Welcome to Guangzhou – one of the most important cities and a huge region in the Greater Bay Area in southern China.
It is a unique blend of tradition and modernity that makes this city so attractive. On the one hand, Guangzhou is an important location for production and trade with an impressive modern skyline. On the other hand, the region fascinated me with a deeply rooted culture that is reflected in the cityscape and in the lives of its people.
Guangzhou is an exciting mix of huge skyscrapers – most notably the Canton Tower, the second tallest building in Asia – markets, fascinating temples and, of course, world-famous cuisine: The Cantonese cuisine is one of the four major cuisines of China.
In my Guangzhou Travel Guide, I would like to show you the most beautiful sights and highlights in Guangzhou and inspire you to take your own trip.
P.S. Something I only learned after checking with locals: Guangzhou is pronounced differently than I thought. The ‘zhou’ at the end is pronounced ‘jow’, which reminds me of the name ‘Joe‘, so the correct way to say it is ‘Guangjoe’ 🙂
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📆 How many days should you plan for your stay in Guangzhou?
To explore the most important highlights and sights of Guangzhou, I recommend 2 full days.
For a relaxed exploration with excursions, you should plan for 3 days.
Are you a food lover or interested in Guangzhou’s impressive culture? Then 3-4 days make sense, because there is a lot of cuisine waiting for you here and there are numerous museums.
🌤️ When is the best time to visit Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a subtropical climate. Spring and autumn are therefore particularly good times to explore all of Guangzhou’s sights in a relaxed way, as they are mild and dry. Summers (June–August), on the other hand, are very hot and extremely humid. The frequent rain makes sightseeing less pleasant. Winters tend to be cool, but this provides good conditions for a city break as well.
✈️ Travel & entry requirements for Guangzhou
German citizens and citizens of many European countries are permitted to stay in Guangzhou for 15 or 30 days without a visa (depending on current regulations, as of 2024). Entry is straightforward, directly at the respective border building, with only short waiting times.
If you wish to enter by land, you can use the bridge between Macau and China. A bus or taxi transfer is available for this purpose. Of course, it is also possible to fly to Guangzhou. Guangzhou Baiyun Airport offers international connections with fast metro and rail links.
My map of the most beautiful sights in Guangzhou
The most beautiful sights and experiences in Guangzhou
🏙️ Light and Water Show at Canton Tower
At 604 metres (1,982 ft) high, Canton Tower is the second tallest building in Asia and the fifth tallest in the world. It is located directly above a shopping centre in Guangzhou’s business district and is one of the city’s top attractions. A special highlight and one of my best Guangzhou tips is the spectacular evening light and water show at Flower City Square. It offers a great view of Guangzhou’s illuminated skyline, with the Canton Tower in the background – a perfect spot for night photography.
The shows take place every evening, with times varying depending on the season (usually between 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm every 30 minutes).
🏛️ Chen Clan Academy – a well-known attraction in Guangzhou
The historic Chen Clan Academy was founded in the late 19th century by the Chen Clan, one of the largest families in China during the Qing Dynasty. It was used to train the descendants of the Chen Clan for the imperial examinations. After the imperial examinations were abolished, it was used as a school, among other things. Today, the Chen Clan Academy houses a museum of folk art and is a popular cultural landmark in Guangzhou.
Its outstanding features include the ornate wood and brick carvings and ceramic sculptures on the roofs, which characterise this impressive traditional architecture. The Chen Clan Academy is a quiet retreat in the middle of the bustling city, perfect for taking impressive photos, and for me it is definitely one of the most beautiful sights in Guangzhou.
🌳 Shamian Island
Shamian Island is an artificial island dating back to the 19th century, which was built as a foreign concession area. The British and French were granted concession rights to this area after the Second Opium War in 1858. Today, it is a peaceful and picturesque place with buildings from the colonial era, characterised by European-style architecture.
On the wide, green boulevards, you will find many cute cafés and quiet squares – perfect for leisurely strolls and photo spots. Shamian Island is very popular for wedding shoots and definitely belongs on my list of Guangzhou tips.
🥟 Dim Sum Lunch – A Must-Do in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is the birthplace of dim sum. In case you’re not familiar with it, dim sum are small, delicious bites that are often eaten for brunch, lunch or as a snack. They are usually served in steamer baskets, but also as soups, fried dishes or dumplings, and are perfect for sharing. They reminded me of Spanish tapas. Locals love to meet up with friends and family for dim sum brunch at the weekend. It’s more about socialising than the food itself.
The selection of dim sum restaurants in Guangzhou is huge – from traditional to modern. I was also fascinated by the overwhelming variety, but especially by the sheer endless range of flavours. So don’t miss out on this Guangzhou tip! However, it is advisable to arrive early, as many restaurants fill up quickly.
🛍️ Shopping in Yongqing Fang
Yongqing Fang is a historic, vibrant arts and creative district with renovated old houses – one of Guangzhou’s most popular attractions. It combines tradition and modernity in the form of beautiful boutique shops, arts and crafts stores, numerous cafés and restaurants. A special highlight for fans is the house of Bruce Lee’s where he used to live as a kid.
My favourite spot in Yongqing Fang is Blan Bunny’s Plant Kingdom – a chic tea house with an adjoining shop. Here you will find hundreds of different types of tea, all of which you can sample for free. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a breathtaking aroma in a fairytale setting. And, of course, you’ll find every beautiful tea accessory you can imagine here. For me as a tea lover, it was an absolute highlight.
🖼️ Museum of Modern Art (Guangdong Museum of Art)
The Guangdong Museum of Art is a large art museum with modern architecture, focusing on traditional Chinese painting. However, it also houses modern and international art. You will find a large selection of interesting exhibitions here. For art lovers, this is one of my special Guangzhou tips!
Admission is generally free, but this can vary between different exhibitions.
In the outside area of the museum, you have a fantastic view of the Canton Tower – one of my favourite photo spots in Guangzhou! You can also combine your visit to the Guangdong Museum of Art with a walk along the Pearl River.
🌇 Sunset Spot: Party Pier
The Party Pier is located directly on the Pearl River and is one of the most popular Guangzhou tips for night owls. This is where people meet in the evening to experience the liveliness of the city up close. There is a huge selection of restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from. Pure rooftop feeling!
Party Pier also offers the best view of the sunset, which you absolutely must see from here. And if you like things a little more romantic, I have an extra tip: book a Pearl River Cruise – an evening boat tour to admire the city’s illuminated skyline from the water.
🧧 Shawan Ancient Town – a special attraction in Guangzhou
Shawan Ancient Town is located outside the city centre. It is an 800-year-old historic town south of Guangzhou. Known for its rich culture and traditional architecture, it is one of the most interesting sights in Guangzhou for many tourists. It is home to numerous traditional houses and small tea houses, which you can admire in the quiet alleys. A visit to Shawan Ancient Town is perfect for anyone who likes to explore historical places or is looking for special photo spots. Ideal for a half-day trip.
🥢 Other highlights in Guangzhou:
Canton Tower – If you decide to watch the evening light and water show, you can combine it with a trip up the Canton Tower to take in a magnificent view of the city. But even during the day, the view is simply breathtaking.
Opera House – This masterpiece of futuristic architecture, perfectly integrated into its location on the Pearl River, is a must-see. It definitely belongs on my list of the best Guangzhou tips.
Beijing Road – Beijing Road has a long history. Here you can marvel at the remains of streets from the Song Dynasty. You walk on glass panels and can view archaeological excavations below you.
Guangzhou, China Travel Guide – My Summary
Megacities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen have something magical about them. I was particularly fascinated by the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that flows together here. It’s actually almost impossible to find the right words to describe my impressions. That’s why there’s only one way for you to experience it for yourself: set off on a journey into a futuristic world that is nevertheless deeply rooted in its culture and will fill you with wonder. Try the diverse delicacies of Cantonese cuisine and see for yourself that I haven’t promised too much. I hope my post with the best places to visit in Guangzhou will be a helpful travel guide for your journey.
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