Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is the capital of Guangdong Province and the third-largest city in China. Located in the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou is about two hours from Hong Kong and Macau. With over 2,200 years of history, the city is home to ancient temples, busy shopping streets, and modern high-rises. It’s also a food lover’s dream, famous for its Cantonese dishes like dim sum and local snacks.
You can wander through Xiguan’s old neighborhoods with traditional qi lou buildings, stroll along the quiet streets of Shamian Island with its colonial-style houses, or take a boat ride on the Pearl River to see the city lit up at night. Food streets like Panfu Road and Huifu East Road are perfect for trying local favorites like rice rolls and Sampan porridge.
Getting to and Around Guangzhou
Getting to Guangzhou is now even easier. Starting May 15, 2024, foreign cruise tour groups arranged by legitimate Chinese travel agencies can enter Guangzhou and Shenzhen visa-free for 15 days. Trip.com is one of the best local travel agencies in China to help you book hotels and make your trip worry-free.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the city’s main airport, about 28 km north of downtown. It’s a hub for China Southern Airlines and connects to cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, Vancouver, London, Paris, Sydney, and several Asian destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or the metro (Line 3) directly into the city.
If you catch a red-eye flight to Guangzhou, staying at a hotel with free airport pick-up can make your trip much simpler~
Click to find more hotels near Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
High-speed trains roll into Guangzhou South Railway Station from all over—Hong Kong in under an hour, Beijing in 8 hours, and Shanghai in 7. Regional trains stop at Guangzhou East. Guangzhou has several railway stations, the busiest among them are: Guangzhou East Railway Station and Guangzhou South Railway Station.
Once in the city, you can grab a Yang Cheng Tong card if you’re staying a few days. It works on the metro, buses, and some taxis, saves you money, and spares you the hassle of carrying small change. For most visitors, the metro is the best option, while taxis are great for late-night rides or short trips.
Guangzhou Best Areas to Stay
Pick Tianhe for city buzz, Yuexiu for landmarks, or Liwan to soak up local life.
- Tianhe District Modern malls and skyscrapers surround Canton Tower – ideal for shoppers and nightlife lovers seeking metro convenience.
- Yuexiu District The historic center, home to 2,000-year-old Yuexiu Park and Sacred Heart Cathedral. Perfect for first-time visitors and culture walks.
- Liwan District Bustling markets, dim sum stalls, and Shamian Island’s European-style streets – where budget stays meet old-world charm.
Top Things to Do in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is full of amazing places to visit, from scenic river views to animal parks and towering landmarks. There’s plenty to see and do, so here are some of the top spots you shouldn’t miss!
- Canton Tower: The Canton Tower soars 600 meters above the city. It’s known for its slim, twisted design. Take a walk up the zigzag stairs for unique views, or brave the transparent glass skywalk for a thrilling perspective. At the top, panoramic views of the city await at 450 meters, and the sky wheel offers a fun way to soak it all in. Feeling daring? Try the sky drop for a heart-pounding experience.
- Chimelong Safari Park: If you love animals, Chimelong Safari Park is the place to go. It’s huge and home to amazing creatures like pandas, koalas, and elephants. You can feed giraffes, take a safari train to see animals up close, or catch one of the park’s famous animal shows. The park is clean, the animals are well cared for, and there’s plenty to see and do. Kids especially will have a blast here—plan to spend a few hours to enjoy it all.
- Shamian Island: Shamian Island is a quiet escape from Guangzhou’s busy streets. Once home to foreign traders in the 19th century, it’s filled with charming colonial-style buildings and tree-lined streets that are perfect for a slow stroll. You’ll find cozy cafes and restaurants serving Western food. It’s a favorite for history buffs and anyone looking for a break from the city’s fast pace.
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