Written by Veronica |
Guangzhou, previously known as Canton, is one of the major cities in South China. It is a popular travel destination in the Greater Bay area alongside Hong Kong and Macau. There are many things to do and places to see in Guangzhou, from modern architecture, entertainment venues, to historical sites, and natural sceneries. Here are the top 10 Guangzhou attractions to include on your Guangzhou tour.
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- 1. Canton Tower: The Landmark of Guangzhou
- 2. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: Traditional Guangdong Architecture and Folk Art
- 3. Chimelong Guangzhou Resort: The Best Attraction for Family Tours
- 4. Yuexiu Park: The Heart of the City
- 5. Shamian Island: Where History Remains
- 6. Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King: Uncover the Regionās Ancient History
- 7. Temple of the Six Banyan Trees: Discover Guangzhouās Buddhist Heritage
- 8. Pearl River: Take a Night Cruise Through Guangzhou
- 9. Baiyun Mountain: The āFirst Beauty in Guangzhouā
- 10. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: Learn about the Famous Historical Figure
- How to Plan a Guangzhou Tour with the Popular Attractions
- Practical Tips for Visiting Guangzhou
1. Canton Tower: The Landmark of Guangzhou
Canton Tower is the most popular tourist attraction in Guangzhou. Standing at 600 meters (1,969 feet) tall by the Pearl River, it is the tallest sightseeing tower in China and the third in the world. Its architecture takes inspiration from the silhouette of a woman in a dress. It is called the āSlim Waistā because of its elegant outline.
Thereāre many things to do at Canton Tower. For sightseeing, you can get on the observation decks to see Guangzhou from above. If youāre one for adrenaline rush, challenge yourself on the Spider Walk, the worldās longest spiral staircase on the outside of the tower. Thereās also Sky Drop, the worldās tallest free-fall ride for those who really want to experience the height.
For a not too overwhelming experience, you can take the world’s tallest Ferris wheel around the roof of Canton Tower. The view from there is especially mesmerizing at sunset, as the golden hue dives from the sky into the river. At night, donāt miss the impressive tower light show that begins around dusk.
- Highlights: sightseeing and thrilling experiences
- Location: 222 Yuejiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou
- Tickets: from CNY 150
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Recommended Visit Time: 1-2.5 hours
2. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: Traditional Guangdong Architecture and Folk Art
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is also known as the Chen Clan Academy. Itās a huge temple complex built in the late 1800s during Qing Dynasty. Back then, the influential Chen family built the series of 19 buildings, 9 halls, and 6 courtyards as a study space for the younger generation in the family.
It is a famous piece of architecture in southern China that epitomizes traditional Guangdong architecture. Intricate carvings and statues depict scenes from Chinese folklore and mythology. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall now houses Guangdong Folk Art Museum where you can see many cultural relics of the region.
- Highlights: architecture and folk art
- Location: No.34, En Long Li, Zhongshan 7 Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou
- Tickets: CNY 10
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Recommended Visit Time: 2 hours
3. Chimelong Guangzhou Resort: The Best Attraction for Family Tours
Chimelong Resort of Guangzhou has all kinds of entertainment and facilities in one. There are multiple themed areas. Chimelong Safari Park is the largest and best safari park in Asia with a large number of animals species from all over the world including giant pandas. You can interact with some of the animals and take a train ride through the area. Itās the best Guangzhou attraction for kids.
Chimelong Circus has excellent acrobatic and animal shows. Chimelong Paradise and Chimelong Waterpark are amusement parks with fun rides. Lastly, thereās also Chimelong Birds Park where you can see lots of rare bird species like the red-crowned cranes. If youāre traveling to Guangzhou with your family, you might want to consider staying at the hotel in Chimelong Resort for the best experience.
- Highlights: zoo, shows, and amusement parks
- Location: Panyu Avenue, Panyu, Guangzhou
- Tickets: from CNY 300
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Recommended Visit Time: at least 3 hours
4. Yuexiu Park: The Heart of the City
Yuexiu Park is the largest park in downtown Guangzhou. It is an iconic place to go in the city because of its natural and cultural landscapes. At the heart of Yuexiu Park is the Five Rams sculpture, a symbol of Guangzhou. Legend has it that in ancient times, the five celestial rams brought wealth and prosperity to the city, so Guangzhou is now called the City of Goats.
You can also visit the Zhenhai Tower, a landmark of Guangzhou since Ming Dynasty, now housing the Guangzhou Museum. You can discover the rich history of the region in this historical structure. Nearby, thereāre also remnants of the Ancient City Wall. Yuexiu Park is built on hills with gardens and a lake. You can look over the city from several viewpoints.
- Highlights: cultural sites and natural views
- Location: No. 988 Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
- Tickets: free entry for the park, CNY 10 for Zhenhai Tower
- Opening Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM
- Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours
5. Shamian Island: Where History Remains
Shamian Island is a unique and beautiful part of Guangzhou where the landscape and vibe are different from the rest. Located along the Pearl River, the area used to be the living quarter of foreign merchants in Guangzhou in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, over 150 buildings from of different European architectural styles still remain on the island including churches, chapels, museums, and factories.
The streets on Shamian Island are lined with Western buildings and shaded with trees. Take a stroll, youāll walk past many cafes and bars where you can relax and have a drink. Life here is slow and quiet, much different from the rest of Guangzhou.
- Highlights: architecture and lifestyle
- Location: Shamian Island, Liwan District, Guangzhou
- Tickets: free
- Opening Hours: all day
- Recommended Visit Time: 2-3 hours
6. Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King: Uncover the Regionās Ancient History
When the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King was unearthed, it revealed a lot about the ancient history of Guangzhou. It has a history of over 2,000 years. The owner of the tomb is Zhao Mo, the second king of the Nanyue Kingdom who ruled around 130 BC. The tomb is made of 750 huge pieces of stones with colorful murals. The structure itself is a sight to see.
There are many artifacts to see at the museum, ceramics, bronze ware, ancient Chinese art, and terracotta figures. The most impressive artifact is the Jade Burial Suit that is made up of 2,291 pieces of jade.
- Highlights: ancient history and artifacts
- Location: No. 867, Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
- Tickets: CNY 10
- Opening Hours: from 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Recommended Visit Time: 1-3 hours
Related reading: Where to Stay in Guangzhou: District & Hotel Guide
7. Temple of the Six Banyan Trees: Discover Guangzhouās Buddhist Heritage
The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees was built over 1,400 years ago. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China. The famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dong Po gave it its name because of the six tall banyan trees that give shade to the temple grounds. You can appreciate the elegant architecture of the temple buildings and take a walk in the peaceful courtyards.
The most worth seeing part of the temple complex is the magnificent Flower Pagoda decorated with beautiful, glazed tiles. Standing at 57 meters (187 feet), it is the tallest pagoda in Guangzhou and the oldest landmark of the city. The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees houses a large collection of Buddhist artifacts, scriptures, and statues. The smell of the incense will add to your experience.
- Highlights: Buddhist art and architecture
- Location: 87, Liu Rong Road, Zhong Shan 6 Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
- Tickets: free
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
- Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours
8. Pearl River: Take a Night Cruise Through Guangzhou
The Pearl River is the third longest river of China. Its section in Guangzhou is the most famous. If youāre wondering about what to do in Guangzhou at night, you should definitely take a Pearl River night cruise when the lights are on. Cruise through the city in 70 minutes and see its many landmarks along the banks. To see the Pearl River from the shore, you can take an evening walk on Haizhu Square or Huacheng Square.
- Highlights: river view and evening light
- Location: Canton Tower Pier, Tianzi Pier, or Dashatou Pier
- Tickets: the night cruise starts at CNY 68
- Opening Hours: 7 PM to 10 PM
- Recommended Visit Time: 1-1.5 hours
9. Baiyun Mountain: The āFirst Beauty in Guangzhouā
Baiyun Mountain, or White Cloud Mountain, is the most famous mountain in Guangzhou. It is famous for its natural sceneries and attracts lots of locals on weekends and holidays. If youāre wondering about what to see with the rest of your time in Guangzhou, you can go on a light hike in the mountain. Thereāre also cable car services if you just want to sit back and take in the views.
- Highlights: hiking and sceneries
- Location: No.801, Guangyuan Middle Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou
- Tickets: CNY 5
- Opening Hours: all day
- Recommended Visit Time: half a day
10. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: Learn about the Famous Historical Figure
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is another great piece of architecture in Guangzhou. If you want to learn about the regionās modern history, this Guangzhou attraction might be a place of interest to you. It is an octagonal palace-style structure typical of local architecture and was once the presidential palace of Mr. Sun Yat-sen. It can accommodate thousands of people at once.
Here you can learn about the life of the revolutionary leader, his role in modern Chinese history through historical artifacts and photographs. Youāll be greeted by a 4.6-meter-tall bronze statue of Sun Yat-sen on your visit.
- Highlights: history and architecture
- Location: 259 Dongfeng Middle Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
- Tickets: CNY 10
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 hours
Get more things to do in Guangzhou at 14 Best Things to Do in Guangzhou | Your 2025 Activity Guide
How to Plan a Guangzhou Tour with the Popular Attractions
With so many attractions to explore in Guangzhou, it is generally recommended that you spend at least 2-3 days in the city. With more time, you can fully immerse yourself in the local Cantonese culture. The follow sample itinerary is a reference for your Guangzhou trip planning.
With 2-3 days, we recommend:
Day 1: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall ā Lunch on Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street ā Shamian Island ā Canton Tower ā Pearl River Night Cruise
Day 2: Yuexiu Park ā Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King ā Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall ā Beijing Road, Great Buddha Temple ā Sacred Heart Cathedral
Day 3: Six Banyan Temple ā Flower City Square ā Guangdong Provincial Museum ā Baiyun Mountain
With 3-5 days:
Day 4: Chimelong Tourist Resort
Day 5: Whampoa Military Academy Memorial ā Guangdong Science Center ā South China Botanical Garden
Here are some of our popular Guangzhou tours for your reference:
- 3 Days Guangzhou Historical and City Highlights Tour
- 4 Days Family-Friendly Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park Tour
- 8 Days Guangzhou Canton In-depth Tour
Practical Tips for Visiting Guangzhou
Best time to visit
Guangzhou generally has a warm and humid climate year-round, so the best time to visit the city is in fall and winter, from October to February. The temperature will be suitable for outdoor activities with plenty of sunshine and clear days. Spring and summer tend to be pretty hot and humid in Guangdong with occasional typhoons in July and August.
How to get to and around Guangzhou
Getting to Guangzhou is relatively easy. You can fly into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. There are many domestic and international flights. It is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) away from downtown Guangzhou.
If youāre arriving in Guangzhou from other Chinese cities or would like to start your China tour from Guangzhou, use the convenient high-speed rail system. Guangzhou South Railway Station is the mail train station with service to major Chinese cities like Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Guilin, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Getting around Guangzhou is equally easy with a well-developed Metro system of 18 lines. They will take you to most of the popular Guangzhou attractions and districts. If youād like a more private and cozy experience, you can also take a taxi to most places in the city.
