Guangzhou, China: A Complete Travel Guide for Visitors

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Written by Maria Gomez
Mar 18, 2025 4-min read

Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province and one of the most exciting and culture-rich cities of all of China. 

It’s a typical Chinese metropolis with a mix of skyscrapers and old-world traditions. 

Whether you love food, history, or shopping, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in this city. Here’s everything you need to know to visit Guangzhou!

Guangzhou China Cover

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather with blooming flowers.

Guangzhou Spring

  • Autumn (September-November): Ideal for sightseeing, with comfortable temperatures.

  • Avoid Summer: June to August brings sizzling heat, humidity, and typhoons.

Top Attractions in Guangzhou

1. Canton Tower

  • Reasons for Recommendation: Guangzhou’s most famous attraction provides panoramic views of the city plus sky walks and a bubble tram with a glass bottom.

  • Time to Visit: At night for excellent night views.

  • Tips: Tickets sell out for days in advance, so book ahead. Be sure to bring your camera!

Canton Tower

2. Shamian Island

  • Reasons for Recommendation: A tranquil escape filled with old colonial buildings, cool gardens, and delightful cafes.

  • Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for a stroll.

Wear comfortable shoes and take your time exploring the historic buildings.

3. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

  • Reasons for Recommendation: An exceptional model of Lingnan architectural style featuring detailed carvings and gorgeous ceramics.

  • Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds.

  • Tips: Brush up on your history before visiting to fully understand the art.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

4. Yuexiu Park & Five Rams Statue

  • Reasons for Recommendation: The biggest park in Guangzhou with its historical sites and green spaces.

  • Time to Visit: Mid-morning for pleasant weather.

Take some tasty treats and have a picnic by the lake.

5. Baiyun Mountain

  • Reasons for Recommendation: It’s a beautiful place to get away from it all, with trails, fresh air, and views.

  • Time to Visit: Go in the fall or spring when temperatures are milder.

  • Tips: Wear sturdy walking shoes, and take water for the journey.

Baiyun Mountain

Must-Try Local Food

1. Dim Sum

It’s the home of Cantonese dim sum, which means there’s an extensive selection of bite-sized creations, plus classics like har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork dumplings).

It’s an excellent introduction to the local tea culture.

Where to Try: Tao Tao Ju or Guangzhou Restaurant.

Dim Sum

2. Roast Goose

Golden, crispy, juicy, and flavorful. This dish is unforgettable, and the plum sauce makes for a perfect sweet-savory complement.

Where to Try: Bingsheng or Tai Hing Roast Goose.

3. Wonton Noodles

This classic Cantonese dish features thin egg noodles swimming in a light, tasty soup with freshly made shrimp or pork wontons.

Where to Try: Wonton Noodle Master or Mak Man Kee.

Wonton Noodles

4. White Cut Chicken

Straightforward and tasty, the poached chicken is tender, and the ginger-scallion dipping sauce is flavorful.

Where to Try: Panxi Restaurant or Guangzhou Restaurant.

5. Claypot Rice

The clay pot is used to cook rice with preserved meat and soy sauce, creating a crisp, tasty layer on the bottom. Good local food.

Where to Try: Song Yuan Restaurant or Wong Kun Sio Kun.

Claypot Rice

Best Shopping Spots

1. Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

Part modern mall, part historic attraction. Best for modern fashion finds and local street eats.

Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

2. Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Cantonese market street to shop for cheap clothes, souvenirs, and snacks.

3. Taikoo Hui

An upscale shopping center featuring lots of high-priced and luxury stores, restaurants, and bars.

Taikoo Hui

4. Haizhu Wholesale Markets

Best spot to buy electronics, accessories, and fashion at outlet prices.

5. OneLink Plaza

Huge marketplace for toys, home goods, and cool gifts. Great place for wholesale shopping.

Onelink Plaza

Guangzhou Accommodation Recommendation

1. Tianhe District

  • Pros: Modern, convenient, and complete with shopping malls and business districts.

  • Cons: Higher accommodation prices compared to other areas.

Tianhe District

2. Yuexiu District

  • Pros: Full of history near some attractions (such as Yuexiu Park and Beijing Road).

  • Cons: Older infrastructure and busier streets.

3. Haizhu District

  • Pros: Cheap, close to the Canton Fair, near the Pearl River.

  • Cons: Can be less tourist-friendly with fewer attractions.

Haizhu District

4. Liwan District

  • Pros: Home to a lot of traditional Cantonese culture, historic sites, and local markets.

  • Cons: Not as modern or convenient for business travelers.

Transportation Tips

1. Metro

Easiest way to navigate the city. Get the Yang Cheng Tong card for your trips.

Guangzhou Metro

2. Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Didi (China’s Uber) is easy to use and easier than flagging down a cab.

3. Buses

Cheap but not ideal for non-Chinese speakers due to limited English signage.

Guangzhou Bus

4. Bike Rentals

Many cities have public bike-sharing programs. These are ideal for shorter distances.

FAQ

1. Is Guangzhou worth visiting for tourists?

Yes, Guangzhou is worth a trip for its modern and historical sites, and, of course, mouth-watering Cantonese food.

2. How many days in Guangzhou is enough?

2 -3 days is sufficient to see the highlights such as the Canton Tower, Shamian Island, and local markets.

3. Is Guangzhou good for foreigners?

Yes, Guangzhou is an easy place to navigate too, thanks to English-language signage, an international array of food, and straightforward transportation.

Conclusion

Guangzhou is a city that has very successfully integrated the old with the new.

You can take in all its culture, eat lots of yummy food, and visit all those shops – either on a short visit or a longer stay.

This post was written to help you do just that — to get out there and experience this bustling city and all the flavors of Cantonese food!