What to do in Guangzhou?

Guangzhou is the other name of Guangzhou, the third most populous city in China and the largest city in the south of the country. It is part of the megalopolis of the delta Pearl River, which has more than 50 million inhabitants!

Here is our guide to things to do and see in Guangzhou, a perfect item for anyone wishing to visit Guangzhou during a tour in China!

So, what to do on your trip to Guangzhou?

Discover all the places of interest of the city!

Visit Guangzhou: the must-sees

1. Baiyun Mountain

Located on the outskirts of Guangzhou, Baiyun Mountain (literally “White Cloud Mountain”) is the perfect place to have a panoramic view of the city of Guangzhou in good weather.

As it is a bit far from the city center of Guangzhou, it is better to plan a day trip to go there. You can choose to take the gondola to go up or do it on foot. I advise you in this case to leave the West Gate, which is less touristy and you can ride quietly. Count between 3h and 3h30 to reach the summit.

For the more adventurous, know that it is possible to go bungee jumping in Baiyun Mountain! There is even a “double bungee” variant that allows you to jump to 2! The jump height is 45m.

How to get to Baiyun Mountain?

• If you want to walk, it will stop at the metro station “Baiyun Park”, near the west gate.
• To take the gondola, the easiest way is to take the subway to “Guangzhou East Railway Station” and then a taxi.

2. Zhujiang New Town and Huacheng Square by night

Zhujiang New town, which can be reached by stopping at the homonymous metro station, is the business district and the heart of Guangzhou. Watch the skyscrapers, cross the Huaxai Road and walk a few hundred meters to Huacheng Square. In the evening, hundreds of people gather in this square to observe the lights of the city and enjoy the sweetness of Guangzhouese evenings.

The square is dominated by 2 huge skyscrapers, including the impressive CTF tower 530m high, and is nicely illuminated on the ground. On the west side is the Opera House of Guangzhou and its ultra modern architecture very well highlighted by a mirror of water!

A must see on your trip to Guangzhou.

You will also see in the distance the famous Guangzhou Tower lit by multicolored changing lights.

Stroll around, make some selfies with the Chinese who asks you and take some pictures! I advise you to bring your tripod, which will allow you to make pretty pictures at night.

Then head north for an underground shopping mall, green alleyways and small artificial canals, all dominated by Guangzhou skyscrapers.

If you only have one night and do not know what to do in Guangzhou, this is the place of interest.

3. Guangzhou Opera House (Guangzhou Opera House)

Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, the Guangzhou Opera House is a marvel of modern architecture. If its exterior is impressive, the interior is also worth the detour! Its 1,800-seat concert hall gives you the impression of being in a spaceship!

4. Canon Tower

With its 600m high, the Guangzhou Tower is in early 2017 the 4th tallest building in the world and the first in China. It is the major tourist attraction of Guangzhou!

You can visit it and climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the observation point. For the bravest, you can try a “sky drop”, a vertical drop controlled over thirty meters at the top of the tower.

The price of tickets varies between 20 and 65 euros depending on the activities you want to do. You will find a detail of the prices on this site (in English)

To get there, simply stop at Guangzhou Tower subway station (metro line 3 and APM line)

5. Enjoy Guangzhouese gastronomy

Guangzhou is famous in China for being the city where you eat the best. Enjoy your stay in the city to discover the wonders of local gastronomy. The Dim Sum Guangzhouese are particularly famous. While visiting Guangzhou, take a dip in Mangosteen, (山竹 shān zhú in Chinese), a South Asian fruit with a sweet taste!

6. Yuexiu Mountain Park

In Guangzhou, strolling through the parks is a good way to discover the typical Chinese life scenes (Tai chi, dance, badminton, pedalos on the lakes etc.). The Yuexiu Mountain Park is the free park’s most famous, thanks to its statue of five goats, which is the symbol of the city of Guangzhou. It is really big (86 hectares), and you can easily spend half a day there!

The easiest way to get there is to take the metro to Yuexiu Park Station (line 2)

7. Liu Hua Hu park

Located right next to Yuexiu Mountain Park, Liu Hua Hu Park is a great complement for a day of sightseeing! This park is built around a large lake (Liu Hua Lake) and you can walk around or on one of the islands, which are connected by Chinese architecture bridges. Ideal for a stroll along the water!

8. Visit the Temple of the Six Banyan

This temple (English Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda ), built in 537 during the Liang Dynasty and rebuilt several times since (last in 1900) includes several buildings, the most famous being the pagoda nine floor. It is now a Buddhist temple, where the Chinese New Year (January 28 in 2017) and the Lantern Festival (February 11 in 2017) are commemorated

You can go to the Six Banyan Temple by subway, you have 3 stations that are roughly equidistant from the temple (about 10 minutes walk ) Gongyuanqian, Ximenkou or Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

9. Shamian Island

Shamian Island is another tourist attraction in Guangzhou.

This island of 24,000 m² is located on the Pearl River was in the 18th and 19th century an important commercial port. It belonged to the 3 / 5th in England and 2 / 5th in France and that’s why you will find all these buildings of European style! It has become a favorite place for Chinese young married couples, especially at the French chapel “Our Lady Lourdes” (Notre Dame de Lourdes).

To go to Shamian Island : Take subway line 1 to Huangsha Station and exit at exit “F”. Then cross the bridge to reach the island.

10. Qingping Market (Qinping Medicine Market)

This amazing market is located in a maze of alleys in Liwan District, close to Shamian Island. After making the business district of Zhujiang New Town, it’s like 50 years back! Plants, spices, mushrooms, dried insects of all kinds and even live animals. I this is the authentic China, change of scenery! It is a must see if you are in Guangzhou and do not have the opportunity to go to rural China during your trip.

The visit of this market goes very well with the visit of Shamian Island since it is right next to it.

To get there : Metro stop Huangsha or Culture park.

11. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Guangzhou

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Guangzhou, built in the nineteenth century and opened in 1888, is a bit like the architectural UFO of the city (or even China!) With its Neo-Gothic style.

The easiest way to get there is to take metro line 2 to Hai Zhu station. Then you will have ten minutes walk to reach the cathedral.

12. Guangzhou Fake Market (Guangzhou Fake Market)

If you like to go shopping, here’s another must-see place to visit during your trip to Guangzhou: The Fake Market.

And yes, Guangzhou and its region are primarily a manufacturing province, so you will find here everything you want level clothing, shoes, jewelry etc … It is China, so you will really find any level of quality, copy of low-end brand to the original quality product.

Above all, do not hesitate to haggle!

The Fake Market is located near Guangzhou Railway Station “Guangzhou Railway Station”, on subway line 2. It is close to Yuexiu Mountain Park and Liuhuahu Park, so it may be a good idea to group these tours on the day.

13. Guangzhou Chimelong Holiday Resort

It is a giant tourist park located south of Guangzhou. To get there, take Metro Line 3 and get off at Hanxi Changlong Station. You can then take the bus 304 which will take you to the entrance of the zoo.

It includes the following attractions:

Chimelong International Circus

The Chimelong International Circus is the largest fixed circus in the world and is also considered one of the best. When you go there, you’ll really feel like seeing the equivalent of a Hollywood blockbuster circus! Hundreds of the world’s best artists, gorgeous costumes and demented visual effects. It’s an evening you will not forget!

Chimelong Safari Park

This safari park / zoo is considered the best in Asia, just that! You will find more than 20,000 animals on 130 hectares, including 460 protected species. It is also the Zoo that has the most panda except Chengdu and the most White Tigers! The safari park is divided into 2 zones: one accessible on foot and another where you will have to board a minibus to visit. It is truly a zoo of exceptional quality that will delight young and old!

Chimelong Paradise Theme Park

It is simply the largest amusement park in China with 70 attractions spread over 60 hectares.

Chimelong Waterpark (Chimelong Water Park)

It is the largest water park in Asia and one of the largest in the world. The water park is open from May to October.

Guangzhou Crocodile Park (Chimelong Birds Park)

The Guangzhou Crocodile Park, which officially changed its name in the summer of 2016 and is now called Chimelong Birds Park is the largest crocodile breeding farm in the world with more than 100,000 specimens. In addition to the observation of crocodiles, animal shows and an educational part are also present. You can also taste the Crocodile meat in one of the restaurants.

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

It’s Marineland in Chinese version! (And not the orcs do not have slanted eyes: p)

Chimelong Golf center

A huge golf club! The “extra large” green can accommodate up to 3000 people.

14. Southern China Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden of Southern China is considered by many to be the best park in Guangzhou. it is located north of the city and is a very nice family visit if you like nature.

The entry price is CNY 20 (about 2.50 euros) and to get there, it is best to take the metro line 3 to Tianhe Bus Station and then take bus 28, 39 or 84 up at the botanical garden.

15. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Beautiful buildings that belonged to the master of the Chen clan. It feels timeless when visiting! Everything is very well preserved without being overrated, a very beautiful cultural visit to Guangzhou.

Price of the entry : 20 CNY

Entrance near the metro station “Chen Clan Academy”

16. Take a Night Cruise on the Pearl River (Pearl River Night Cruise)

It’s a great way to get an original view of the city and its illuminated skyscrapers. Different options are available with different types of meals (fruit and tea, buffet, buffet + show etc .. Rates range from 50 CNY to 150 CNY (7 to 20 euros)

Departures are near Haizhu Square and Yanjiang Road.

Visit Guangzhou in 1 day

If you only have one day to visit Guangzhou, you will have to make choices! Here is the program I recommend:

Start the day with a visit to Shamian Island

Then continue with the Qinping Medicine Market, located next door.

You can also visit the church of the Sacred Heart of Guangzhou, which is not too far.

Then take the subway for a stop, to go to the Temple of the Six Banians.

In the evening, do not miss the Zhujiang New Town area and especially Huacheng Square. That’s wonderful! The Guangzhou Tower is open until 23h, if you want to go up there, the night is the best moment!

Visit Guangzhou in 2 days

In 2 days in Guangzhou, you will have the opportunity to visit the following places of interest, in addition to the first day.

• If it is really beautiful, I suggest you go on an excursion to Baiyun Mountain, it’s the best.
• If the weather is not as good, check out Yuexiu Mountain Park and Fake Market, which is not far away.

In the evening, you can opt for a night cruise on the Pearl River.

Visit Guangzhou in 3 days

Do you have 3 days in Guangzhou?

For your last day in town, you should visit one of Chimelong Holiday Resort’s parks . If you chose to visit Guangzhou with children, they will be delighted!

And if you’re looking for something to do in the evening, the Chimelong International Circus show is a great choice!

Where to sleep in Guangzhou

• Guangzhou Benjamin & Jason Hostel : The budget choice in Guangzhou, for its great location next to the Linhe West subway station! Possibility to sleep in a dormitory of 4, 6 or 8 single beds. From 7 euros per night.
• Nomo Beijing Rd. A Jiedeng International Mix Apartment : Near the Gongyuanqian subway station, Apartments for 2 people of 50 sqm from 45 euros per night.
• HeeFun Apartment Hotel GuangZhou : Conveniently located 5 minutes walk from Huacheng Square, the apartments offered are large and modern. The best choice below 100 euros! Duplex apartment of 70m² from 68 euros per night.
• The Garden Hotel Guangzhou : Located next to the Taojin subway, on line 5, this magnificent 5 * hotel offers exceptional value for money, it’s also my favorite for an upscale stay in Guangzhou! Overnight from 120 euros
• Four season Hotel Guangzhou : Located right in the city center, right next to Pearl River New Town and Huacheng Square, this is the must of Guangzhou luxury. From 220 euros per night.

Where to eat in Guangzhou

In Guangzhou, I recommend the following 2 restaurants: You will find below the name and address in English and Chinese (in case you would like to show it to a taxi driver for example)

• Guangzhou restaurant – 广州 酒家 (文昌 总店) – Address: No.2 Wenchang South Road, Guangzhou, China – 文昌 南路 2 号
• D 都 德 – Adresse 都 德 – Address: No.470 Huifu East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China – 越秀 区 惠福 惠福 东路 0 470 号

I would not do you the affront to offer you restaurants serving something other than Chinese cuisine!

What do you plan to do in Guangzhou?