Located in Guangdong Province, Guangzhou is a modern metropolis and the third largest city in China. Known as Canton in the past, the city was a significant trading hub and connected China to countless other nations. It is one of the country’s main industry hubs, which has resulted in a thriving economy and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Guangzhou is one of the best places to visit in China as it has a wealth of attractions and activities that promise a thrilling experience. Whether you seek the mystical ambience of ancient temples or the wonder of modern marvels, there are a whole host of activities in Guangzhou that travellers can dive right into.
In this article, we showcase the 9 best things to do in Guangzhou. We highlight the top tourist attractions, discuss the best places to visit for history and culture, and consider the beautiful green spaces that offer a tranquil break from the bustling city.
So if you’re thinking about visiting but are at a loss for what to do in Guangzhou, read on to discover the delights this dazzling city holds.
Guangzhou is one of China’s most fascinating cities, as it perfectly blends the traditions of the past with the innovation of the present. The city is filled with unique attractions and exploring different Guangzhou landmarks is a great way to get situated in the city. From ascending up Canton Tower to cruising along the Pearl River, we highlight some of the best things to do in Guangzhou for anyone eager to see the top tourist attractions.
One of the most significant Guangzhou landmarks is the Canton Tower. The tower is an iconic feature of the city’s skyline and is a major tourist attraction in Guangzhou. It has a unique design that twists upwards and is filled with interesting attractions like observation decks, restaurants and exhibition spaces.
It is the tallest sightseeing tower in China at a height of 600 metres, making it the best place to catch panoramic views of the city. For the best experience, take a ride on the bubble tram, a unique viewing mechanism that takes visitors along a track in glass spheres, providing exceptional views of the river and bustling city streets. Canton Tower is a great place to visit in Guangzhou at night, as the tower’s design includes hundreds of LED lights, creating a visual spectacle of colour in the evenings.
You can enter the tower free of charge, but attractions like the tram and viewing decks will require an admission fee.
Just beneath Canton Tower, the Pearl River flows through the centre of Guangzhou and further out into the Canton region. It was a major trade route that connected Guangzhou to other parts of the Pearl River Delta and is still a significant landmark in Guangzhou today.
A great way to experience the Pearl River is by booking an evening river cruise. You will be treated to a buffet-style meal and can enjoy unrivalled views of the city as it lights up at night. If you time your trip right, you may even catch the sunset over the river which is a magical experience.
Another interesting landmark in Guangzhou that should feature on your visit is Shamian Island. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the island was the designated concession for the French and English and was where foreign merchants could trade goods. It’s a great place to visit in Guangzhou as it features exceptionally preserved colonial architecture which is juxtaposed with the modern ambience of the city.
Alongside the beautiful buildings, Shamian Island is famous for its tree-lined avenues as well as several statues which speak to the area’s historical significance. It’s one of the best places in Guangzhou for an afternoon stroll. Make sure to visit the Lady of Lourdes Chapel and the old French and British Consulates for a real architectural treat.
Another top tourist attraction in Guangzhou is Chimelong Safari Park. It is one of the best places to visit in China for travellers who enjoy animal encounters as it has an extensive collection of animals from around the globe. It’s a great attraction for families visiting Guangzhou and has a whole host of exciting activities to jump into.
Chimelong is one of the largest safari parks in Asia, spanning over 2000 acres, and is split into multiple zones that reflect the habitats of the animals within. One of the best experiences at Chimelong is the drive-through safari which allows visitors to traverse the different enclosures and get up close to incredible animals like zebras, elephants and tigers. A great way to see the park is on a guided tour which will cover your transfers and is conducted by a friendly English-speaking guide.
We suggest travellers make a whole day of Chimelong as the safari park is just one aspect of the holiday resort. You can also attend vibrant circus shows as well as enjoy thrilling theme park rides and a sensational waterpark. Click here to book your tickets in advance and skip long lines.
Although Guangzhou is celebrated for its modern marvels, it is filled with fascinating cultural sites which allow travellers to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese heritage. You can opt to take a sightseeing tour which will take you to all the major cultural attractions in Guangzhou, but be sure to visit our recommendations below.
A great place to visit in Guangzhou for those eager to learn more about Chinese culture is the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. Built by the Chen family in 1984 as a centre for ancestral worship and academic study, it is famous for its Lingnan architecture that combines intricate wooden carvings, sculptures and ceramic decor. It’s one of the best things to do in Guangzhou for anyone curious about the city’s history and artistic traditions.
These days the ancestral hall functions as a folk art museum. There is a diverse selection of traditional craftworks held within, like embroidery and paintings, which offers a special perspective on the local culture. Wandering through this unique architectural marvel is a splendid activity in Guangzhou and travellers will be astonished by the immaculate details that are prevalent throughout the hall.
Fans of ancient history will be enthralled by the exquisite offering of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King. This Han Dynasty tomb is the final resting place of Zhao Mo, the second king of the Nanyue Kingdom.
This is one of the best preserved tombs in China that even rivals the terracotta warriors in Xian. It’s a very popular cultural attraction in Guangzhou and is best experienced on a guided tour.
The tomb is over 2000 years old and the museum showcases the archaeological discoveries of the site while preserving their original context. It’s made up of multiple chambers and corridors which were used to store ornate grave goods like gold and silver articles. Zhao Mo was buried alongside several of his servants and the remains of one of his concubines have been preserved under a sheet of clear glass.
The Museum is located just next to the tomb and offers more insight into the historical context of the burial. As you explore the different exhibits you can see miraculous artefacts that were recovered like the Jade Burial Suit, which was made entirely out of the precious stone and sewn together with golden thread.
Another museum in Guangzhou that offers tremendous cultural insight is the Guangdong Museum. It is situated in the city’s cultural district and due to its innovative design it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Guangzhou. Guangdong Museum will be the highlight of your visit, so ensure that you include it on your Guangzhou itinerary.
The museum houses an array of exhibitions which range from Chinese artefacts, to regional history and contemporary art. It’s a top place to visit in Guangzhou for travellers who enjoy learning more about the history of the countries they visit.
What is most striking about the museum is its use of interactive displays and multimedia installations that greatly enhance the visitor experience, making it one of the best activities in Guangzhou for any curious traveller.
While Guangzhou is steeped in culture and modern attractions, there are a wealth of outdoor experiences to be had that allow visitors to reconnect with nature. You can explore the lush gardens of Yuexiu or take a day trip and explore the serene Baiyun Mountain Park. Travellers seeking Guangzhou activities will relish these immaculate environments and we expand upon them below.
Located just north of Guangzhou, Baiyun Mountain Park is a scenic area that is very popular with tourists who visit the city. Its name translates to White Cloud Mountain and this magical moniker perfectly captures the idyllic ambience. The park is filled with natural beauty and breathtaking vistas that provide a welcome escape from the busy city.
Within the park, visitors can marvel at the sweeping green forests and cascading waterfalls which add so much charm to the natural setting. There are a variety of hiking trails that are suitable for a range of fitness levels and will lead eager visitors to some of the most scenic spots on the mountain. There is also a cable car that can take you up to the summit if you aren’t keen on the hike, which will treat you to stunning views of the mountainous landscape.
The park itself is free to enter but tickets for the cable car will cost around 45 yuan (£5.06). You can also visit Baiyun Mountain on a spectacular tour that includes visits to the Nengren Temple and Yuntai Garden, for the ultimate outdoor experience.
Found within the very heart of Guangzhou is the green oasis of Yuexiu Park. It is one of the oldest parks in Guangzhou and covers an area of 860 square kilometres.
Yuexiu Park is a hotspot for plant and bird enthusiasts and is home to a variety of species which adds so much vibrancy to the picturesque setting. It also includes historical sites and monuments as well as an artificial lake where visitors can enjoy scenic boat rides.
As you explore the park, be sure to visit the iconic sites like the Statue of the Five Rams and Zhenhai Tower, a five storey pagoda that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. At the southern end of the park you will find Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, a historical landmark dedicated to the eponymous doctor who was the founding father of the republic of China. It is a perfect example of Chinese architecture and includes a fabulous display of artworks and calligraphy that depict scenes of Sun Yat-Sen’s life and work.
There are countless activities and things to do in Guangzhou that ensure travellers will have an exceptional experience. From iconic landmarks brimming with history to cultural sites and museums that shed more light on the city’s fascinating past. Travellers who enjoy the outdoors will be thrilled by the green spaces and parks which offer solace from the bustling city and provide scenic settings which will create lasting memories.
No matter what you decide, there are so many fun things to do in Guangzhou that make it one of the best places to visit in China. Whether you want to scale the Canton Tower or take a drive through safari, you are sure to find something that suits your style in this exciting Chinese city.
Thinking about heading to China on your next adventure? Check out our travel guides like Beijing or Shanghai -Which is Right For You and A Guide for Visiting the Great Wall of China, for some top travel inspiration.
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