What to do in Guangzhou

Activities, attractions and tours

Guangzhou showing a square or plaza, modern architecture and a skyscraper
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street featuring signage, night scenes and modern architecture
Tianhe featuring night scenes and a city as well as a small group of people
Guangzhou showing a city, central business district and street scenes
Baiyun Mountain

Guangzhou Attractions

A cosmopolitan atmosphere, bustling commerce and avant-garde architecture all make Guangzhou, formerly Canton, a delight to visit. This liberal city, the third largest in China, plays a central role in modern China and attracts tourists from all over the globe. The Canton Fair brings business travel to the city to take part in the frantic atmosphere of negotiations and deals. There is a culturally diverse population and eclectic culture that guarantees Guangzhou has something to offer every traveller. In its renowned restaurants you can sample delicious Cantonese cuisine, try foods from all over China or enjoy quality international fare.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Guangzhou

City Centre - Wander through the futuristic architecture of the city centre and shop in the city’s numerous malls.

Shamian Island - Shamian Island is an oasis in the city. Old houses, beautiful boulevards, pretty gardens and charming art galleries characterise this area.

Tianhe - This area has gone through a radical shift from an ancient farming village to the business district of Guangzhou and is now the home of many skyscrapers and expat communities.

Panyu - Visit the theme park and take in the view of hundreds of thousands of lotus flowers on the breathtaking Lianhua Mountain and the spectacular scenery that surrounds the city.

Things to See in Guangzhou

Many gorgeous gardens can be found in Guangzhou, including that of Yuyin Mountain Villa. This picturesque classical garden of elegant pavilions, sparkling lakes and delicate terraces is a lovely location for a picnic. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King are important sights for history lovers. These traditional buildings have many ornate carvings, statues and paintings that tell fascinating stories about Chinese history. Lie back and watch Guangzhou pass by with a cocktail on a boat tour down the Pearl River. This is a stunning setting for a romantic date at sunset.

Things to Do in Guangzhou

Discover dried seahorses and many curious fragrant potions at the Qingping Chinese Medicine Market. Art lovers will enjoy visiting the old Canned Food Factory which is now the Redtory art village, an area filled with quirky galleries, shops and cafes where you can pick up souvenirs and gifts to take home. Take a tour of the pretty rehearsal studios and the grand halls of the Guangzhou Opera House before you take in a show here in the evening. The Buddhist Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is an enchanting place whilst a hike up to the Star Touching Peak (at 382m) of Baiyun Mountain offers a challenging walk for outdoors enthusiasts.


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What to do in Guangzhou


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Guangzhou

Tianhe

Tianhe

4/5(27 area reviews)

Relax in vast parks, appreciate artistic innovation and admire futuristic skyscrapers in this dynamic business district of Guangzhou.

Tianhe
Yuexiu Park

Yuexiu

4/5(30 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Beijing Road Pedestrian Street and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Yuexiu. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Peasant Movement Institute Station or Beijing Lu Station.

Yuexiu
The modern Guangzhou

Haizhu

4/5(12 area reviews)

Haizhu is a destination travellers like for its spas, and you might hop aboard the metro at Datang Station or Kecun Station to explore sights like Canton Tower.

Haizhu
Aerial photography of Guangzhou city center skyline at night

Guangzhou Central Business District

Noted for its spas and coffee shops, there's plenty to explore in Guangzhou Central Business District. Top attractions like Zhongtian Shopping Mall and Tianhe Stadium are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Tianhe Sports Center Station or Linhexi Station to see more of the city.

Guangzhou Central Business District
Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun District

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

Baiyun District is well liked for its mountain views and coffee shops. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Guangzhou Wanda Plaza and Guangzhou Gymnasium are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Feixiang Park Station or Sanyuanli Station to get around.

Baiyun District
#Canton Tower, a #Guangzhou landmark

Zhujiang New Town

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Zhujiang New Town is a destination travellers like for its spas, and you might hop aboard the metro at Tancun Station or Liede Station to explore sights like Guangdong Museum.

Zhujiang New Town

 

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Day trip destinations from Guangzhou

Frequently asked questions

Is Guangzhou worth visiting?
Famous for its history and shopping, finding fun things to do in Guangzhou is simple. Be sure to add Guangdong Science Centre to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Guangzhou?
Once you've visited major attractions like Guangdong Science Centre and Bai E Tan, spend the rest of your day exploring Guangzhou's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Guangzhou?
Guangdong Science Centre is one of the top tourist attractions in Guangzhou and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Guangzhou?
Three days in Guangzhou is plenty of time to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. Guangzhou Museum of Art, Bai E Tan and Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Huanshi Dong Lu.
Is Guangzhou a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Guangzhou is a great destination to explore on foot. Have fun wandering between Guangzhou Museum of Art and Bai E Tan. Then take a stroll around Yuexiu, located 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) from the centre, and Baiyun District, which is about 3 kms (2 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Guangzhou with kids?
What to do in Guangzhou for adults?
Baie-Tan Bar Street and Shamian Exhibition Hall are just two of the things to do in Guangzhou. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Guangzhou?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Guangzhou is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without getting your cash out. Bai E Tan is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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