Top 10 Things To Do In Guangzhou For A Vacation Dominated By Sky-Scrappers

Panoramic image of the beautiful botanical Yuntai garden

As the third largest city in China, Guangzhou offers a wealth of attractions and activities to its visitors. Serving as a major trading hub in the past, Guangzhou still retains its importance and is one of the main industrial cities in the country. Beyond the commercial scene, Guangzhou still possesses historical sites, lush greenery, and modern landmarks. This explains why you will never run short of things to do in Guangzhou. So, if you are ready to explore this vibrant city in southern China, make sure to sort your travel plans in advance.

Top 10 Things To Do In Guangzhou

Instead of wondering what to do in Guangzhou when already in the city, it’s better to sort a plan beforehand, so that you don’t miss out on anything worthwhile.

1. Visit Shamian Island

A bridge connecting the eastern part of Shamian Island with the mainland in Guangzhou, China.

Photo: Anthony Ivanoff / Wikimedia Commons

Shamian Island, a historical enclave in Guangzhou is home to a foreign settlement that was built between the 19th and 20th centuries. Once you reach the island, you will feel transported back to the colonial era with the old buildings, churches, and cathedrals dominating the island. An interesting thing about these buildings is that they feature both European and Chinese-style elements. Additionally, there are many restaurants, cafes, and boutiques where you can enjoy a slow evening. After you are done exploring the island, you can sit at a local eatery and enjoy different cuisines.

Location: Liwan District of Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Timings: 24*7

2. Enjoy Scenic Views At Canton Tower

Image of the beautiful majestic Canton Tower Pearl River TV Station

Photo: Nissangeniss / Wikimedia Commons

Modern landmarks like Canton Tower are surely the best things to see in Guangzhou, especially if you want to enjoy scenic views. Located in Guangzhou CBD, Canton Tower is 604 metres high and offers a bird’s eye view of the city down below. However, the highlight of the tower is the glass capsule ride, the Bubble Tram which provides a breathtaking experience to visitors. Besides that, the tower has a glass floor observatory at 450 metres and a rotating restaurant at 424 metres. For an enhanced experience, you should visit the Canton Tower in the evening, the time it dazzles with LED lights.

Location: Yuejiang W Rd, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
Timings: 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM

3. Have Fun At Chimelong Safari Resort

 Image from the Chimelong Safari Park - giraffe inside Safari on Wheels

Photo: Dltl2010 / Wikimedia Commons

When looking for the best things to do in Guangzhou, Chimelong Safari Resort needs to be at the top of your itinerary. As the largest wildlife park in China, Chimelong Safari Resort is nothing less than a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and families. What’s exciting about this place is that it has multiple entertainment zones including a waterpark, a wetland park, and an amusement park. There’s also a circus that allows you to enjoy live animal shows, musicals, acrobatics, and more.

Location: China, Guang Dong Sheng, Guang Zhou Shi, Pan Yu Qu
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM

4. Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Image of the scenic Asian green roof of a historic monument of China

Photo: Junchen Zhou / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the Chen Clan Academy, is a must-visit attraction for tourists in Guangzhou. Built in the late 19th century, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall features an architectural design that looks stunning. From the wooden beams to stone sculptures, and ceramic artwork, the entire place boasts intricate details to explore. The complex houses six courtyards, nine halls, and nineteen buildings, each of them designed beautifully. As for the history of the complex, it was constructed for the members of the Chen Clan, an influential clan in southern China. The architecture will surely blow your mind if it is something that fascinates you.

Location: China, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Liwan District
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

5. Go Hiking At Baiyun Mountain

 Panoramic view of the Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou in China

Photo: StephenLauQT / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

If you are the adventurer type, it would be foolish not to visit Baiyun Mountain, a popular spot for hikers. Located north of Guangzhou, Baiyun Mountain is an ideal place for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. The mountain features numerous trails and hiking through them leads you to a stunning view of the Pearl River. In case, hiking is not your thing, you can use the cable car service to reach the top and enjoy the serene environment. Along the trails, you will witness rare plants and lush greenery that are a treat to your senses.

Location: North of Guangzhou, China
Timings: 24*7

6. Walk Along The Pearl River Promenade

Snapshot of the beautiful Pearl River Promenade in the city

Photo: Irina Iriser / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Pearl River Promenade, a 23 km long riverside walkway is one of the most beautiful places in Guangzhou. Stretching along the Pearl River, here you can enjoy a stunning view of the skyline and the vibrant urban life. Popular among both tourists and locals, the walkway allows you to enjoy strolls and watch colourful lights in the evening. Throughout the street, you will find many street performers, food vendors, and other activities taking place around the area. For a more immersive experience, you should get on a river cruise and explore the beauty of Guangzhou from the water.

Location: Guangzhou, China
Timings: 24*7

7. Explore The Busy Beijing Road

Image of the beautiful Chinese market in the city

Photo: HONG SON / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

For a shopping spree, you should visit Beijing Road, a bustling shopping and entertainment hub in central Guangzhou. Lined with modern malls and traditional shops, the Beijing Road offers a perfect mix of both old and new. However, the highlight of this place is the ancient stone-paved roads that are visible beneath the glass floors on the street. From trendy clothes to accessories and souvenirs, you will find all sorts of items at the market. For foodies, there are several cafes and restaurants along the street, so you can grab a bite of local snacks.

Location: Yuexiu District of Guangzhou, China
Timings: 24*7

8. Feel The Enchantment Of Dafo Temple

Image of rthe beautiful Dafo Temple in the scenic city of Guangzhou

Photo: happyJa / Pexels

Located in the Yuexiu District, Dafo Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Guangzhou and a must-visit for tourists to understand the history of the city. As per records, the temple was constructed by Emperor Liu Yan and is more than a thousand years old. Visiting the temple is not only a unique experience but also allows you to admire traditional Chinese architecture. From serene courtyards to beautiful pagodas, and sculpted statues, there are plenty of things to explore at this place. If you are looking for a peaceful escape from urban life, visiting the Dafo Temple could be a good idea.

Location: Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China
Timings: 8 AM – 9 PM

9. Dive Into Culture At YongQing Fang

Beautiful snapshot of the building in China

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

As a national 4A scenic spot, YongQing Fang is a cultural and creative district that reflects the rich heritage of the city. While visiting this place, you will see the old streets and narrow alleys that are hundreds of years old. Even the buildings in the district look traditional and home to art galleries, shops, and cafes. Additionally, the area is full of cultural exhibits, where you can watch traditional performances and have a good time. To make your visit more worthwhile, you should check out the unique souvenirs, and try the local delicacies here.

Location: China, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Liwan District
Timings: 24*7

10. Relax At Yuntai Garden

Panoramic image of the beautiful botanical Yuntai garden

Photo: zengsx / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Exploring a large city like Guangzhou without a break can feel exhausting. But, there are plenty of green spaces in the city for your resort. One such place is the Yuntai Garden, a botanical space nestled in Baiyun Mountain. This place is perfect for nature lovers and anybody who wants to enjoy a serene environment. Known for its colourful floral displays, Yuntai Garden features a wide variety of plants and flowers from all around the globe. Besides taking a break, you can explore the themed spaces and admire the intricate landscaping in the garden. However, the key attractions in the garden are the European-style fountain and the rose garden which makes it a perfect spot for clicking pictures.

Location: 801 Guangyuan Middle Rd, Baiyun, Guangzhou
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

There are countless things to do in Guangzhou that ensure tourists have a lovely time in the city. From the iconic landmarks to the beautiful gardens, it is easy to see why Guangzhou is one of the popular destinations in China. No matter what you decide, you are guaranteed to have a good time and create memories. To ensure everything goes smoothly, plan your trip with TripXL, the experts you need.

Cover Photo: Matthew Zheng / Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

Guangzhou is famous for many things including its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and iconic landmarks.
Guangzhou is called the “Canton Fair City” because it hosts the Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is one of the busiest airports in China and offers both domestic and international flights.
Located on the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou is a part of Guangdong Province in southern China.
In Guangzhou, people speak Cantonese and Mandarin. But in some business and tourist areas, you may find people communicating in English.

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