Written by Natalia |
When thinking about Guangzhou, the first impression of most people is its abundant delicious foods and modern city landscapes. Its 2,000-yearsā history seems not to catch peopleās attention. But in fact, it endows Guangzhou with rich historical heritages. Now, Guangzhou has been a city where the history, modern vitality and leisurely living atmosphere integrate perfectly.
No matter you are a history lover, a food lover or pursue fashion, Guangzhou will offer you fun. The Lingnan architecture, Pearl River scenery, city skyline and classic Cantonese cuisine are all highlights of Guangzhou. As a thousand-year-old commercial capital, Guangzhou always welcomes tourists from all over the world. Now, follow this article to see the useful information of how to plan a Guangzhou tour. You can also expect many essential tips and advice.
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- Why Visit Guangzhou?
- Best Time to Visit Guangzhou
- How to Get to and Travel around Guangzhou
- Top attractionsĀ to Visit in Guangzhou
- How Many Days for a Guangzhou Tour – itinerary
- How Many Days for a Grand Guangdong Tour including Guangzhou
- Where to Stay in Guangzhou
- Guangzhou Travel Tips for First-Timers
- FAQs about Planning a Trip to Guangzhou
- Plan Your Guangzhou Tour with China Xian Tour with Confidence
Why Visit Guangzhou?
A Gateway to Southern China
Guangzhou is considered as the South Gate of China, because it is located in the southern end of China. Both the Guangzhou port and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport operate international routes to and from many major foreign capitals. It has been one of the best cities for foreign tourists to enter China. From here, you can easily reach the other major cities in South China and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Cultural and Culinary Hub of Canton
The soul of Guangzhou is its long-standing Cantonese culinaryĀ and cultural traditions. It is the center of Lingnan culture where you can find many Lingnan architecture, such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. Besides, the Chinese culture and Western culture integrate here perfectly. The Shamian Island is like an open-air European architecture museum, where over 150 historic buildings stand, making it a perfect place for photography and leisurely walking.
There is a saying, āEating in Guangzhouā. Every tourist can not miss the local cuisine and snacks during the Guangzhou tour. Guangzhou cuisine is one of the eight major cuisines in China, so it definitely ranks top among Chinese food. The local morning tea culture is also famous all over China. In the tea house, the locals taste various delicate dim sums, meanwhile drinking tea, reading newspapers and chatting freely in the morning to start their new day. You can also try it by yourself.
Blend of Modernity and Tradition
Guangzhou is a city where modern life and thousand-year-old traditions coexist harmoniously, forming its unique charm. When restoring the historic streets like Yongqingfang, minor renovations are made to the traditional elements, such as the ancient gate, blue brick walls and granite roads, meanwhile modern materials such as glass curtain walls are applied to reinforce dilapidated buildings. Some old factories are transformed into cultural and creative parks. And the intangible cultural heritages are incorporated into modern stage arts, creating the popular performances, Dancing Lion, Dragon Boat and Yingge Dance.
Best Time to Visit Guangzhou
During the Guangzhou tour, the climate is an important influencing factor for the travel experience.Ā Autumn (Oct. – Dec.) is widely recognized as the best season to visit Guangzhou, because the weather is cool and the temperature and humidity are moderate, so tourists can experience more outdoor activities.
It is also recommended to tour in spring, when the temperature becomesĀ warm and the flowers are in full bloom. Winter is the off-season, but the average temperature is about 14 ā. So it is not very cold and you can experience the New Year custom culture.
Compared with other seasons, summer is not recommended, because the weather is hot and rainy and it is the typhoon season. The flights, trains and scenic spots may be closed due to the typhoon, especially in August and September. Your tour plan may be influenced greatly.
How to Get to and Travel around Guangzhou
Flights to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is one of the busiest airports in China, its air routes cover most major domestic and international cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, LA, London, Tokyo, etc. So, no matter where you are, it is easy to get to Guangzhou by air. Thatās why many foreign visitors start their China tours from Guangzhou. From the airport to the downtown area, both the airport bus and the metro are available.
High-Speed Trains from Guangzhou to Other Guangdong Cities
If you plan a Guangdong tour,Ā the high-speed train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Guangzhou to other cities in Guangdong. Guangzhou South Train StationĀ is the major high-speed train station. East Train Station also runs some bullet trains. The duration from Guangzhou to the nearby major cities is about 0.5 – 1 hour. From here, you can also reach Hong Kong in about 1 hour.
Recommended Tour to Guangzhou and Nearby Cities
Top Attractions to Visit in Guangzhou
Canton Tower
Canton TowerĀ is the city landmark with a height of 600 meters. Inside the tower, there are many world-class entertainment facilities for you to experience, including the 450-meter-high Horizontal Ferris Wheel and the worldās highest speed descent amusement project. You can also enjoy a big meal in the revolving restaurant, where offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Guangzhou. At dusk, board the sightseeing hall or viewing platform to appreciate the sunset and dazzling night views.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is the largest and best-preserved ancestral hall that still exists in Guangdong, thus renowned as āThe Pearl of Lingnan Architectural Artā. It was jointly built by the Chen clan from 72 counties in Guangdong Province in Qing Dynasty. Now, it has become the Guangdong Folk Art Museum with over 20,000 collections. It mainly collects, researches and exhibits the folk arts and crafts from different dynasties in Guangdong Province.
The most astonishing aspect of the Ancestral Hall is its unparalleled decorative craftsmanship. During the visit, keep a slow pace to observe the details of the carvings, sculptures and color paintings. It is the best place to learn about the local culture, do not forget to tour it during your Guangzhou tour.
ShamianĀ Island
If you want to enjoy a leisurely time to stroll, Shamian IslandĀ is highly recommended. It is a historical and cultural block full of European charm. In Ming Dynasty, over 10 countries set the consulate here, and many foreign banks and firms also operated here. Now, there are more than 150 well-preserved European style architectures. It is regarded as a witness to the modern history of Guangzhou. Motor vehicles are not allowed to enter the island, so you can wander freely to appreciate the buildings in a quiet atmosphere or savor a cup of coffee in a cafe to experience the slow-paced life.
Chimelong Safari Resort
Chimelong Safari Resort is the best destination for families and animal lovers during their Guangzhou travel. The resort is home to over 500 species and 20,000 rare animals. You can travel through the expansive areas that simulate the natural landscapes of five continents by the free train or by self-driving. Along the way, you will see various animals, such as kangaroos, giraffes, zebras, roam freely in the park. There are also cable cars for tourists to experience, by which you can overlook the animals and landscapes. Of course, you can also have a close contact with the animals in the walking tour area. The unmissable themed areas are panda park, koala park and tiger park.
Recommended tour
Pearl River Night Cruise
When it comes to the best way to go sightseeing at Guangzhou, the Pearl River night cruise always ranks top. The journey varies from 1 – 1.5 hours according to different routes. During the tour, the broadcast will introduce the historic and cultural scenic spots, so you will have a deep understanding of the local customs and traditions. Different piers offer different routes and experiences. If you hope to see all the core landmarks of Guangzhou at one go, choose the Canton Tower Line that set outs at Dashatou Pier or Tianzi Pier. For tourists interested in culture, go to Tianzi Pier or Xidi Pier and select the routes covering the western section (Shameen Island). If you are on a tight schedule, departing from Haixinsha Pier or Canton Tower Pier is better.
Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King
This museum is a large museum that is built on the archaeological remains of Nanyue Kingdom. It is composed of two exhibition areas: the mausoleum and the palace. In the mausoleum area, you can delve into the tomb chamber and experience this largest and best-preserved Han Dynasty painted stone chamber tomb in the Lingnan region. In the palace area, you can first visit the underground original site and then watch the simulated and restored landscapes on the top floor. From the exhibitions and cultural relics inside the museum, the long history of Guangzhou being the center of the Lingnan Region is displayed.
See more top recommended attractions in GuangzhouĀ to enrich your travel experience.
How Many Days for a Guangzhou Tour – itinerary
Usually, 1 day is suitable for tourists with tight schedules to cover the essence inside the city. And 2 – 3 days is the most common choice for a Guangzhou tourĀ to enjoy a classic and complete tour. >> See more detailed tips on How to Plan Guangzhou Tours for First Timers
Guangzhou day tour
For tourists only having one day, how to plan a day trip from Guangzhou? It is recommended to focus on the modern urban landscapes and night scenery, such as the Canton Tower, Shameen Island and night cruise. Of course, the morning tea culture should also be included. The detailed itinerary is as follows:
Taste the morning tea in a time-honored restaurant – Chen Clan Ancestral Hall – Yongqing Fang – enjoy lunch at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street – Shameen Island – Flower City Square – Guangdong Provincial Museum (optional) – Pearl River Night Cruise – Canton Tower.
2ā3 Days
For most tourists and families, 2 – 3 days is more recommended. Your Guangzhou itinerary can include more cultural attractions, historic sites and natural scenery to have an in-depth exploration tour, such as the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King. Below is the itinerary for the following two days.
Day 2: Yuexiu Park – Nanyue King Museum – Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall – Beijing Road, Great Buddha Temple – Sacred Heart Cathedral
Day 3: Whampoa Military Academy Memorial – Guangdong Science Center – South China Botanical Garden – Baiyun Mountain
For family visitors, you can also replace either of the days with a visit to Chimelong Safari Resort to enjoy a happy time with kids.
Recommended tour
How Many Days for a Grand Guangdong Tour including Guangzhou
After visiting Guangzhou, how about extending your trip to other cities to enjoy a complete Guangdong tour?
5ā6 Days
5 – 6 days is perfect for a trip to cover the three most famous cities in Guangdong Province: Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai. It is very suitable for first timers, family visitors and tourists prefer modern city. After a complete tour in Guangzhou, tourists can free yourself in the themed parks in Shenzhen and enjoy the romantic seaside charm in Zhuhai.
The itinerary following the 3-day Guangzhou tour is listed below:
Day 4: Spend the whole day to have fun in the large-scale themed parks in Shenzhen, such as the Window of the World and Happy Valley.
Day 5: Start the Zhuhai tour with the Couple Road, where you can have a distant view of the Statue of Zhuhai Fishing Girl and feel the magnificence of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge up close. In the afternoon, immerse in the charming sea world in the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom.
7ā10 Days
7 – 10 days leave you more time to explore the more characteristic Chaoshan District or northern Guangdong Province. Here are two itineraries for you to choose.
Itinerary A (in-depth cultural and natural tour): Tour the world cultural heritage Kaiping Diaolou and Villages to feel the integration of overseas Chinese culture and architectural art. And pay a visit to Zhaoqing, where the natural scenery of Seven Star Cave and Dinghu Mountain is beautiful. If you have 10 daysā vacation, add Chaozhou and Shantou where you can taste the most authentic beef hot pot. Besides, appreciate the handicrafts, such as woodcarving and embroidery, to feel the unique Chaoshan culture.Ā >> See how to plan a tour to Chaozhou and Shantou.
Recommended Tour: 7 Days Authentic Chaoshan Heritage Journey with Hakka Culture
Itinerary B (natural scenery extending trip): for nature lovers, choose Shaoguan to tour the Mount Danxia, a world natural heritage featured by red Danxia cliff. And head to Zhanjiang, where the Maar Lake World Geopark – Huguangyan Scenic and Historic Area, and seaside scenery are waiting for you.
Recommended tour
Where to Stay in Guangzhou
During the Guangzhou tour, the living area will also affect your travel experience. Continue reading to find out which areas and hotels to stay in Guangzhou. When choosing the hotel, it is recommended to live near the metro station or attractions.
Tianhe District
Tianhe District is the CBD of Guangzhou. The dazzling city skyline of Zhujiang New Town stands here. With metro line 1, 3 and 5, it is very convenient for tourists to reach the other places inside the city. And there are numerous high-end shopping centers around, making it a paradise for shopping and high-end dining.
- Best for: Business travelers, shopping enthusiasts
- Main attractions/business circle: Zhujiang New Town, Canton Tower, Flower City Square, Taikoo Li
- Recommended hotels:
1. Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou
Location: No. 5, West Zhujiang Road, Zhujiang New Town
Feature: located in the top floor of the IFC main tower, it offers a view of city skyline. Besides, the rooms are spacious and equipped with top-level facilities. There are also several restaurants and spy center.
Price: about CNY 2,000
2. Park Hyatt Guangzhou
Location: No. 16, HuaxiaĀ Road, Zhujiang New Town
Feature: Its design integrates the wooden craftsmanship with elements of Lingnan region with an elegant and quiet style. It boasts the cityās highest open-air bar and landscape swimming pool.
Price: about CNY 1,600
Yuexiu District
Yuexiu District is the old city center of Guangzhou, boasting a profound history and culture. Living here, you can also taste the most authentic flavor of Cantonese cuisine, time-honored dim sum and street snacks. Covered by metro line 1, 2 and 6, it is also convenient for tourists to travel around.
- Best for: History enthusiasts, food explorers, and tourists who wish to immerse themselves in local life
- Main attractions: Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Yuexiu Park
- Recommended hotels:
1. Atour S Hotel Guangzhou Tianzi Wharf
Location: No. 233, Middle Yanjiang Road
Feature: A mid-to-high-end business hotel with standard service and modern design. In walking distance to the Beijing Road Pedestrian Street.
Price: about CNY 600
2. Special Arcade homestay in Beijing Road
Feature: These homestays are hidden in the hundred-year-old acrades. Most of them are transformed from the historic buildings, so tourists can experience the charm of Lingnan architecture. This living experience is very unique.
Price: about CNY 500
Liwan District
If you want to seek for the old city charm and experience the local life of the Lingnan region, Liwan District is the best choice. Here, the complete Xiguan charm is preserved. All the attractions represent the historical stories of the city. It is also the birthplace of the local traditional snacks, so tourists can easily find the most authentic time-honored brands.
- Best for: Cultural experiencers, photographers
- Main attractions: Yongqing Fang, Shameen Island, Shangxiajiu, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
- Recommended hotels:
1. White Swan Hotel
Location: No. 1, South Shamian Street, Shamian Island
Feature: It is the first five-star hotel in China jointly operated by Chinese and foreign partners. The dining here is famous all over Guangzhou. Besides, it faces the Pearl River directly and boasts a profound history.
Price: about CNY 900
2. Voco Guangzhou Shifu
Location: No. 188, Shifu Road
Feature: Located in the core area of the old city center, it provides a traditional but lively atmosphere. Its design integrates the Lingnan cultural elements. In walking distance to Yongqing Fang and Shangxiajiu.
Price: about CNY 600
Guangzhou Travel Tips for First-Timers
For first-timers, the following tips will be useful for the preparation of your Guangzhou tour.
- Visa: For foreign citizens of all countries, if they stay in China for no more than 24 hours and do not leave the designated areas of the ports, they are exempt from obtaining a visa as long as they have a valid international travel document and a connecting ticket to a third country. Besides, citizens from 55 countries are applicable to 240-Hour Visa-Free PolicyĀ and do not need a visa. Otherwise, you need to apply for the visa at least one month in advance.
- Essential documents: Passport, air ticket, hotel reservation form, international driver’s license certification
- Payment options: WeChat Pay, Alipay, international credit card and cash.
FAQs about Planning a Trip to Guangzhou
What is the best way to get around Guangzhou?
Metro is the best way to travel between the scenic spots.
When to avoid Guangzhou? Should I avoid traveling during the Canton Fair or major Chinese holidays like the Spring Festival?
Summer is not recommended, because it is the typhoon season. And it is advised to avoid Canton Fair, because the hotels are more expensive and the flight and train tickets are in short supply. As for the Spring Festival, the cost is also expensive, but you can experience the authentic new year atmosphere.
Do I need a visa to visit Guangzhou?
It depends on your nationality. Tourists who are applicable to 240-Hour Visa-Free Policy do not need it, otherwise, it is needed.
Is it advisable for foreign visitors to purchase a Yang Cheng Tong transportation card?
It is strongly recommended if you plan to stay for more than 3 days. If you just stay here for 1 – 2 days, it is not a must.
Where is the best place to experience authentic Cantonese food and Dim Sum?
The time-honored brands are Guangzhou Restaurant, Dim Dou Duk, Tao Tao Ju, etc. The recommended food streets are Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Baohua Road, Xihua Road, etc.
What are the best shopping districts?
Tianhe Road Business Circle is a high-end modern business circle, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street Integrates tradition with fashion and Yongqingfang and Dongshankou focus on cultural and creative products and niche designs.
Are there any recommended day trips from Guangzhou?
Yes, you can plan a day tour to Foshan, Zhuhai or Shenzhen by high-speed train.
Plan Your Guangzhou Tour with China Xian Tour with Confidence
Guangzhou is a city full of both modern vitality and ancient charm. To immerse in the city charm, China Xian TourĀ can tailor a perfect trip to include the major attractions according to your interests and book the hotels and tickets for you. Of course, we will assign a local guide to make detailed explanations and escort you during the tour. All your other needs will also be met to ensure you have a satisfying Guangzhou tour. So do not hesitate to contact us.
