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Guangzhou, China

Destination Guide

Guangzhou

China

Best things to do in Guangzhou

33 curated attractions in Guangzhou, China. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

October - April

Average temp

23°C/73°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, is a large city built around its role as a commercial hub and the Cantonese food capital. Its streets are punctuated by impressive architecture, from the futuristic Guangzhou Opera House to the historic Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. The city’s blend of modern skyscrapers and historical sites reflects the dynamic nature of its population, with millions of residents who came from various parts of China to seize opportunities. While the streets can be crowded and lively, it’s the local cuisine that draws visitors, with everything from street food stalls on Beijing Road to upscale dining near Canton Tower. People come here to experience the culinary delights and to shop until they drop, as there’s no shortage of retail therapy.

Who it's for

Food lovers and urban explorers will find plenty to enjoy. If you’re looking for a quiet escape or a compact historic town, you might be disappointed: Guangzhou is all about energy, crowds, and a sprawling layout that demands stamina. Not the best choice if you prefer to take things slow.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The metro system is extensive and efficient, with lines connecting major attractions easily
  • Walking between sites like Yuexiu Park and the Guangzhou Museum takes about twenty minutes
  • High-speed trains from neighboring cities like Shenzhen take around an hour to arrive
  • Traffic can be challenging during rush hours, so allow extra time
Baiyun International Convention Center

Baiyun International Convention Center

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Zhenhai Tower

Zhenhai Tower

Historic houses & mansions
Guangzhou Zoo

Guangzhou Zoo

Zoos
Xinhupu Road

Xinhupu Road

Shopping
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Shopping and Markets
Panyu Lotus Hill Resort

Panyu Lotus Hill Resort

Formal & Japanese gardens
Baomo Garden

Baomo Garden

Formal & Japanese gardens
Guangzhou Crocodile Park

Guangzhou Crocodile Park

Zoos
Haizhu Wholesale Market

Haizhu Wholesale Market

Local & craft markets
Huangpu Ancient Port

Huangpu Ancient Port

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Huaisheng Mosque

Huaisheng Mosque

Mosques
Guangzhou Library

Guangzhou Library

Historic libraries & universities
Redtory Art & Design Factory

Redtory Art & Design Factory

Art museums & galleries
Parc Central

Parc Central

Shopping streets & districts
Dapo Ancient Temple

Dapo Ancient Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

Shopping streets & districts
Shamian Island

Shamian Island

Streets & neighbourhoods
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Guangzhou Opera House

Guangzhou Opera House

Theatres & opera houses
Canton Tower

Canton Tower

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Guangxiao Temple

Guangxiao Temple

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Historic houses & mansions
Yuexiu Park

Yuexiu Park

City parks
Chimelong Safari Park

Chimelong Safari Park

Zoos
Haizhu Square

Haizhu Square

Squares & plazas
Nansha Wetland Park

Nansha Wetland Park

Wildlife sanctuaries
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Monuments & memorials
Chimelong Paradise

Chimelong Paradise

Theme parks
Guangzhou Museum

Guangzhou Museum

History museums
Baiyun Leather City

Baiyun Leather City

Shopping
Guangdong Museum

Guangdong Museum

History museums
Lingnan Impression Park

Lingnan Impression Park

Traditional villages

Where to eat in Guangzhou

The places worth planning a meal around.

Yongqingfang

Yongqingfang

Cantonese · $$

Things to do in Guangzhou

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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