lingnan impression park, you may like.

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Guangzhou Travel Guide

South China

Welcome to Guangzhou!

Located on the intersection of three rivers, Guangzhou is home to 15 million people. It’s one of China’s world trade centers and is a busy, crowded, modern city. You need to like big cities if you’re going to travel to Guangzhou.

• Things to do
• Where to eat
• Where to stay
• Around Guangzhou

Visiting Guangzhou is exciting. There’s always something to do, and the locals are used to seeing foreigners.

Guangzhou is also a good choice if you’re on a tight budget. Accommodation, shopping, and food tend to be a little cheaper than other major cities in China, so you’ll get more for your travel dollars!

But it isn’t all good. Guangzhou is known as a factory city, the place where import and export companies store and distribute their goods. That’s why you’ll see a lot of ugly gray buildings and industrial areas in Guangzhou.

The Pearl River runs through Guangzhou. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Wander through Shamian Island. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

The Guangzhou tourist experience

Guangzhou is an ancient city. Although a lot of that history has been lost, its age is still evident once you hit the city streets.

Your sightseeing days in Guangzhou will be filled with architectural marvels and solemn temples, all of which will give you a hint of the sheer age and history of this sprawling metropolis.

While you’re in Guangzhou, remember that the major language is Cantonese, the same as Hong Kong, rather than Mandarin.

This relates back to the city’s history as the heart of the old Canton era and is still an important factor in everything from the local food to the customs.

Things to do in Guangzhou

There’s a lot to do in this city.

Be prepared to see some amazing things and make sure you have the name of your hotel on your phone in case you get lost!

1. Take in the views from Canton Tower

Make sure you visit Canton Tower on a clear day! Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Canton Tower is one of the tallest buildings in China at 1,968 feet and offers stunning views over the entire city. But it isn’t just the views that draw tourists to this tower.

Canton Tower also offers extreme adventures like the Spider Walk, a transparent aerial ladder, and the Sky Drop, which is just what it sounds like.

You will need a strong stomach to enjoy these attractions, but if you don’t mind heights, it’s a great way to get your adrenalin pumping.

Just keep an eye on the weather. On overcast days, you won’t be able to see a lot from the top of the tower.

2. Take a night cruise

Guangzhou is situated on three important rivers in China, including the main one, known as the Pearl River.

If you’d like to see the city from another angle, then take a night cruise along the river to see the towering skyscrapers lit up with neon. It’s a sight that you’ll never forget.

3. Spend time on Shamian Island

The architecture is different on Shamian Island. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

If you enjoy architecture or learning about the history of a place, then you need to visit Shamian Island . Located about 15 minutes from the city by car, this island is covered in European style buildings, fountains, and statues.

You’ll see everything from neo-classical architecture to new baroque and pseudo-Gothic, so just wander around and see what catches your eye.

If you stay late on the island, make sure you check out some of the local bars for the best nightlife Guangzhou has to offer.

4. Visit the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Sun Yat-Sen was a Chinese statesman, political philosopher, and revolutionary leader who was born in 1866 and died in 1925. He’s an important figure in Chinese history and this memorial hall was set up to mark the significance of his life.

In the hall, you can learn about his life while you marvel at the traditional Chinese architecture that went into building the hall. Look out for performances at the hall as well and make sure you see the oldest kapok tree in the hall’s yard.

5. Visit Chimelong Tourist Resort

A water ride at Chimelong Tourist Park. Image by Michael Gordon on Shutterstock.

Chimelong Tourist Resort is basically a huge theme park for tourists. It includes several smaller theme parks including:

• Safari Park
• Chimelong Paradise.

The facilities at this tourist resort are world-class and it’s an ideal place to visit with kids or friends.

6. Go shopping

This should go without saying, but Guangzhou is known for its amazing shopping, so be prepared to do a lot of it. The wholesale shopping in Guangzhou is particularly good, and if you can brave the crowds then you’ll get some great prices.

Here’s where to go wholesale shopping in Guangzhou:

• White Horse Clothing Market
• Xijiao Building Jewelry Market
• Huimei Garment City
• Zhonggang Leatherwear Mall
• Zhanxi Market
• Baima Clothing Wholesale Market
• Guangzhou International Textile City.

Guangzhou is also famous for its retail shopping and here are some of the most popular places to pick up local and foreign goods:

• Shangxiajiu Street
• China Palace
• Beijing Road Shopping Area
• Zhujiang New Town
• Tianhe Teemall.

7. Watch a show at the Guangzhou Opera House

Guangzhou Opera House. Image by GuoZhongHua on Shutterstock.

Created by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, the Guangzhou Opera House blends perfectly with the city while still catching the eyes.

It plays host to a range of performances from ballet and drama to opera, so check out what’s on while you’re in the city and dress up for an elegant night out.

Where to eat in Guangzhou

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy amazing meals when you’re in Guangzhou.

Guangzhou is known for Cantonese cuisine. And there are countless places where you can enjoy the regional food.

Guangzhou Jiujia 广州酒家

This is one of the oldest dim sum restaurants in the city and one of the best! There are lots of locations around Guangzhou, but the city center location is probably the best. Just remember that the restaurant only serves dim sum before 11 am, so show up early.

Address: 2 Wenchang S Rd, ShangXiaJiu, Liwan Qu 文昌南路2号

Tao Tao Ju 陶陶居

This is another famous dim sum restaurant in Guangzhou, though admittedly it’s more expensive than some of the others. The extra cost is worth it though as this is one of the oldest Cantonese restaurants in the city.

Just be aware that the restaurant serves almost every animal part available, so be discerning when you order if you have a sensitive stomach.

Address: No.22 DiShi Fu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou

Panxi Restaurant 泮溪酒家

The surroundings are one of the biggest draws of this restaurant. It’s located in a Southern Han Dynasty imperial garden, so is surrounded by weeping willows, traditional architecture, and historical artifacts. Of course, the Cantonese cuisine is also exquisite, so make sure you make a reservation and try it out.

Address: No.151 Long Jin West Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou

Chez Max 香舍法餐

You’ve probably never considered the idea that China has amazing French food, but it really does. This little bistro offers creative dishes that change regularly according to what’s in season. It’s popular among locals and tourists, so head over there for lunch or dinner.

Address: 1F Guangyi Building, No.38 Huale Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou

You need to have a meal at this restaurant for the views alone. Located on the 105th floor of the Canton Tower, this revolving restaurant offers panoramic views. The prices are a little steep of course, but the menu offers award-winning French favorites as well as more innovative choices.

Address: Floor 105, Canton Tower, Haizhu District Guangzhou

Traditional dim sum. Image by Alice Cheung on Pixabay.

The best food markets in Guangzhou

Guangzhou was once famous for its street food , but these days it’s mostly sit-down restaurants.

There are some streets where you can still find some amazing food though.

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

This is the oldest street in Guangzhou and offers a huge range of stalls and shops. This is the place to enjoy authentic Cantonese snacks and there are also lots of restaurants in the street in case you want something more substantial.

Address: No. 19, Xiajiu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou

Huifu Gourmet Food Street

This street is a gourmet experience not to be missed. It actually includes three separate areas: Lushan Road where you’ll find traditional Lingnan and foreign foods, Shufang Street with a variety of cuisines, and Huifu East Road, which offers Lingnan and Southeast Asian snacks. So, no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find something delicious in this area.

Address: West of Wing Hon Theatre, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou

For a more local eating experience, head over to Xihua road, where the locals eat and shop. This is where you’ll get a glimpse of the true Guangzhou culture as well as more traditional snacks.

Address: Panyu District, Guangzhou

Where to stay in Guangzhou

Guangzhou offers a huge range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste.

The Lazy Gaga Hostel is just four minutes from the local metro center and was the first hostel built in the very center of Guangzhou. It’s bright and cheerful and offers lots of common spaces where you can chat with your fellow travelers.

Located within walking distance to the riverside bar area, shopping streets, and historical attractions, the hostel offers dorm as well as private rooms.

Close to the center of the city, the JI Hotel Guangzhou Tianhe East Railway Station offers large, clean rooms suitable for any mid-range traveler. It’s close to local shopping areas and each room has a private bathroom and all the usual hotel amenities.

The White Swan Hotel is located on Shamian Island, in the center of the historic part of Guangzhou. It’s a short walk from the local subway station and offer a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, spa lounge, and large rooms.

There’s also a Cantonese restaurant on site in case you feel like a quiet night in, and the private bathrooms have a bathtub to encourage even more relaxation!

Transport in Guangzhou

Like most other cities in China, Guangzhou has a first-rate transport system.

In fact, you’ll probably find that it’s worlds ahead of the transport system at home. Just remember that it won’t always be in English, so come prepared with a map and translations for the names of the places you need to go.

(And remember to download a  VPN on your phone before you arrive in China if you want to use Google Maps.)

If you’re going to take public transport in the city, then pick up a Yang Cheng Tong pass. This is a rechargeable smart card you can use on the metro, buses, and even some stores.

You can buy it at 7-Eleven stores, metro ticket centers, bus stations, and customer service centers. It’s the easiest way to pay for public transport while you’re traveling in Guangzhou.

Air transport

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is a huge, modern airport and the transportation hub of southern China. It’s home to China Southern, the biggest airline in China .

The airport sees lots of traffic and has flights all over China and to international cities like Los Angeles, Paris, Sydney and all the big cities in Asia.

It’s about 40 minutes by taxi from the center of the city and you can also get there via Metro Line 3 (North Extension).

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is impeccably clean. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

High speed rail

If you want to explore outside of Guangzhou, then the high-speed rail is the best way to do it. The cost of train trips in China is mid-range, and the trains are fast, sleek and modern.

Trains from Guangzhou travel regularly to major cities in China like Beijing and Shanghai as well as far-flung cities like Lhasa, Tibet. There are four major passenger train stations in Guangzhou, so make sure you check out which ones will take you where you want to go.

Long distance buses

If your budget is a little tighter, then you can always travel around Guangzhou by bus. There are six major bus stations in the city traveling to lots of cities around the province.

Just be aware that there will be a language barrier, so be prepared to work out where you need to go using your smartphone.

Local buses

The bus system in Guangzhou is extensive and usually costs around two yuan a ride. There is no change given on the bus, so make sure you have the exact change.

Stop announcements on the buses will be in English as well as other languages and the stop names are usually in English too, so this system is fairly easy for foreigners to navigate.

The metro system is fast, easy to use, and goes everywhere in Guangzhou. It costs between 2 and 14 yuan per ride and connects almost everything in the city that you’ll want to see. The most popular lines for tourists are 1, 2, 3, and 5 as these connect the most popular attractions in the city.

There are thousands of taxis in Guangzhou, but they can still be hard to hail at peak times. Just make sure that the driver uses the meter and have your destination written down in Chinese characters because they probably won’t speak much English.

The water bus is another popular way of getting around Guangzhou. It runs along the Pearl River and travels to all of the popular attractions located near a ferry port.

Make sure you try this option while you’re in the city as it’s cheap and offers you a unique view of the city.

Traveling outside Guangzhou

Don’t spend all of your time in the city while you’re in Guangzhou.

Make sure you check out some of these amazing day trip areas.

The White Cloud Mountain

Located about 20 minutes out of the city, White Cloud Mountain is one of the most scenic areas in the province. It includes more than 30 peaks and offers great hikes as well as amazing views of the city from certain points.

Spring is the best time to visit the mountains, as they’re full of flowers, but it’s truly gorgeous at any time of year.

Kaiping Diaolou

Local just two hours from Guangzhou, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s actually a nearly abandoned village with more than 1,800 authentic historical buildings for you to explore. If you’re interested in history or culture, this is a must-see.

Xiqiao Mountain

Enjoy hiking in beautiful natural surroundings? Then get out of Guangzhou and explore Xiqiao Mountain.

It’s about an hour out of the city and is a historical natural park dotted by temples and a statue of the goddess Guanyin. The hiking in this part of the country is amazing, so put your walking shoes on.

Videos about Guangzhou

Get a visual taste of Guangzhou before you visit!

Here’s a travel vlog about the city.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85UT63NR9Eo Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: CITY OF THE FUTURE?! ???????????? MUST Visit in Asia | Guangzhou China Canton Tower Tour, Travel Vlog Ep08 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85UT63NR9Eo)

And for the thrill-seekers, here’s the Sky Drop at the top of the Canton Tower.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw8MXbjBaTw Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Sky Drop Guangzhou China Canton Tower (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw8MXbjBaTw)

Need help with your travel bookings?

Going on a tour in China is a great idea, especially if you can’t speak Mandarin.

You can refer to this list of China travel agencies who can help put a plan together for you.

Or, to book your own flights, tours and hotels, we recommend Trip for amazing choice and value. Trip is one of the leading travel companies in China.

Don’t forget…

It’s easy to forget a thing or two before you head to China.

So, here are a few reminders for you:

• The right visa – if you’re only staying for a quick trip, you may be eligible for visa-free travel .
• Bring t-shirts – Guangzhou can get really muggy so make sure you bring breathable clothes.
• A VPN app – if you want access to all your favorite websites and apps in China, you’ll need to download a VPN before you leave your country. Get a VPN that works in China .

Have a great time in Guangzhou. And don’t forget your VPN!

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Page last updated 17 September 2022. Main image credit: Huramaul from Pixabay. Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms  for more info.

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• 1.1 Districts
• 1.2 History
• 1.3 When to visit
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2 By train
• 3.4 By boat
• 4.1 By metro
• 4.4.1 Scams
• 4.6 By motorcycle
• 4.7 By bicycle
• 4.8 By ferry
• 4.9 On foot
• 6.1 Festivals
• 6.2 The Canton Fair
• 8.1 Street markets
• 8.2 Malls and shopping centers
• 9.1 What to eat
• 9.2 Foreign chains
• 9.3 Convenience stores
• 9.4 Supermarket chains
• 10.1 Tea houses
• 12 Stay safe
• 14.1 Consulates
• 14.2 Banking
• 14.3 Laundry
• 14.4 Television
• 14.5 Newspapers and magazines
• 14.6 Places of worship
• 14.8 Health

Guangzhou (广州; Gwóngjāu in Cantonese, Guǎngzhōu in Mandarin, traditional English name: Canton ) is the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China .

According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 12.7 million, making it the third largest city in China after Shanghai and Beijing . It is a part of the Pearl River Delta , which also includes Shenzhen , Dongguan , Hong Kong , Macau , Foshan , Jiangmen , Huizhou , Zhongshan and Zhuhai .

In the era of tea clippers, Guangzhou was known in the West as " Canton ". The food and the language of the area are still known as "Cantonese" and it is perfectly acceptable to use either the western or Chinese terms interchangeably. The Cantonese are proud and hard working people known throughout China and the world over for their famous cuisine and talent for business.

Guangzhou has been a major international trading hub for centuries, and it holds China's largest trade fair, the Canton Fair . While in modern times it is mostly known for its skyscrapers and shopping malls, the city is not bereft of culture, and Guangzhou boasts a large number of cultural and religious sites, and, in addition, is home to several internationally recognized music venues, museums, and galleries.

Understand [ edit ]

As a major entry point for overseas culture for many centuries, foreigners are not the anomaly here that they are in other Chinese cities. Consequently, travellers are afforded more personal space and freedom. In addition, tucked away in the back streets away from the skyscrapers of the central districts, the old Guangzhou of traditional neighbourhoods still moves at an age-old pace, with families and friends often sitting outdoors enjoying tea and banter.

Guangzhou also has the largest urban park in China, an island of refurbished colonial buildings, an internationally recognized skyline, and a number of world class galleries and exhibition spaces. Modern-day Guangzhou is one of China's most prosperous cities and is considered the nation's most liberal, free, and cosmopolitan urban center.

Districts [ edit ]

Like many Chinese cities, Guangzhou municipality includes a vast rural area in addition to the urban core. There are 11 districts in Guangzhou. Among them, Liwan, Yuexiu, Tianhe are the city's core, of most interest to tourists.

History [ edit ]

Formerly known as Canton to the West, the city of Guangzhou has a history dating back roughly 2,200 years.

A legend tells of five celestial beings riding into the area that is now Guangzhou on five rams carrying sheaves of rice. The celestials bestowed blessings on the land and offered the sheaves to the people of the city as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. After the celestials left, the rams turned into stone, and Guangzhou quickly developed into an affluent and influential city. Due to this legend, Guangzhou has gained several popular nicknames: Yangcheng (羊城; City of Rams), Suicheng (穗城; Sheaves of Rice City) and Wuyangcheng (五羊城; City of Five Rams). In addition, due to the abundance of flowers along the city's main thoroughfares, Guangzhou is often referred to as Huacheng (花城; City of Flowers).

According to historical records, the city was built in 214BC and was known as Panyu (番禺). The name Guangzhou referred to the prefecture in which Panyu was located. As the city grew, the name Guangzhou was adopted for the city.

Guangzhou was also part of the so-called Maritime Silk Road that linked southern China with India, South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. As a result of its links with the Middle East, a mosque was established in the city in 627, and a small Muslim community continues to live in Guangzhou to this day. Additionally, the sixth patriarch of Zen Buddhism was born in Guangzhou and taught the famous Platform Sutra in the city. As a result, Guangzhou has retained a strong connection with this school of Buddhism, and the monastery where the sixth patriarch studied is considered a local treasure. The first Protestant missionary in China, Robert Morrison, entered Guangzhou in 1807. This started the spread of Christianity in the country. Guangzhou now has the largest African population in China.

In 786 the city was sacked by the Persians. In 1514 the Portuguese were the first Europeans that arrived in Canton. They obtained a monopoly on the trade in China and took Macau as a base; their monopoly lasted until the Dutch arrived in the 17th century. In 1711 the British East India Company established a trading post here. In 1757, the Chinese government designated the city as the only port allowed business transactions with foreign nations. This continued until 1842 when the Treaty of Nanking was signed, when four other " treaty ports " were added. Losing the exclusive privilege pushed Guangzhou to become more industrialized later.

Many overseas Chinese can trace their ancestry to the area, with the overwhelming majority of overseas Chinese in English-speaking countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia being of Cantonese descent. In Southeast Asia, Cantonese people also form a substantial portion of the overseas Chinese communities, with Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City being home to large and influential overseas Cantonese communities.

Since the opening up of China under Deng Xiaoping, Guangzhou has seen an influx of investment from Hong Kong and overseas Cantonese communities and has continued to grow as an economic center. Guangzhou's GDP surpassed that of Hong Kong in 2019.

When to visit [ edit ]

Visitors will find the best weather between October and November, and April and May are also good months. Guangzhou has a sub-tropical climate with humidity levels at their highest in the summer. Temperatures can reach almost 40 °C. Typhoon season is from June to September. The Canton Fair takes place annually during the weeks from mid-April to early May and mid-October to early November, so finding accommodation at those times can be difficult and expensive. See the information section under Sleep .

Talk [ edit ]

Locals in Guangzhou speak Cantonese as their native language. As the Guangzhou dialect of Cantonese is far less influenced by foreign languages than that of Hong Kong, this is a good place to learn the language in its "purest" form.

Cantonese in Guangzhou is spoken with several different accents, the best known ones being the Dongshan Accent (东山口音) and Xiguan Accent (西关口音). While there are noticeable pronunciation differences between the different accents, if you are already fluent in Cantonese, this should not pose too much of a challenge.

As Mandarin is the official language of mainland China and the medium of instruction in all schools, most younger locals will be bilingual in Cantonese and Mandarin. As one of China's most prosperous cities, Guangzhou is also home to many migrants from other parts of China who speak Mandarin but not Cantonese. While Mandarin is sufficient for communication, breaking into the social circles of locals would almost certainly require knowledge of Cantonese. Foreigners living in Guangzhou usually choose to learn Mandarin instead of Cantonese because it is much more broadly useful.

English is spoken by more people than in the rest of China (save for Beijing and Shanghai), but still not by the majority, so it is a good idea to carry your hotel's business card with you. To save yourself the hassle and agony when asking for directions, have names of your destinations clearly written down in Chinese by the hotel staff before venturing out. Many educated younger people will have a basic knowledge of English, and staff at hotels, bars and restaurants frequented by foreigners generally speak an acceptable level of English.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

23.39 113.298 1 Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport ( 广州白云国际机场 CAN  IATA ), Baiyun , ☏ +86 20 3606 6999 . One of China's main intercontinental hubs, 28 km north of Guangzhou, it's the most convenient airport to get into the city by taxi and subway. It is the main hub of China Southern Airlines . ( updated Jan 2016 )

Flying to Hong Kong is another option, although you need to factor in the border crossing. From Hong Kong International Airport , cross-boundary buses run direct to Guangzhou and other cities in Guangdong. Bus companies include China Travel Service, Trans-Island Chinalink and Eternal East, fares range from HK$220–250 one way. At Kowloon station of the Airport Express, next to West Kowloon Railway Station, you can transfer to high-speed trains bound for Guangzhou.

By train [ edit ]

Guangzhou has impressive high-speed rail services across China, focused on Guangzhou South ("Nan") Railway Station. Chief connections are:

Hong Kong (West Kowloon Station) is less than an hour by the fastest trains, via Futian, Shenzhen and Humen, Dongguan ; single fares from HK$200 - see Hong Kong#By train . These run every 30 min or so. All the border procedures are at West Kowloon Station, so from Hong Kong to Guangzhou you should check in at the station 90 min before scheduled departure, then on arrival, you don't need to allow much transfer time for an onward train. Going to Hong Kong you're okay till about 20 min before departure, but factor in immigration at the other end if you're going that way to catch a flight.

There are also trains between Hong Kong West Kowloon and Guangzhou East ("Dong") Railway Station (but the journey time is longer), and cheap options involving a Chinese train from Guangzhou to Luohu (罗湖) in Shenzhen, walking across the border bridge, then taking a Hong Kong MTR train (East Rail Line). Lots of locals do this.

Mainland China: Fast trains run to Wuhan (3 hr), Beijing (8 hr), Xian, Shanghai (7 hr), Nanning (4 hr) and Kunming. The most amazing train is to Lhasa in Tibet, just under 5000 km away over dizzying high-altitude passes. This train runs alternate days from Guangzhou Station (广州站), taking almost 55 hours. A sleeper costs ¥923 and up; see also Overland to Tibet .

There are three major train stations in Guangzhou. Countless travellers have gone to the wrong station and missed their trains, so carefully check your ticket.

• 22.99139 113.26379 2 Guangzhou South Railway Station ( 广州南站, Nan-Zhan ) ( Metro lines   2   ,   7   & ). The principal station serving the high-speed network. About 20 km south of the centre, a 30-min ride on Metro line 2 (¥5 fare). A huge departure concourse upstairs, with various eating places and other facilities. Many station staff understand English, as this is the main route to Hong Kong. The cluster of hotels around the station consistently refuse to admit foreigners, even those who have paid in advance and are clutching confirmation slips. ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 23.15395 113.31949 3 Guangzhou East Railway Station ( 广州东站, Dong-Zhan ) ( Metro lines   1   &   3   ). Frequent intercity train service to Shenzhen and long-distance conventional services to some mainland cities. ( updated Dec 2023 )
• 23.15256 113.25209 4 Guangzhou Railway Station ( 广州站, Guangzhou-Zhan ) ( Metro lines   2   &   5   ). One of the biggest stations in the country, with trains all the way to Harbin and Lhasa . Note that the station is a hotspot for petty crimes, so please pay extra attention to your valuables. ( updated Dec 2023 )

By bus [ edit ]

Coach services are available to bring passengers from Hong Kong International Airport to several locations in Guangzhou. Among the destinations are recognizable landmarks like Jinan University (暨南大学) on Huangpu Avenue (黄埔大道), Garden Hotel (花园酒店) and China Hotel (中国大酒店) (see hotel section). The trip takes over 3 hours and costs HK$250. There are also cross border bus terminals throughout Hong Kong . One of the stations is at Austin Road and Canton Road near Kowloon Park. A one-way ticket costs about HK$100.

Domestically, it is possible to hop on a bus from any corner of Guangdong province and get to Guangzhou. There are also many options from nearby provinces like Guangxi , Hubei and Fujian . Here are some of the main stations in the city:

• 23.15086 113.24728 7 Provincial Station ( 省汽车客运站 ), 145-149 Huanshi West Road 环市西路145-149号 ( Metro 2 & 5 Guangzhou Railway Station Exit F1, F2, H1, H2 ). The station serves mostly long distance lines outside the Guangdong Province.  
• 23.149698 113.250457 8 Liuhua Station ( 流花站 ) ( Metro 2 & 5 Guangzhou Railway Station Exit D4 ). Across from Provincial Station, it mostly serves nearby cities in the province.  
• 23.17379 113.33696 9 Tianhe Station ( 天河客运站 ), 633 Yanling Road 燕岭路633号 ( Metro 3 & 6, Tianhe Coach Terminal ). The station serves Southern and central China, reaching as far as the Gansu Province. There are also many routes to cities in Guangdong.  
• 23.06669 113.29329 10 Haizhu Station ( 海珠客运站 ), 182 Nanzhou Road 南洲路182号 ( Metro 2 Nanzhou Station Exit A ). Located in the southern part of Haizhu, serving major cities in the province and other Southern China provinces, including Hainan.  
• 23.08264 113.22942 11 Fangcun Station ( 芳村客运站 ), 51 Huadi Middle Avenue ( Metro 1 Kengkou Exit B ). The station serves similar routes to the Haizhu Station.  
• 23.12108 113.27207 12 Yuexiu Nan Station ( 越秀南汽车站 ), 越秀南东园横2号 ( Metro 6 Tuanyida Square ). Besides destinations in this and other provinces, it also has lines to Macau and Hong Kong.  
• 22.99419 113.26556 13 Guangzhou South ( 广州南汽车客运站 ) ( Metro 2 & 7 Guangzhou South Railway Station ). The station mainly services nearby cities. There is a bus to Lo Wu, a commonly used border crossing between Hong Kong and mainland China. The fare is ¥65 and it runs every hour.  

English and Chinese names of bus stations vary from one sign to another—coach terminal, coach station, bus terminal, bus station, passenger terminal or passenger station. The different names may be referring to the same station.

By boat [ edit ]

There are two major passenger ports - Nansha Port and Lianhuashan Port, and many other smaller ones.

• 22.7729 113.60695 14 Nansha Port Passenger Terminal ( 南沙港客运码头 ), 2 Nan Er Road, Haibin Xincheng Trade Avenue, Nansha Economic Development Zone (南沙经济技术开发区海滨新城商贸大道南二路2号) ( very far from the city center; Metro line 4 ends here ), ☏ +86 20 84688963 . Serves boats traveling from Guangzhou to Hong Kong (90 min, four times daily, ¥180), Hong Kong International Airport (70 minutes, twice daily, ¥300), and Macau (80 min, twice daily on weekends only, ¥180). ( updated Jan 2016 )
• 22.97072 113.50214 15 Lianhuashan Port ( 莲花山港 ), 1 Gangqian Road, Shilou Town, Panyu District (番禺区石楼镇港前路1号) ( Metro 4 Shiqi Exit A, a free shuttle bus conveys passengers from the metro station to the port ), ☏ +86 20 84659906 , [email protected] . Serves boats traveling from Guangzhou to Hong Kong (four times daily, ¥180) and Hong Kong International Airport (three times daily, ¥300). ( updated Jan 2018 )

Get around [ edit ]

Guangzhou has a fairly efficient and rapidly expanding public transportation system. If you intend to stay in Guangzhou for a long time, buy a multi-purpose Lingnan Pass - Yang Cheng Tong (岭南通-羊城通) stored value card, similar to the Octopus Card in Hong Kong . The card can be used in most metro areas in Guangdong province (but not Shenzhen). It can be used not only for public transportation (bus, subway, parking meters and some taxis), but also for public phones and designated shops, places of interests and certain vending machines. The card costs ¥50, which includes an ¥18 deposit and a starting balance of ¥32. You can purchase and recharge the cards in many places, such as some 7-Elevens, Metro customer service counters, and Tiantian Laundry. Returning your card at the end of the trip can be done at any Yang Cheng Tong service centers. The best locations include centers near metro station Gongyuanqian Exit J, Tiyu Xi Exit G, and East Rail Station exit HJ. It may be worth it to keep the card as a souvenir.

By metro [ edit ]

Guangzhou's Metro [dead link] opened in 1999 and has been expanding at a breakneck pace ever since. Most places in Guangzhou of interest to visitors are within walking distance of a metro stop. The Metro cannot be beaten for its combination of convenience and affordability.

Most signs are in both Chinese and English, while announcements are generally trilingual in Mandarin, Cantonese and English. Trains can become extremely crowded during morning and evening rush hours, especially on Line 3. The fare varies by distance, from ¥2 to ¥21. You can buy tickets from vending machines in the stations. These accept ¥5, ¥10 and ¥20 bills and ¥1 coins, giving change; other machines take phone payment via Chinese app Alipay which you're unlikely to have. You can break up big bills, or change worn bills that the machines won't accept, at the customer service counters. The ticket is a small round plastic token, which you tap over the reader at the gate to enter the platform, and at the exit where you surrender the token into the slot like a vending machine. The Yang Cheng Tong card (see details above) is easier to use, and also gives you a 5-40% discount.

As per Chinese standard, you will pass through security when entering metro stations. However, security is somehow laxer, with some stations only needing a pat by metal detector.

There are 15 lines in operation (not including APM):

Line 1 runs southwest to northeast, from Xilang in Fangcun to Guangzhou East Railway Station in Tianhe . It runs underneath Zhongshan Road in the city centre, and is the most useful for accessing shopping areas and tourist sights.

Line 2 runs north-south from Jiahewanggang in Baiyun District to Guangzhou South Railway Station. It serves Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou Railway Station, Yuexiu Park and Haizhou Square. If you're staying in west or central Guangzhou, this line is also useful for reaching the airport by changing to Line 3 at Jiahewanggang.

Line 3 is a Y-shaped north-south line serving eastern Guangzhou. The 'main line' runs from Panyu Square to the Tianhe Coach Terminal Station, whilst the 'north line' splits off at Tiyu Xilu and heads towards Airport South, via Guangzhou East Station.

Line 4 serves Guangzhou's eastern outer suburbs, and runs from Huangcun in Huangpu District down to Nansha Passenger Port. It serves the Olympic Sport Centre and the University Town.

Line 5 runs east-west from Jiaokou ( Liwan ) to Wenchong (Huangpu District), following the inner ring road through the city. Serves Guangzhou Railway Station, the Garden Hotel and Zhujiang New Town.

Line 6 runs on the north coast of the Pearl River. Serves Beijing Lu, Cultural Park, Huanghuagang, Tuanyida Square, and Dongshanhu Park.

Line 7 runs east-west across the southern suburbs.

Line 8 runs east-west through Haizhu District from Fenghuang Xincun to Wanshengwei. Serves Sun Yat-sen University and Pazhou Exhibition Centre.

Guangfo Line is China's first intercity metro, connecting Guangzhou to downtown Foshan . Central Foshan can be reached in approximately 45–60 minutes from central Guangzhou. Transfers from GZ metro lines and Yangchengtong cards are accepted.

Zhujiang New Town APM is a driverless people-mover serving downtown Tianhe District and is the least-used line on the Metro (which is handy if you want to avoid the most crowded section of Line 3). The line has 9 stops running from Linhexi to Canton Tower, and serves tourist sights including Guangzhou Opera House, Haixinsha Island (where the opening ceremony for the 2010 Asian Games was held) and the Canton Tower. This line uses separate tickets (flat fare ¥2, 5% discount with the Yangchengtong card). Unlike other metro lines, you should insert your token at the entrance gate - the exit gates open automatically when approached.

Lines   9     13     14     18     21   and   22   serve far-out suburban areas and are of little interest to tourists.

The system is still being expanded and there is talk of adding connections to Dongguan , Huizhou , and Zhongshan .

There is also a comprehensive public bus service that covers Guangzhou from end to end. By far, it is the cheapest way to move around. Bus fares are ¥1 for the older buses and ¥2 for the air-conditioned ones, although the older buses have been mostly retired. Information at bus stops is mostly written in Chinese, although the current stop's name is also written in either pinyin or English (not always consistent with the recorded announcement in English) and stops close to subway stations are (usually) marked with the Guangzhou Metro logo, which is handy if you are lost. On-board announcements are made in Mandarin, Cantonese and sometimes English. Exact fare or a Yang Cheng Tong card is needed when boarding. If traveling on a quiet bus, it is advisable to signal to the driver that you wish to get off when approaching your stop by pressing the red buzzer next to the exit door or by saying "xia yi zhan you xia (pinyin:xià yī zhàn yǒu xià)," meaning "I'm getting off at the next stop" or simply "you xia (有下, pinyin:yǒu xià)." In Cantonese "you xia" is "yau lok (有落)."

Bus stops served by many routes are usually divided into multiple sections, each one with a different number. The stops are usually all on the same side of the road, one after another, but in some cases (such as Haizhu Square), the stops are found all over the place.

Buses are only handy for traveling within one district or for reaching suburban districts that are not served by the subway. Heavy traffic can lead to a slow, uncomfortable journey although they can be handy for a cheap but slow sightseeing tour. Trolley bus lines (Routes 101-109) are handy for exploring Liwan and Yuexiu districts.

Most bus routes run from around 06:00 to 22:00 or 22:00, after which there are night buses with the prefix Ye (夜, night). The night route numbers are not related to the normal route numbers. The fare is usually ¥3. Virtually all night buses stop running around 01:00 or 02:00, and some start again around 05:00. In most cases, taking a taxi at night is a better idea.

Guangzhou has over 30 commuter express bus lines (高峰快线) run mostly during peak hours from major bus and subway interchanges to congested areas and outlying districts. Fares are from ¥1-4. There are also four special lines for University Town (大学城专线). You can find these in most major stations in the city that would take you to University Town. Fares are from ¥2-4. There are also 2 tourist bus lines (旅游专线) passing through many scenic spots in the city. Other special lines are: Lines to some commercial districts, shuttle buses for many different residential complexes such as Favourview Palace and Star River, and even complementary shuttle buses for some shopping center. The driver of a shuttle bus may ask for your receipts.

By BRT [ edit ]

The Bus Rapid Transit system went into service in early 2010. It is essentially a long segregated bus lane (not an elevated busway like in Xiamen) running along the Tianhe Road and Zhongshan Avenue corridor towards the eastern suburbs. Some intersections are traversed by bridges and tunnels, which cuts journey times considerably, but other intersections have traffic lights and therefore traffic jams, and crowds can be as dense as in Metro stations but with fewer doors and a narrower standing area compared to Metro trains.

All buses that use the BRT start with a B prefix (B1, B22, etc.), though some without the "B" stop nearby. When reading a bus route (in Chinese) you can see the BRT logo above each BRT station name, like the GZ Metro logo above bus stops that are near Metro stations. The B1 stops at every BRT station, but other B routes use any number of BRT stations (sometimes just one) and use normal roads the rest of the time.

If boarding a BRT bus at a normal (non BRT) bus stop, the normal fare of ¥2 applies, however you can transfer to other BRT routes for free, provided you transfer at a BRT stop. If boarding at a BRT stop, insert ¥2 (coins only) into the entry turnstile or use your transit card to enter the platform area; no payment is required when boarding the bus, and you can board at the rear.

As with normal bus routes, there is almost no English at BRT stations, and only the current station name is in pinyin. Overall it isn't much use to tourists who can't read Chinese.

By taxi [ edit ]

Guangzhou taxis are very affordable. The starting charge is ¥12 for the first 3 km, or about 1.9 miles. After that is ¥2.6 for each km. No fuel surcharge is added. A 20% and 50% surcharge is automatically added when the trip reaches 15 and 25 km respectively. A few taxis also accepts Yang Cheng Tong as payment, but it is not preferred by the drivers. The taxi hotline is 96900. This comes in handy if you forget your valuables in a taxi. Save your receipt because it contains the taxi's identification number.

Most taxi drivers do not speak English or any other foreign languages, so be sure to have the name and address of your destination written in Chinese to show your taxi driver. Many are from the poorer northern provinces and do not even speak Cantonese. If your destination is not well known, have a nearby landmark included in the address, e.g. "across from the Garden Hotel."

Whilst the majority of taxis are the regular VWs and Hyundais found in almost all Chinese cities, there are an increasing number of 'London taxis' on the streets of Guangzhou (which comes as no surprise as the latest generation of London black cabs are built by Geely Motors in China). They are wheelchair accessible and can carry up to 6 passengers. Many people recommend using the yellow taxis as that company only employs local Guangzhou drivers who know the city well - other taxi companies usually hire migrant workers from other provinces who may not know where they are going.

Most taxi shift changes take place between 15:00 and 17:00. During this time, it is hard to find a taxi as many drivers stop working by displaying the "out of service (暂停服务)" sign before the end of the shift, unless you are going in their direction. Taxi can be also hard to come by during commuter peak hours of 07:30-09:00 and 17:00-19:00. Finding a taxi during the evening or at night is usually not a problem.

Scams [ edit ]

Most people find taxi drivers in Guangzhou to be honest. However, during the Canton Fair near the Pazhou Complex, it is common to see drivers violate rules, such as refusal of service and pre-negotiating a price rather than using the meter. It is also difficult to find an available taxi elsewhere in the city.

Beware of taxi driver as sometimes, in addition to going around the block one too many times, they will also try to pass counterfeit bills. Pay close attention as to what they pay when passing toll booths. Good drivers will show you the toll receipts. Only add the toll amount to what is displayed in the meter. A trip between the airport to the East Railway Station will cost around ¥120-130.

When paying with ¥100 notes, ensure that the money does not leave your sight until accepted. Some taxi drivers will turn around, do something, turn back and hand you back fake notes instead, especially if you are foreigner on the way to the airport. In this situation there is almost nothing you can do.

By car [ edit ]

While driving in Guangzhou is an option, drivers unfamiliar with the driving conditions in China's large and densely populated cities should be aware that the experience can be extremely daunting and potentially dangerous. However, it is common in Guangzhou to rent a car that comes with a driver.

Similar to other Chinese cities, congestion on the roads is also a major problem that Guangzhou experiences.

Car rental companies in Guangzhou:

• Avis (安飞士汽车租凭), 9 Huali Road, +86 20 3829-6279, 08:30–17:30.
• Hertz (赫兹国际汽车出租), 89 Linhe West Road, first floor of Jingxing Hotel. +86 20 8755-1608.

See also Driving in China .

By motorcycle [ edit ]

Although a convenient way to navigate the city's back alleys and lanes, motorcycles are banned in the city center, and riding a motorcycle into these prohibited areas can lead to fines and possible confiscation of the bike. In addition to the central motorcycle ban, electric bicycles are banned from the city roads.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Due to the improvement of public transportation and increasing affordability of private cars, bicycles are in sharp decline in Guangzhou. The government has been promoting this low-carbon mode of transportation. Over 100 rental outlets are now available along many BRT lines and subway stations. The rental fee is by the hour and up to ¥30 a day. One popular bike route is along the Pearl River on the Haizhu District side. Other dedicated bike lanes are slowly appearing in the city center, including Tianhe District. Yangchengtong Card is accepted in many public rental outlets.

New bikes are available in major hypermarkets from ¥200 for a cheap single-speed to around ¥800 for a 21-speed mountain bike, although quality leaves a lot to be desired. Giant and Merida are the two most common international brands (both are from Taiwan) and whilst a little more expensive (expect to spend over ¥1000 for anything with more than 1 gear), they offer something a little faster and of better quality. Get a decent quality lock too - bike theft is rampant!

Folding bikes are permitted on the subway (but not on buses) and can be carried in the trunk of a taxi at the driver's discretion, but non-folders are not permitted on any form of public transport other than the cross-river ferries. Bicycles are not permitted to cross the river via the Zhujiang Tunnel or Zhujiang suspension bridge, but are permitted to go on the public ferries for ¥1 (see below).

By ferry [ edit ]

The ferry is the cheapest way of crossing the Pearl River (Zhujiang). Ferries were very popular in the 1980s and early 90s, carrying tens of thousands of passengers across the river each day. Nowadays its popularity declines substantially, mainly due to the completion of several bridges over the Pearl River and metro tunnels under it. The river narrows when going through the city center (a little wider than the Thames in central London). It is usually faster and more convenient for people to use the bridges or metro to cross the river, rather than wait for the ferries. One still-popular ferry route connects Huangsha Pier (by the seafood market next to Shamian Island) to the pier at Changdi Road on the Fangcun side. Ferries depart every 10 minutes from 06:00 to 22:00. The fare is ¥0.5, or ¥1 with a bicycle. The fare can be paid in cash (no change given) or by using Yangchengtong Card. There are separate boarding gates for cyclists and pedestrians, and you pay at the boarding gate.

On foot [ edit ]

Due to the sheer size of the city, walking is not advisable if you are trying to reach destinations in different districts. However, walking is a great way of exploring individual districts, and treats such as markets, small antiquities shops and local restaurants can be found up almost every little alley. Walking along main roads can be a nightmare - construction work can result in some inconvenient pedestrian diversions. Open manhole covers or sidewalks blocked by huge piles of cement are common. Take caution when crossing roads, even when the light is green, as bicycles and cars routinely expect everyone to move out of their way and drive through blindly. Many major intersections must be crossed using complex underpasses and footbridges. Make sure you have a map with you. It is all too easy to get lost in the rabbit-warren of small streets and alleys, even if some street signs are also in English.

See [ edit ]

Guangzhou's long history can be experienced in the Liwan and Yuexiu districts. Traditional buildings are slowly disappearing due to the city's rapid growth, but they can still be found near Yide Road, Renmin Nan Road and Zhongshan Road. They make great photo spots. Shamian Island (Liwan) was the European settlement in Guangzhou in the 19th century, and colonial buildings can be seen there. The Chen Clan Academy (Liwan) is a famous example of traditional Cantonese architecture, and Yuexiu contains several temples which are popular destinations. Yuexiu is also home to 20th century historical sites like the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall .

The Tianhe district has become home to a new business district (Zhujiang New Town), with towering office buildings and some new cultural institutions. Canton Tower (Haizhu district) is the world's second-tallest skyscraper, with an observatory 449 meters above the ground.

Guangzhou is a massive city, but it is also home to beautiful natural sites. Baiyun Mountain , located just north of the city center, is a large mountain park with forests, streams, and long hiking paths, as well as a cable car to the top for the less adventurous. The Chimelong theme parks in the city south (Panyu district) include a popular safari park as well as roller coasters and other attractions.

Do [ edit ]

• Pearl River Night Cruise (珠江夜游) Dashatou Pier (大沙头码头), Tianzi Pier (天字码头), and Xidi Pier (西堤码头) – This is a one- to two-hour cruise in the evening and a great way to see the Guangzhou skyline along the Pearl River, including a light show at Bai-E-Tan. Tickets for the deluxe dinner cruise can be bought from most high-end hotels. Prices from ¥50–200 per person. Higher end cruises usually include dinner buffet.
• Daytime River "Cruise" As cheap as ¥5, you get a ride down to the last terminal at ZhongSan University and back. Just tell the ticket seller at the jetty, in front of Riverside Hostel, you just want a joyride. On your way back, you can get off on the other side of the river at the heart of the commercial district. After spending a couple of hours walking around or even dinner, it will cost you only ¥1 to cross back to the Riverside Hostel.
• Ride the public buses. Cheap and generally safe, but beware of pickpockets . The electric trams are even cheaper at flat rate of ¥2. Hop on to any one of the public buses. Drivers are generally very friendly and helpful. So long as you have sufficient small change for the journey, tell the driver you are in just for a joyride. (In Cantonese Yau Cheh Hor literally meaning just for the ride or just for fun. Where the journey terminates, ask anyone what buses will take you back and request the driver to let you know when to get off. So long as you sit not too far away, he (sometimes she) will tell you. Don't worry, everyone is very helpful on these buses. Being paranoid about scams and perceived crimes takes the joy out of what would otherwise be a marvellous holiday.

Festivals [ edit ]

• Chinese New Year/Spring Festival (春节 Chūnjié ) occurs on first day of first lunar month, usually in January or February. This is a 15 day celebration and some districts can be quite deserted as many migrant workers return to their home provinces. The flower fair is popular during the days before New Year.
• Dragon Boat Festival (端午节 Duānwǔ jié ) on fifth day of fifth lunar month, usually in May or June. This festival commemorates the sacrifice of Qu Yuan (屈原), a famous poet who drowned himself in the river by way of making a statement against government corruption during the Warring States Period. The highlights are dragon boat racing along the Pearl River, and eating rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves (粽子).
• Mid-autumn Festival (中秋节 Zhōngqiū jié ) is on the 15th day of 8th lunar month, usually in September or October. Cantonese moon cakes are enjoyed during this holiday. Lian Xiang Lou and Taotao Ju's moon cakes are especially famous (see "Eat" section). Kids' favorites are paper lanterns. Many locals also enjoy riding ferries and watching the full moon on the Pearl River.
• Tomb Sweeping Day (清明节 Qīngmíng jié ) is around the spring equinox, usually on April 5. Involves visits to the family tombs for cleaning and making offerings.
• Double Ninth Festival (重阳节 Chóngyáng jié) is on the 9th day of 9th lunar month, usually in October. Cantonese has the tradition of hiking up Baiyun Mountain. This is also the fall version of the Tomb Sweeping Day in April.
• Qi Xi , or Chinese Valentine's Day (七夕 Qīxī ) is on 7th day of 7th lunar month, usually in August or September. According to legend, a heavenly fairy Zhinyu (织女) fell in love with a mortal farm boy Niulang (牛郎). This was forbidden; as punishment, they were only allowed to meet once a year on this day. There are usually parades and carnivals in the city celebrating the holiday. This is the Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day, but it is steadily losing its appeal among the locals; many have adopted the Western Valentine’s Day on February 14.
• Winter Solstice (冬至, 过冬 Dōngzhì ), which literally means the Coming of Winter is on December 22. Traditionally, Cantonese people observe the day with a family feast, which often includes preserved duck and sausages. However, the highlight of the day's festive dishes is hot soup served with flour dumplings (汤丸).

The Canton Fair [ edit ]

The Canton Fair (China Import and Export Commodities Fair) is held twice a year (spring and fall) in the Pazhou Complex in Haizhu district. It lasts for several weeks each time — for example, the Fall 2018 Fair is October 15 to November 4.

Through most of Mao's era — from the first Canton Fair in 1957 until the "reform and opening up" under Deng Xiao Ping began in 1978 — the Canton Fair was almost the only way Chinese and foreign business people could meet and make deals. It is still much the largest trade fair in China; the October 2012 Fair had over a million square meters (11 million square feet) of exhibit space, over 24,000 exhibitors, and over 188,000 overseas buyers. Around $32.5 million worth of business was done at that Fair, and almost certainly much more was done later from contacts made at the Fair.

If you are going to the fair, book a hotel well in advance. Hotels tend to be booked and expensive during the Fair. Metro is a good transportation option to go to the fair ground, and many hotels provide free shuttle services.

There are two lesser, but still important, trade fairs in Xiamen every year. These are scheduled so that it is possible to visit one of the Xiamen fairs and the Canton Fair in a single trip.

Learn [ edit ]

Guangzhou is home to Sun Yat-sen University (中山大学 Jūngsāan Daaihhohk in Cantonese, Zhōngshān Dàxué in Mandarin), one of the premier universities in China, and the most prestigious in Guangdong province. It is also historically significant, having been founded by and named after the founding president of the Republic of China. There are opportunities for international students to enroll in the university, and for students at foreign universities to study here on exchange programs.

Other institutes that might be of interest to prospective international students include:

• Guangzhou University of Traditional Medicine ( 广州中医药大学 Guǎngzhōu Zhōngyīyào Dàxué ) ( Metro 2 Sanyuanli Exit B ). Chinese medicine and acupuncture (中医和针灸) is taught here, one of the main universities for traditional medicine in China and attracts many overseas students. It also has a branch in Zhuhai .  
• Mandarin House Guangzhou School ( 广州美和汉语学校 Guǎngzhōu Měi hé Hànyǔ Xuéxiào ) ( Tianhe business district ). Former winner and multiple nominee of STM’s ‘Star Award’ in the World Language Provider Category. Has language centres in Shanghai and Beijing and is quality accredited by IALC. Mandarin House Guangzhou school offers the same curriculum, courses and level of teaching quality in all their schools. From effective Intensive & Business Courses to Private Tutoring, HSK Preparation and Juniors Programs, assuring there is a course best suited to each level.  

Buy [ edit ]

Street markets [ edit ]

If time and weather permit, walking is perhaps the best way to see the city as the back alleys, which are littered with antiquities, are not accessible by motorized vehicles. Most trades and goods categories are concentrated in a specific area or along one main street.

• Qingping Market ( 清平市场 ), Qingping Road (清平路) ( North from Shamian Island. Metro 1 Huangsha Exit D ). Cantonese are known to eat just about any animal, and the market is world famous for its wild animal trades, although it has been tamer since the SARS outbreak. It is still a great place to go for exotic goods. The modern front of the market has quite a few stalls selling dried herbs used in Chinese Medicine. The real charm here lies just behind the modern exterior. The modern exterior is built onto a series of old historical narrow alleyways with shops selling herbs. ( updated Oct 2012 )
• Xiguan Antique Street ( 西关古玩城 ), near Liwan Park (荔湾湖公园) . ( updated Oct 2012 )
• Flower Street ( 花卉水族街 ), Baohua Road (宝华路) . ( updated Oct 2012 )
• Jade Street ( 玉器工艺街/玉器街 ), Changshou Road (长寿路) and Wenchang Road (文昌路), near Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street ( Metro 1 Changshou Lu ). ( updated Oct 2012 )
• Ivory and Sea products ( 象牙雕刻海味街 ), Daxin Road (大新路) . ( updated Oct 2012 )
• Toy Street and Dried goods and snacks Street ( 玩具街 and 干果海味食品专业街 ), Yide Road (一德路) ( Metro 2 Haizhu Square ). ( updated Oct 2012 )
• Bridal Street ( 婚纱专卖街 ), Jiangnan North Road (江南大道北) ( Metro 2 The 2nd Workers' Cultural Palace ). ( updated Oct 2012 )
• Flowers, Aquatic and Lightings Street , Danan Road (大南街) near Beijing Road (北京路) ( Metro 1, 2 Gongyuanqian ). ( updated Oct 2012 )
• Household Merchandise Street ( 日用百货街 ), Gaodi Street (高第街) . The street has become a shopping center selling everyday goods. ( updated Oct 2012 )
• Cultural Street ( 古玩字画街 / 文化商业街 ), Wende Road (文德路) ( Metro 1 Peasant Movement Institute ). A good place to look for antiques and traditional Chinese artistic goods. ( updated Oct 2012 )
• Haiyin Shopping District ( 海印专业购物区 ), at the northwest side of the Haiyin Bridge (海印大桥) . Selling appliances, sporting goods, cloth, fabrics, camera accessories and electronics. ( updated Oct 2012 )

Malls and shopping centers [ edit ]

Many large shopping malls have been built in areas like Yuexiu and Tianhe.

Eat [ edit ]

Cantonese cuisine is well known for its blend of color, fragrance, taste and presentation, and it is ranked among the top four in the country. In particular, dim sum , a delicate pastry, is famous for being simple yet delicious. Local customs, as well as a long history of contact with the West compared to other regions in China, have played a major role in the development and diversity of Cantonese cuisine. "Chinese food" in Western countries is usually Cantonese food, albeit slightly adapted to Western tastes, meaning that many Western visitors will be familiar with Cantonese food to a certain extent.

Authentic Cantonese cuisine is also famous throughout China for another reason — Cantonese people tend to eat absolutely anything . A well-known Chinese joke is that they eat anything that has four legs other than a table, anything that flies other than an airplane, and anything that swims other than a submarine. In addition to that, various internal organs of animals are regularly eaten, such as the liver, kidneys, heart and even brain. This means that Cantonese cuisine is one of, if not the, most adventurous in China due to their expansive use of exotic ingredients, and their extremely broad definition of what is considered edible. This is how Guangzhou earned the distinct name of "Eating in Guangzhou (食在广州)."

Unlike Sichuan food and many other cuisines across China, Cantonese food tend to preserve the original flavor of the ingredients and is generally not spicy. The taste of Umami is strongly emphasized in the dishes. Soup is also an important part of Cantonese cuisine. Cantonese soups are distinct by having been cooked for an extended period (typically 4h+).

Due to its cosmopolitan nature, cuisines from many different parts of the world are also available in Guangzhou. In particular, due to the large number of Africans living here, there are several restaurants serving various African cuisines to cater to that demographic.

What to eat [ edit ]

• White Cut Chicken (白切鸡) This is one of the most popular Cantonese cuisine. It is lightly flavored to allow one to taste the true chicken meat. Many Cantonese restaurants have their signature dish based on this, such as the Wenchang Chicken from Guangzhou Restaurant, Real Taste Chicken from Bingsheng Restaurant and Qingping Chicken from various restaurants.
• Yum Cha / Dim Sum (饮茶/ 点心) "A pot of tea with two pieces (一盅两件)" is Guangzhou's dim sum culture. Many locals stay for hours chatting and reading newspaper with just a small order of food. The varieties of dim sum dishes in many restaurants are easily over a hundred. The bite-size quantity of each dish allows one to venture out and try new things that will satisfy one's taste bud.
• Siu Mei / Shao Wei (烧味) Cantonese barbecue is famous around the world where many have seen the image of roasted ducks and chicken hanging in front of a store. Siu mei is a staple item in Cantonese restaurants. Some varieties include barbecued pork (叉烧), roast goose (烧鹅) and roast pig (烧肉).
• Seafood (海鲜) Eating fresh seafood the Cantonese way is a good way to explore Cantonese culture. From picking live fish or lobsters in front of your eyes to eating the sea creatures with their heads attached, this is a great adventure for any visitors.
• Dessert (甜品, 糖水) A Cantonese meal is not complete without Cantonese desserts. Soupy or custard desserts are common. Two distinct Guangzhou favorites are double layered milk (双皮奶) and ginger milk curd (姜撞奶). Other popular choices include tofu pudding (豆腐花), red bean paste (紅豆沙), green bean paste (綠豆沙), guilinggao (龟苓膏), black sesame paste (芝麻糊) and sago (西米露).

Foreign chains [ edit ]

Foreign fast food, ice cream and coffee chains are well established in Guangzhou. These include Subway (赛百味), Dairy Queen (冰雪皇后), Saizeriya (Japanese Italian food chain), Papa John's Pizza (棒约翰), KFC (肯德基), Pizza Hut (必胜客), McDonald's (麦当劳), Burger King (汉堡王), Starbucks (星巴克) and Häagen-Dazs (哈根达斯). Most of these can be found in the Zhengjia Plaza (See "Shop").

Convenience stores [ edit ]

Convenience stores are on almost every street corner and most are open 24 hours. Major convenience store chains include 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Circle-K and C-Store. Prices are a little higher than in local shops or supermarkets, particularly at 7-Eleven. Some FamilyMarts and Circle-K's do not sell cigarettes, but C-store does. Corner's Deli is a specialty food chain store with several locations in the city with a good selection of imported foods. One of the locations is at unit 6, Backstreet, CITIC Plaza.

Supermarket chains [ edit ]

Carrefour (家乐福) This French hypermarket has four stores in Guangzhou. One of them is at Kangwang Road (康王中路656号) near Chenjiaci station. It is cheap and has a good selection of products.

Jusco (吉之岛) There are several locations including Tee Mall at Tiyu West Road and Linhe Middle Road near the East Train Station. This Japanese chain has a good selection of imported groceries.

Park 'n' Shop (百佳) This Hong Kong chain has several locations ranging from convenience stores to hypermarkets. The largest stores are in the shopping mall above Metro Changshou Lu Station and at Tianhe North Road close to the Longkouxi bus stop. It is a little more expensive but has a good selection of imported groceries.

Tesco This British hypermarket is on Zhongshan 6th Road above the Metro Ximenkou Station. The store spreads over 4 floors and the price is reasonable.

Wal-Mart (沃尔玛) The lower-end market has numerous locations in Guangzhou. Formerly known as Trust-Mart (好又多) but rebranded after acquired by Wal-Mart (沃尔玛). Wal-Mart has been upgrading the stores, and the prices while they are at it. This chain has a large stock of non-food items but the grocery selection is limited. It is often crowded on the weekends.

Vanguard (华润万家) This is the flagship operating supermarket chains of China Resources. It is the third largest supermarket chain in Hong Kong. It operates approximately 450 stores in China. There are over 20 stores in Guangzhou.

Lotus (卜蜂莲花) There are several locations ranging from convenience stores to hypermarkets. One of the locations is at 399 Chebei Road (车陂路399号).

Drink [ edit ]

When it comes to drinks, Guangzhou is one of the best cities in China to knock back a few. With a relatively large population of foreigners here, the city offers a wide variety of nightspots that cater to all tastes.

Tsing Tao and Zhu Jiang are the two major Chinese beer brands that are sold almost everywhere. Both are fairly standard light lagers. Carlsberg is also brewed in Guangzhou, which explains the reasonably large amount of Carlsberg taps in the bars.

Pubs tend to be in Yuexiu and Tianhe district, while dance clubs are clustered in Yuexiu, particularly around the Garden Hotel (Metro 5 Taojin).

Tea houses [ edit ]

The culture of tea drinking, also known as Yum Cha (饮茶), runs deep in Guangzhou. After all, the city was at the center of the massive tea trade that existed between China and Europe during the 19th century.

• Simple Love Tea Shop ( 十月红奶茶 ), #102, 94 Tianhe South Rd ( Down from the south gate of TeeMall ). 15:00-02:00 . This is a Taiwanese-style tea and coffee shop. There are about five other locations in the city.  
• Tian Chang Di Jiu , 1 Zhengping Middle Street, Taojin Rd , ☏ +86 20 8358-1627 .  
• Chun Ya Yuan Teahouse ( 春雅源茶艺馆 ), 19 Siyou New Rd ( 4/F, Changcheng Hotel ), ☏ +86 20 8761-2888 ext 6488 . 19:00-01:00 .  
• Crystal Tea House , 6 Longkou East Road, Tianhe ( 1/F, Yuan Yang Hotel ), ☏ +86 20 8759-6988 ext 67 . 10:00-02:00 .  
• Wong Chun Loong Herbal Tea . The traditional herbal tea chain has over a dozen branches in the city, including 17 Wenchang South Road, 109 Huagui Road, 51 Dishifu Road, 504 Xihua Road, and many more.  
• People's Cakes & Coffee . Enjoy cakes and coffee at this Western coffee shop run by Koreans.  
• Yuexiu , #102, 17 Jianshe 6th Road (建设六马路17号102房) , ☏ +86 20 8376-6677 .  
• Taojin , 98 Taojin South Rd , ☏ +86 20 8348-8085 .  
• Starbucks . The Seattle chain has been in China for over 10 years, with more than 25 locations in Guangzhou alone. The benefit to many travelers is the free Wi-Fi. Popular locations include Taojin Road by the Guangzhou Friendship Store, Huanshi East Road in the Peace World Plaza, across the street from the Garden Hotel, and Shamian Island. Check their website for complete listing. Check out some local fusion items including a wide selection of Chinese tea, Green Tea Tiramisu and Shredded Ginger Pork Panini.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Hotels can be found across the city, but particularly in the Yuexie and Tianhe districts.

Youth hostels are uncommon in Guangzhou, unlike many other big cities in China. Most hostels in the city are illegally operated and unlicensed, mostly located in residential apartment buildings. The management usually discourages most socializing activity, worrying that any noise may lead to complaints from their neighbors and result in government crackdown.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Guangzhou, which was the first open port in China, is generally tolerant of different cultures. Crimes that target foreigners are not common despite the city's reputation for petty crimes, and violent crime is rare. Pickpockets are active in shopping area and transportation hubs. Safety has improved a lot since the 2010 Asian Games but the best defense, as always, is to avoid flashing your valuables in public. Use only official taxis and change money at banks instead of money changers in the street.

As the capital of the richest province of China, it has attracted an enormous number of immigrant workers from other mainland provinces and some other developing countries. Drug trafficking is a serious offense and foreigners are not exempted from the death penalty. Even consumption is taken very seriously by the police; expect to be fined, imprisoned and deported if you get caught. The police is recruiting more Arabic- and English-speaking officers to deal with the rising drug trade among foreigners.

Guangzhou hosts the largest African population in China, mostly concentrated in Sanyuanli (三元里) in Baiyun , and Xiaobei (小北) and Guangyuanxi (广园西) in Yuexiu . The relationship between Africans and local Chinese is tense: most local Chinese hold negative views of Africans, their neighborhoods have a reputation for crime, and there are episodes of mistreatment and harassment of African residents.

Traffic conditions in Guangzhou have drastically improved and rules are practiced - relatively . However, though the government is trying to improve it, like many places else in China, cars still do not yield to pedestrians and zebra crossings are for display only.

Emergency numbers are: Police: 110 ; Fire: 119 ; Medical: 120 ; Traffic accident: 122 . If you're not sure which to call, 110 is always the first choice.

Connect [ edit ]

• The area dialing code for Guangzhou is 020 . From overseas, dial +86 20 XXXX-XXXX. Phone numbers are 8 digits. Mobile numbers are 11 digits and city code is not required when dialing from within Guangzhou. From outside of Guangzhou, add 0 before the number (0 XXX-XXX-XXXXX). From overseas, dial +86 XXX-XXX-XXXXX.
• Tourism Administration of Guangzhou Municipality ( 广州市旅游局 ), 13-15/F, 140 Dongfeng West Road. (东风西路140号13-15楼) , ☏ +86 20 8107-8200 .  
• Complimentary wi-fi is offered throughout national airport via SSID "AIRPORT-WIFI-FREE."
• Worldwide Network on Jiangsu Road
• the famous elite cafe Sparkice (实华开) in Central Plaza on Huaihai Middle Road
• China Mayors Plaza (市长大厦). 189 Tianhe North Road (天河北路189号)
• Budget Internet Cafe on Fuzhou Road
• Guangzhou Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration office ( 广东省广州市公安局出入境管理接待大厅 ), 155 Jiefang South Road, Yuexiu District (越秀区解放南路155号) , ☏ +86-020-12345 . M-F 08:30–12:00, 14:00-17:30 . You can get your visa extension done here. ( updated May 2020 )

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], banking [ edit ].

ATMs that accept foreign credit or debit cards are common in shopping malls and tourist areas. Withdrawal is available in Chinese currency only. Most banks in the city center also accept exchanges from your local currencies to ¥. Your passport is required for this service. Some banks allow you to change back to your local currency with the original exchange memo.

• Bank of China (中国银行) There is a branch inside Garden Hotel. ATM is available on the ground floor of White Swan Hotel and over 100 locations in Guangzhou. Their ATMs are the best bet for using foreign cards.
• Bank of America Rm 2506, 555 Renmin Middle Road +86 20 8130-0888. The bank has alliance with China Construction Bank.
• Citi Unit 101, Fortune Plaza, 118 Tiyu East Road. +86-20 3898-1688. This bank has a full service branch with currency exchange services and 24-hour ATMs.

Laundry [ edit ]

Few lower end hotels and hostels have coin-operated self-service laundry room. Self-service laundromats are not available on the streets, although dry clean and laundry stores are available to clean your clothes. Normally you can drop your clothes off and pick them up the next day. One laundry chain is Tiantian (天天洗衣), which is conveniently located in most Metro stations. There are many stores on Shamian Island that have laundry service. An average load of laundry costs about ¥100.

In other parts of the city, there are laundry and dry clean shops sprinkled throughout neighborhoods. An average load should cost no more than ¥40. If you are doing sheets and blankets, they should charge no more than ¥10 for a blanket, ¥30 for a quilt. Dry-cleaning a sweater is about ¥8.

Television [ edit ]

Hong Kong’s international channel, TVB Pearl, is available in most hotels, and has a great selection of programs from the UK and US, plus news at 19:30 and late (23:00 or later) every day. However, their broadcasting in China is subject to censorship by Chinese authorities.

Newspapers and magazines [ edit ]

The China Daily and/or Global Times are the two only English language newspapers available in Guangzhou (unless you go to a library), and both can be found on newsstands throughout the city. There are several bookstores throughout the city that sell current English and Foreign periodicals. The South China Morning Post from Hong Kong is also available by subscription only. South China TALK and That's Guangzhou are monthly English-language magazines based in Guangzhou.

If you can read some Chinese, the Southern Metropolis Daily (南方都市报) is a major Chinese newspaper in the region. The newspaper takes a liberal stance, and often clashes with official censors regarding controversial incidents. The newspaper can be regarded as an alternate view to official news.

Places of worship [ edit ]

All the religious sites listed in the See section are open to worshippers.

• Guangzhou International Christian Fellowship , 89 Linhe West Road (林和西路89号) ( Star Hotel (景星酒店) near the Metro 1 East Train Station ), ☏ +86 1366 234 6904 . Holds weekly service on Sundays at 10:00. You must show your travel documents to enter since residents are not allowed there due to local laws.  

Gym [ edit ]

Guangzhou has over 15 branches of Total Fitness [dead link] . One of the locations is at the 8th floor of Grandview Mall (Zhengjia Plaza 正佳广场). The Guangzhou Marriott (see sleep) has a complete new gym with Star Trac equipment, a swimming pool, tennis court, sauna and steam.

Health [ edit ]

• Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital is near the Garden Hotel. 106 Zhongshan 2nd Road +86 20 8382-7812, +86 20 2062-2031.

Mail [ edit ]

China Post, the official post office, is your best bet for regular letters and postcards. For packages, other than the post office, there are many shipping centers around the city who are agents for DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT and EMS. There are usually shipping counters at higher-end hotels. Ask your hotel for the nearest shipping locations.

• Post Office (China Post) - Post Office is usually slow and little English is spoken. EMS service is available through the post office. The following are locations close to tourist areas.
• Shamian Post: Shamian 3rd Street (沙面三街) 09:00-17:00, closed on Sunday.
• Liuhua Post: 151 Huanshixi Road (广州市环市西151号) between Guangzhou Railway Station and the Provincial Coach Terminal.
• Taojin Post: 5 Taojin North Road (淘金北路正平中街5号) +86 20 8357-1583
• DHL There is a branch in Garden Hotel +86 20 8384-9210.
• UPS 1121 Guangyuan Middle Road, +86 20 8657-9898; China Hotel, +86-20 8666-2696; TeeMall +86 20 8230-4008.

Go next [ edit ]

• The watchtower dwellings of overseas Chinese from the early 20th century in Kaiping (开平). Take a 2-hour bus form Fangcun Bus Station (芳村汽车站) (Metro 1 Kengkou Exit B) ¥60.
• Foshan (佛山) is an hour away from Guangzhou. Famous for its Ancestry Temple (祖庙), it is also the hometown legendary martial artists Wong Fei-hung and Ip Man. Take the Foshan Metro at the Xilang Station of Guangzhou Metro Line 1.
• Hong Kong (香港) is barely an hour away by high-speed train or around 2 hours by conventional railway, though you need to factor in border delays. You will also exit Mainland China, so your visa needs to be multi-entry if you intend to come back.
• Humen (虎门) in Dongguan (东莞) is famous for its Opium War era relics (虎门销烟). It is a bridge away from the Nansha District. Most high-speed trains to Shenzhen or Hong Kong stop at Humen.
• Shaoguan (韶关), visited for its nature including the beautiful Danxia Mountains , and home to a large ethnic Yao minority. An hour north by high-speed rail.
• Shenzhen (深圳) is less than an hour away by bus or train, on the border with Hong Kong. Check out theme parks such as Window of the World, the China Folk Culture Villages and Splendid China.
• Zhongshan (中山) is the hometown of Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the revolution than toppled the Qing Dynasty, and founding president of the Republic of China.
• Zhuhai (珠海) is another special economic zone to the south, bordering Macau . You can get a bus from any of the major stations in the city. You can also take a high speed train at the South Station (Metro 2 Guangzhou South Railway Station) and it only takes about 45 minutes (¥44).
• Chaozhou (潮州) is famous for its wood cutting art, city walls, river bridge and nice parks. Take a high speed train at the South or East Station and it only takes about 3 hours to Chaoshan, the high speed train station between Chaozhou and Shantou. Frequently running city buses connect to downtown (take north exit).

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Guangzhou travel blog — the fullest guangzhou travel guide for first-timers.

China is one of the countries with the largest area and population in the world. Therefore, this country has many mega cities that are extremely busy and bustling, Guangzhou is one of them. Guangzhou is the place that attracts the most tourists to visit and shop. So, is Guangzhou worth visiting, how to visit Guangzhou, what to do in Guangzhou and how to plan a budget trip to Guangzhou for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Guangzhou travel blog (Guangzhou blog) with the fullest Guangzhou travel guide (guide to Guangzhou, Guangzhou tourist guide, Guangzhou guide) from how to get to Guangzhou, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Guangzhou to help you maximize your trip as follows!

• Guangzhou nightlife guide — 7+ what to do in Guangzhou at night & things to do in Guangzhou at night
• Top things to do in Guangzhou — 10+ must & best things to do in Guangzhou
• Top places to visit in Guangzhou — 15+ must-see & best places to visit in Guangzhou
• What to buy in Guangzhou & where to shop in Guangzhou? — 11+ best things to buy in Guangzhou & best shopping places in Guangzhou

Guide to Shenzhen nightlife — Top 5 things & what to do in Shenzhen at night

Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong province, the third largest in China. Its location near major cities such as Hong Kong, Macau,… has helped the economy of this place develop very strongly.

Guangzhou promises to bring you the feeling of immersing yourself in the bustling, vibrant rhythm of life and exploring its colorful streets day and night. If you are an active person who loves to explore new modern beauty, this is the place for you.

If you are planning to go to this commercial capital, find cheap tickets from Vietnam to Guangzhou as soon as possible to optimize the cost of your trip.

Guangzhou is commonly known as China’s major shopping center with countless markets specializing in each item in each market. In addition, this place has become an must-go tourist destination in China.

Ovieview of Guangzhou (# guangzhou travel blog)

Guangzhou is China’s third largest city with an area of about 7.434 thousand km² and a population of over 14 million people. Located close to major cities: Hong Kong, Macau,… makes Guangzhou become one of China’s most notable economic, commercial and cultural centers.

Not only that, this place is also blessed with charming landscape beauty and unique traditional cultural features. Coming to Guangzhou, China, you will have the opportunity to admire the overwhelming beauty of this bustling city both modern and ancient with dense skyscrapers, high-rise buildings, poetic Pearl River (Zhujiang) running through the prosperous city.

Guangzhou is also the capital of Guangdong province, China. This city is known as one of the 10 richest cities across China. With a modern and bustling pace of life, Guangzhou still retains its own beauty with historical and cultural landmarks.

Not only attracting famous shopping destinations, visitors to Guangzhou will certainly be surprised by the beautiful scenery here, the tranquility, clean and purity rare in large cities.

In terms of culture, Guangzhou is currently home to many ethnic groups and foreign communities, which has created richness and diversity in culture and cuisine for this city.

When to visit? (# guangzhou blog)

Guangzhou is located in a humid subtropical climate zone, so the weather is often sunny and has relatively heavy rainfall and no snow. With two distinct seasons: long summer, high humidity and quite hot. Winter is short, mild and sunny.

Therefore, when traveling to Guangzhou, China, tourists should bring seasonal clothes. In the summer, bring comfortable, cozy clothes and protective gear against harsh sunlight and sudden rain. Bring sweaters, scarves, gloves, and thick coats for cold days in Guangzhou.

The late spring and early summer period, around April to June, is the best time to come to Guangzhou. It’s not as hot as the summer in June, July, and August, but it’s also not as rainy as the spring days. Because at that time the weather was very pleasant, the air was filled with cool spring and green vegetation, and especially one could feel the breath of the bustling city every time the city lights up.

However, even in summer, at night the weather here is quite cold, from 13 – 15 degrees Celsius, so remember to bring a jacket!

Another ideal time frame to visit is in early autumn, around October. This time, although the air is a bit dry but not too hot, combined with the charming scenery of changing new appearance of autumn will make you feel romantic. Romance and gentleness from every street corner.

How to get to Guangzhou? (# guangzhou travel guide)

From Vietnam to Guangzhou you will have 2 forms of transportation to choose from:

Plane (# guangzhou travel blog)

Airplane is the most popular form because it saves travel time. Buying a round-trip flight ticket to Guangzhou costs about 300 USD/person. You can reduce this cost if you hunt for cheap tickets many months in advance. Some airlines you can choose from are Vietnam Airlines, China Southern, Capital Airlines, etc. After landing at the airport, it will cost you about 100 yuan to take a taxi about 18km into the city.

Going by road is for those near the border gate, you just need to go to Mong Cai or Huu Nghi border gate to complete exit procedures. Note that the timezone on the other side of the border gate will be 1 hour faster than Vietnam time, so you need to arrange a suitable time to avoid being late to catch a car after crossing the border gate.

Means of transportation in Guangzhou

Because it is a big city, the transportation system here is very developed. Depending on your budget, you can choose means of transportation such as taxi, subway, bus, bicycle,…

If you want to save money, you should choose the bus or subway. But the disadvantage of this type of media is that most of the station’s information is written in Chinese and rarely in English, so you will need a guide or translation apps.

Metro (# guangzhou blog)

Subway and tram are quite a popular means of transportation in Guangzhou, operating from 6:30 a.m. to before 11 p.m. Trains have trips connecting cities in Guangdong province to Guangzhou. The advantage is that the train run quickly and the price is not too high, however during rush hour the train in Guangdong is very cramped and crowded.

There are many buses in Guangzhou. However, as you know, China is one of the countries with huge traffic jams and this greatly affects the speed of bus travel, so before going out, remember to watch the time carefully.

If you want to save time, you can choose a taxi to get around, but this type of vehicle is more expensive than the subway and bus. For example, going from the suburbs to the city by bus or subway only costs about 3 yuan, but going by taxi will cost about 30 yuan.

This is also an option that many people consider with its convenience and but the price is a bit high.

As for bicycles, you can rent bicycles on Shamian island or The Public Bicycle Renting Service across the city. Note that you should ask the hotel for details about renting bicycles.

Where to go and top things to do in Guangzhou

Sun yat-sen memorial hall.

• Address: No. 259, Dongfeng Middle Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
• Hours: 8AM – 6PM
• Admission: 10 yuan

One of the attractions that always appears in Guangzhou tours is the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The memorial hall has bold Chinese architecture with a statue of Sun Yat-sen standing tall in front. This is a way for Chinese people as well as tourists to remember the great leader of this country.

It is a place for people to remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect and develop the vast country of China today. Coming here, you will discover Chinese history and take souvenir photos to mark your journey.

Yuexiu Park

• Address: 988 Jiefang N Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou City

Yuexiu Park is the largest park in Guangzhou city. This is a place you must definitely visit because of its surprisingly beautiful scenery, in addition to ancient historical relics from hundreds of years ago. Even though it’s just a park, through it you will learn a lot more about Guangzhou’s culture.

Yuexiu is Guangzhou’s largest complex park built during the Qin Dynasty with an area of 860,000m². It is one of the 8 important landscapes of Guangzhou. With beautiful landscapes, fishing areas, lakes, grassy hills and entertainment areas. The park is not only the green lung of the city but also houses many historical and cultural relics of Guangzhou.

You can visit the park early in the morning, to enjoy the quiet and fresh space in the early morning. Also, check out the statue of five goats in the park, which is the symbol of Guangzhou city.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

• Address: Liwan District, Guangzhou
• Hours: 9AM-5:30PM
• Ticket: 10 yuan

It is a hen Clan Ancestral Hall in Guangzhou, the project was completed in 1894 with money and contributions from members of the Chen clan. Before being used as an ancestral hall, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall was a library and the residence of the Chinese upper class.

Currently, the ancestral hall is a must-go tourist place in Guangzhou city. Coming here, visitors will discover one of the most important cultural treasures, famous for its ancient wooden statues, plaster and beautiful brick walls.

Canton Tower (Guangzhou New Television Tower)

• Address: Yuejiang W Rd, Guangzhou

With a height of more than 600m, this is the second tallest television tower in the world (only after the Tokyo Sky Tree tower), so you can imagine how spectacular it is, right? This skyscraper is considered by many to be a symbol of the growth and prosperity of Guangzhou city, so you definitely have to visit here when you come to this most populous city in China. Besides, Guangzhou Tower is also a super ideal check-in spot.

Canton Tower is a landmark project of Guangzhou city. Completed in 2010, with a height of up to 600m, this is considered China’s tallest tower and one of the most beautiful and impressive architectural works in this country.

The tower is uniquely designed: with a polygonal shape, glass surface and LED lights, and at the top of the tower is a rotating disc. Standing from above, the beautiful landscape of the city will collapse 360 degrees into your sight.

In addition to admiring the landscape, visitors can also enjoy adventure games and learn about the history and architecture of Canton Tower. If you have the opportunity to travel to Guangzhou, don’t forget to visit Canton Tower to enjoy new experiences and immerse yourself in the beauty of the city.

Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is known as one of the oldest streets in Guangzhou. The walking street is like the modern side of Guangzhou, where there are many shopping centers: Mayflower Plaza, Guangming Plaza,… Stores here are usually open from 10am – 12pm.

Citic Plaza

• Address: 233 Tianhe N Rd, Tianhe District, Guangzhou

Located in Tianhe, Citic Plaza is impressive as an 80-storey building and is made entirely of concrete. The project was built in 1997. When the lights come on, the beauty of Citic Plaza makes people even more surprised.

Pearl River

Pearl River is a river that flows through Guangzhou city. This river seems to bring coolness to the whole city. One of the favorite activities of tourists when coming to Guangzhou is taking a cruise on the Pearl River to see the peaceful river next to the bustling life of the city. Night is the best time to go on a cruise.

Chimelong Paradise

As soon as you take your first step into the park, your emotions will burst when in front of you are more than 60 amazing entertainment spots with countless different forms, from thrilling games to exciting attractions. A gentle game that even a 6 year old kid can enjoy playing. You will be immersed in the wild world at the zoo, visit the Chimelong bird garden, and let yourself play in the cool water. This is a suitable destination not only for you and your friends but also suitable for traveling with family.

Chimelong amusement park is located in the resort of the same name, with more than 70 exciting and adventurous rides that will help visitors have wonderful but equally thrilling experiences.

Baiyun Mountain

If you are looking for the most beautiful sightseeing places in Guangzhou, Baiyun Mountain is the ideal destination for you. This place is known as “the most beautiful scene of Yangcheng”, from above you can see the entire wonderful natural scenery of Baiyun Mountain with a green forest mainly made up of large old trees with fragrant flowers, thousands of streams… creating a poetic, romantic and extremely beautiful space.

For tourists who love nature, Baiyun Mountain is an extremely ideal destination. With more than 30 large and small mountains forming this is a natural masterpiece that captivates many tourists coming to Guangzhou.

Baiyun Mountain is a place to help you fully enjoy the scenery of Guangzhou’s clouds and sky. With the name Yangcheng First Beautiful Scenery, the view from Baiyun Mountain allows you to admire thousand-year-old trees and countless large and small streams,… creating a beautiful natural space.

Shangxiajiu Walking Street

It is one of the three busiest streets in Guangzhou. With a length of more than 1 kilometer, this place has an extremely vibrant and bustling atmosphere with more than 200 restaurants for visitors to eat, drink and have fun with friends.

Lianhuashan

The next location is Lianhua Mountain (Lotus Mountain), about 108m high, located in Panyu, about 30km from Guangzhou center and near Zhujiang border gate. Blessed by nature with pristine natural landscapes combined with modern lifestyle, this place has become a must-stop destination for many foreign tourists.

Lotus Mountain is a destination that combines natural and modern beauty. Based on the natural beauty, the owner here has built works such as Buddha statues, flower gardens… Visitors will certainly be impressed with the towering and ancient cliffs with a lifespan of over 2000 years in this tourist area.

Baomo Garden

• Address: 10 Sha Mian Nan Jie, Panyu District, Guangzhou

Baomo Garden has an area of more than 66,000 square meters. Baomo Garden Garden is not located in Guangzhou but in Panyu. However, the location is quite close so visitors can combine sightseeing. Baomo Garden is like a large garden with a system of lakes, rockeries, stone bridges, scenic pavilion… Coming here you will feel like you are lost in an ancient Chinese garden, peaceful and nostalgic.

Experience the nightlife in Guangzhou

There are many interesting activities to do at night such as experiencing a night cruise on the Pearl River, enjoying a Cantonese opera. Bars and clubs are vibrant throughout the city.

Explore the shopping paradise of Guangzhou

Coming to Guangzhou, visitors will be completely conquered by the bustle of buyers and sellers on the streets. Any road or street, traditional market or shopping center, you can find eye-catching items at extremely cheap prices.

When you come to Guangzhou, definitely do not forget to buy yourself accessories, fashion, shoes, and clothes. The flower shop designs here are extremely diverse and modern, you can search in famous areas such as Baima market, Metropolis Shoes city…

To find out what and where to buy in Guangzhou, plz read the article .

What to eat

The dishes in Guangzhou are extremely diverse and rich, please refer to some of the following delicious dishes.

Kung Pao Chicken

The chicken dish originates from Sichuan province with a spicy and delicious taste that many tourists choose to enjoy when coming to Guangzhou. The dish is made from diced chicken with a rich, spicy sauce. This dish can be eaten with rice or egg noodles depending on your taste. Besides the traditional ingredient of chicken, it is also modified to be prepared with other ingredients such as pork, beef,…

Kungpao chicken is one of the most popular Chinese dishes in the world. However, the original Guangzhou chicken dish will have a very different and unique flavor. So if you travel to Guangzhou, don’t forget to try Kung Pao chicken.

Rice noodle rolls

Rice noodle roll in Guangzhou is a long-standing dish and one of the characteristics not only of Guangzhou in particular but also of China in general. Here, Rice noodle roll appears from sidewalks, carts to luxury restaurants. The filling for Rice noodle roll is very diverse, sometimes beef, chicken, shrimp,… most will be lightly stir-fried with spices to make it rich, something very different from Vietnam.

Spicy duck head with five spice sauce

It sounds a bit disgusting and many of you probably wonder what’s so interesting about eating a duck’s head full of bones, but in fact in China, this dish is very popular. The delicious thing about duck head is that when cooked, it will produce a very delicious broth. Besides, the sweet meat in the bones and parts such as the brain, tongue… will be something that attracts you incredibly.

Stinky tofu

Traveling to Guangzhou without enjoying this dish is a huge omission. The characteristic of this dish is its degree of stinky, the more stinky it is, the more delicious the dish is considered to be. Although it is a specialty, not everyone can eat this dish. But if you come here, try it, don’t hesitate.

Guangzhou Roast Duck

The delectable of Guangzhou Roast Duck dish makes it difficult for visitors to resist. Going to eateries or restaurants that serve this dish, you will see pre-roasted ducks displayed very eye-catching.

Processing Guangzhou roasted duck is extremely labor-intensive and requires experience. But the duck must be carefully selected, then marinated with a series of spices and secret sauces. And each store has its own methods to make its duck dishes attractive to customers.

Chive cake is also a quite elaborate dish in Guangzhou. Looking at the small cake, visitors would hardly expect that the baking process is not simple at all. After preparing the cake and ingredients, the cake must be steamed and then fried again. Be sure to watch the cake very carefully otherwise it will easily burn. A true Guangzhou chive cake will have a crispy crust, a soft inside and the chives will still retain their freshness and deliciousness.

Dim Sum is a traditional dish of Guangzhou people. Dim Sum breakfast includes many mini dishes inside such as steamed newspaper cakes, wontons, snake porridge… One morning traveling to Guangzhou and eating Dim Sum breakfast, you will be able to experience a cultural feature of the place.

Wonton noodles

One of the famous dishes in Guangzhou is wonton noodles. The noodles are crispy, chewy and attractive, and the broth is sweet and not cloudy, making the bowl of noodles incredibly delicious.

Appearing in many Chinese movies, wonton noodles with their delicious flavor, chewy noodles and clear broth are definitely not a bad choice.

Water chestnut cake

How to make water chestnut cake is quite simple, just mix chestnut powder with sugar water and steam, you have a dish to enjoy. Pantang is usually cut into square slices and steamed or fried.

The cake is usually golden brown in color, smooth and fresh, with a rich chestnut flavor. The cake is soft but still retains its shape when enjoyed. If possible, enjoy this cake in the morning in Guangzhou combined with morning tea!

Where to stay?

Depending on the tourist places you visit, you can choose reasonable places to stay. Usually tourists will choose central areas such as Yue Xiu, Tian He, Hai Zhu,… to conveniently move to surrounding attractions.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich ( Agoda , Booking )
• Four Seasons ( Agoda , Booking )
• Guangzhou Baiyun Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Shangri-La Guangzhoul ( Agoda , Booking )
• Asia International Hotel Guangdong ( Agoda , Booking )
• Leeden Hotel Guangzhou ( Agoda , Booking )
• Langham Place Guangzhou ( Agoda , Booking )
• The Westin Guangzhou ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Guangzhou on Agoda or Booking .

Some notes before you go

To call a taxi in Guangzhou is really difficult. Therefore, when you see a taxi that has not completely stopped and the passenger is still paying, you should still get in the car and sit immediately. Because if you don’t hurry, someone else will jump in the car and you will have to continue waiting.

People in Guangzhou do not accept any currency except Chinese Yuan. When exchanging money, please check carefully to avoid being exchanged with fake money. A few tips you need to keep in mind are as follows: You should get new money, when tilted to the light there will be clear, sharp watermarks. Money is not blurred, feels rough when touching Mao Zedong’s collar. You can exchange money at reputable banks or gold shops.

In addition to the notes about applying for a visa as well as the items that you need to bring, the main thing to note is that the crime of theft and pickpocketing in Guangzhou occurs very often, especially in major shopping centers. Therefore, when going to these places you need to limit wearing jewelry or bringing valuable belongings that can easily arouse greed in criminals.

The voltage source in Guangzhou is usually 220V, so if you bring electrical devices such as cameras, phones, laptops, etc. you need to bring a suitable voltage converter to be able to use them.

In addition, most hostels and hotels in Guangzhou use 3-prong square plug sockets. That’s why you have to bring an adapter to charge the devices you carry.

If you bring valuable items over 300 USD, you should declare them to customs.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Guangzhou you can refer to

• Guangzhou Sunac Snow Park Admission Ticket
• Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park
• Chimelong Hotel Guangzhou
• Guangzhou Sunac Water Park Admission Ticket
• Chimelong International Circus Guangzhou
• Chimelong Water Park Ticket in Guangzhou
• Chimelong Birds Park Guangzhou
• Private City Transfers between Guangzhou and Hong Kong
• Guangzhou Chimelong Hotel Buffet
• Qingyuan Gulong Gorge Drifting Glass Grand Canyon
• Guangzhou Sunac Land Admission Ticket
• Chimelong Paradise Guangzhou
• Guangzhou Science Center Ticket
• Canton Tower
• Chimelong Safari Park and Birds Park Tickets in Guangzhou
• Guangzhou Zhengjia Penguin Ice and Snow World Tickets

Read more China guide here .

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