Guangzhou
The Culinary Capital & Trading Hub
Welcome to Guangzhou (Canton)! The culinary capital of China and a historic trading port. This 3-day guide mixes old-world charm with modern marvels.
1. Attractions
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of attraction name and paste in map app to see the location.
Note: Some major attractions require reservations even with tickets. Be sure to use Trip.com to purchase and reserve simultaneously
Day 1: Old Canton Charm
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (陈家祠)
The ultimate example of traditional Lingnan architecture, famous for its incredibly detailed wood and stone carvings.
Sacred Heart Cathedral (石室圣心大教堂)
a magnificent, historic Gothic Revival cathedral constructed entirely of granite, standing as a notable example of European architecture built in China.
Cost:Free
Hours:Mon-Fri：8:30-11:30，14:30-17:00, Sat-Sun：8:30-17:00
Shamian Island (沙面岛)
A sandbank island filled with European colonial mansions and banyan trees; a peaceful escape from the city noise.
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
Yong Qing Fang (永庆坊)
A renovated historic block with Bruce Lee’s ancestral house and traditional Cantonese opera stages.
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
Day 2: Modern Skylines
Canton Tower (广州塔)
The slim 'waist' of Guangzhou. Visit at sunset for the best views of the Pearl River.
Zhujiang New Town (珠江新城)
Walk through the futuristic library and opera house (Huacheng Square), and enjoy the stunning night view.
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
Day 3: Nature or Wildlife
Yuexiu Park (越秀公园)
Home to the 'Five Rams Sculpture,' the symbol of the city.
Cost:Free
Hours:6:00 – 22:00
Chimelong Safari Park (长隆野生动物世界)
One of the best zoos in Asia, famous for its white tigers and panda triplets.
2. Food
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of food name and paste in Dianping app to find restaurants.
Note: Food items may contain allergens. Please confirm with restaurant staff directly
Yum Cha (Morning Tea)
Dim Sum
点心
Must Order: Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow), Steamed Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao), Rice Noodle Rolls. Try Dian Dou De(点都德) or Tao Tao Ju(陶陶居) for a more authentic experience.
Cantonese Classics
Roast Goose
烧鹅
Crispy skin and juicy meat served with plum sauce.
Double-Skin Milk
双皮奶
A smooth, cold milk custard dessert.
Wonton Noodles
云吞面
Thin bamboo-pressed noodles with bouncy shrimp dumplings.
3. Transportation
Arrival
- Air:
Metro (Line 3): Most economical and punctual; stops at T1 and T2 (T3 requires a shuttle to T1/T2). Best for daytime arrivals, but avoid rush hour with heavy luggage. Ends around 11:15 PM.
Airport Bus: 24-hour service; ideal for "red-eye" flights. Stops at T2 and T3 hubs with routes to city centers (Zhujiang New Town, GZ Station). Luggage-friendly, but prone to traffic.
Taxi/Ride-hail: Fastest door-to-door service (~30 mins to city; ~120 RMB). Use official pick-up zones only to avoid scams.Check flights via
- Train:
Guangzhou Station (Yuexiu): The historic central hub; serves standard and bullet trains.
Guangzhou East (Tianhe): Primary station for intercity travel to Shenzhen and Dongguan.
Guangzhou South (Panyu): Largest high-speed rail hub in South China; serves most long-distance high-speed routes.
Guangzhou North (Huadu): Secondary high-speed stop (Wuhan-Guangzhou line) and intercity hub, mainly serving travelers to/from Hunan and Hubei.Check trains via
City Transport
- Metro: Extensive. Use Alipay to scan for tickets.
- Ferry: Water Bus (S series) for a cheap scenic ride (approx. 2 CNY).
4. Where to Stay
Tianhe District
Modern, near high-end malls and Canton Tower.
Liwan / Yuexiu
Older, more traditional feel, closer to food streets and history.
5. Essential Tips
💡 Top Tips
- Trade Fairs: Avoid Canton Fair (mid-April to early May, mid-Oct to early Nov). Prices triple.
- Language: Cantonese is the local dialect, but Mandarin is widely spoken.
- Medical Tourism: refer latest Fudan hospital ranking at: Fudan Hospital Rankings