Top 8 things to do in Guangzhou

Sacred Heart Cathedral in Guangzhou, also known as the Stone Church, is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in China and was built entirely from local granite, giving it a unique and striking appearance.

Worth knowing. Pro tip: Check out the cathedral's stunning stained glass windows during sunrise for a magical and peaceful experience.

Tuesday to Friday 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM Sunday 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Closed on Mondays

Dating back over a millennium, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street merges Guangzhou’s ancient history with its modern commercial pulse. Visitors can walk over glass panels revealing remnants of ancient roadways beneath their feet.

Worth knowing. Check out the underground shopping area beneath Beijing Road for hidden gems and great deals.

Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

The Guangzhou Opera House, designed by Zaha Hadid and completed in 2010, showcases a daring design that mirrors the smoothness of river stones. It stands as a striking emblem of contemporary architecture along the Pearl River.

Worth knowing. Visit the interior at twilight when the ambient lighting accentuates the fluid architecture.

Monday to Sunday 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Built in 1894, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall in Guangzhou combines intricate wood carvings and colorful ceramic tiles showcasing Cantonese craftsmanship. It serves as a hub to preserve the heritage of the influential Chen family.

Worth knowing. The west wing has a less crowded gallery exhibiting modern art.

Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Canton Tower, standing at 604 meters, is the tallest structure in China and was the world's tallest tower until 2010, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Guangzhou from its observation deck.

Worth knowing. Check out the lesser-known Sky Drop ride at Canton Tower for a thrilling experience with a view!

Daily 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees in Guangzhou, originally built in AD 537, features the iconic 57-meter Flower Pagoda. This vibrant structure has shaped the spiritual landscape of the city for centuries, housing a wealth of Buddhist relics and art from the Song dynasty.

Worth knowing. Venture to the rear gardens to enjoy a quiet meditation space often missed by larger tour groups.

8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Guangxiao Temple, originally built in the 3rd century, hosts the Iron Pagoda and a statue of the Guanyin with a thousand hands. This spiritual sanctuary is a cornerstone of Guangzhou's Buddhist history.

Worth knowing. Sneak a peek at the hidden courtyard behind the main hall for a peaceful escape from the crowds at Guangxiao Temple.

6:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Shamian Island in Guangzhou is a peaceful enclave where European colonial architecture intertwines with leafy walks, a rare remnant of its 19th-century trading post past. Each cobblestone street tells stories of Guangzhou's multicultural trade history.

Worth knowing. Check out the charming colonial architecture on Shamian Island by exploring the back alleys and side streets for hidden gems.

24 hours