Things to do & places to visit in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

China’s third-largest city is the capital of Guangdong Province and a thriving commercial center. Its location on the Pearl River and proximity to Hong Kong has made Guangzhou a strategic port for centuries. Glimpse old temples and gleaming steel towers on an architectural tour. Visit one of four Chimelong theme parks for thrills and chills. Once called Canton, Guangzhou is considered the home of traditional (read Cantonese) “Chinese food.” Foodies will find more restaurants per capita here than anywhere else in China.

Guangzhou city in Guangdong, China. Timezone: Asia/Shanghai, current date and time: Thursday, May 16, 2024, 0:29.

Guangzhou Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

87°F - 74°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

63%

Chance of rain

357.0 millimeters

Amount

11.2 mph

Wind speed

82%

Humidity

13.2

Daylight length

5:46 AM

Sunrise

7:00 PM

Sunset

30%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Canton Tower (3.488 reviews)
- My place
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Canton Tower stands at the intersection of Guangzhou’s new urban central and the Pearl River scenery zone. Right across the river, is the Asian Games Park and Zhu Jiang New Town, together with the Guangzhou Opera House, Library, No.2 Children’s Palace and Guangdong Provincial Museum it forms the new metropolitan sky line. The Canton Tower is the tallest TV tower in the world with a total height of 600m. The Tower was built using the latest engineering technologies, but inherits 2000 years of Canton Culture. It displays Guangzhou’s vision and determination to the world. The Tower offers an observation deck with a spectacular view, several top-notch restaurants and catering services, 5-star exhibition, convention and entertainment facilities. All these enable you not just to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Guangzhou, but also to experience the excitement of adventure at great heights. See more..
4.5 Shamian Island (1.948 reviews)
- Buildings from the concession period
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Neighborhoods • Islands

This lovely, tree-lined neighborhood bordering the Pearl River was once home to foreign merchants, and today is a laid-back area ideal for strolling or stopping for a meal or cup of tea. See more..
4.5 Chimelong Safari Park (1.387 reviews)
- Very impressed definitely one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park wild animal world belongs to the first batch of the national, Guangzhou's only national 5A scenic spot tourism resort, located in Panyu, Guangzhou. The park with large populations of wild animal breeding and self driving ornamental features, known as the most China international standard of national wild animal zoo, is the world's population, up to the wild animal theme park. 6 highlights waiting for you to explore: long long wild animal world 4 highlights, the paradise of rare animals, self driving tours of animals, animals, animals to grab the eye, animal science base, leading the industry trend. See more..
4.5 Chen Clan Ancestral Hall-Folk Craft Museum (1.096 reviews)
- Fantastic place to learn about Chinese folk art.
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

A must-see attraction, with a history of more than 100 years and still in its original shape. The buildings are famous for their exquisite and mythical decorations, such as the brick carvings of historic figures. The temple also functions as a museum under the auspices of Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, exhibiting a variety of folk arts and crafts. See more..
4.5 Chimelong Paradise (733 reviews)
- Wonderful Theme park
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

From 2006 opening date, Chimelong Paradise joy to the world to complete a great change - from the 1 era of hardware to the theme of the times to meet the theme of experience as the center of the 3 era. From the 2012 opening of the New Asia indoor scene exploration project "Forest Temple" to the world's top the world's first "Star battle", the long long joy in the world to produce a satisfactory answer to the world theme amusement market. See more..
4.5 Chimelong International Circus (665 reviews)
- A must
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

This 90-minute show is a mixture of The House of Dancing Water and the typical animal circus. The acts take place on and off stage and over the audience. See more..
4.5 Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King (435 reviews)
- One of the key historical landmarks in the area
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM Speciality Museums

A historical emperor tomb dating back more than 2000 years that was found by chance in the 80s. Well preserved tomb and a nice museum contains all the artifacts found. Very much worth a visit for anyone interested in history. See more..
4.5 Chimelong Water Park (403 reviews)
- can't wait to repeat that again
Water Parks

From 2006 opening date, Chimelong Water Park joy to the world to complete a great change - from the 1 era of hardware to the theme of the times to meet the theme of experience as the center of the 3 era. From the 2012 opening of the New Asia indoor scene exploration project "Forest Temple" to the world's top the world's first "Star battle", the long long joy in the world to produce a satisfactory answer to the world theme amusement market. See more..
4.5 Zhujiang New Town (387 reviews)
- Modern Area with All the Sights
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Architectural Buildings

Zhujiang New Town is central to most of the major sights in Guangzhou like the Canton Tower, Guangzhou Opera House, Guangdong Museum, IFC building and the East Tower. There are many restaurants nearby which will offer fantastic views of the area. The area is also very well served by the metro and shopping malls. A visit to Guangzhou would be incomplete if you missed this area. The area plays host to many festivals and celebrations like the GZ International Light Festival, Chinese National Week and Chinese New Year. The area is ever changing. We find ourselves here at least once a month for dinner with friends or a weekend trip into the city. See more..
4.5 Guangzhou Metro (355 reviews)
- Fastest, nice, & efficient
Spent < 1 hour Public Transportation Systems

I travel from the airport to the city and then multiple times within the city. It is a super inexpensive and fast way to travel. Made easier with the free MetroMan app to give you alternate routes, times and fees, and a Metro card to save time. See more..
4.5 Guangzhou Library (341 reviews)
- Teaching the next generation
Libraries

Not only is this artsy building architecturally awesome, it is also a phenomenal place of learning. The books, materials, learning and training stations, and sections are well organized. See more..
4.5 Huacheng Square (333 reviews)
- Huacheng Square
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

This beautiful square is also called the city of flowers. This is a green alley more than one and a half kilometers long, located between dozens of skyscrapers in the very center of the city. There are many skyscrapers and a shopping mall. See more..
4.5 Guangzhou Opera House (287 reviews)
- Beautiful architecture
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 9:30 PM Architectural Buildings

It is a very beautiful opera house, both inside and out. But when will they have Beijing opera and Sichuan/Chengdu quick mask changing performances? Guangzhou has the facilities, but not the shows. For a great selection of shows, Beijing is by far the leader. Come on Guangzhou, let’s gets more Chinese content. See more..
4.5 Taikoo Hui (256 reviews)
- A woman’s luxury shopping paradise
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters • Shopping Malls

With a total floor area of approximate 138,000 sqm meters, the mall at Taikoo Hui Guangzhou is home to over 180 brands, including internationally acclaimed brands, sophisticated lifestyle boutiques and exquisite cuisines and restaurants, more than 70 of which are making their debut in Guangzhou. Several acclaimed brands set up their flagship stores at Taikoo Hui Guangzhou. On the lifestyle front Ole', a high-end supermarket, is making its first appearance in Guangzhou as the city's premium outlet for all culinary and lifestyle needs. Taikoo Hui Guangzhou is dedicated to present differentiated shopping experience to its customers. See more..
4.5 Sun Yat-sen University (203 reviews)
- Lovely, classy campus
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a very beautiful campus, with many stately buildings. Students are very polite, friendly, and hungry for knowledge. See more..
4.5 Southern China Botanical Garden (191 reviews)
- Good Garden Visit
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Parks

The gardens had a great variety of plants and there were many different areas. The gate is closest to the Botanical Garden station (not changban) and it is quite crowded near the gate area. The further you go in the less people there are. We enjoyed the quietness of the bamboo area. The ticket cost is 20 RMB for just the gardens and 50 for gardens + greenhouse area. The extra cost for the greenhouses are easily justified. Expect to spend 2 hours walking through all the garden areas and about an hour in the greenhouse. We would recommend bringing a bottle of water and a light snack as the only options we saw were due to a CNY festival. Many signs are in English and well translated. Very clear path markers on the main paths and the gardens are very easy to navigate. See more..
4.5 Baomo Scenery (178 reviews)
- Beautiful Baomo, so peaceful!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas

This area has magnificent gardens and beautiful sculptures. See more..
4.5 Panyu Lotus Hill Resort (161 reviews)
- Known as lotus mountain
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Mountains

Twelve miles from Guangzhou, Linhua Mountain overlooks the Pearl River. Its unique scenery combines natural beauty with man-made sites. See more..
4.5 Tinho Town (103 reviews)
- High-end district
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Neighborhoods

The highest portion of the upscale hotels, malls, restaurants, and other commercial establishments are in this district. Especially nice to walk around in the evening when it is a little cooler. It has changed a lot since I first stayed in this district in 2006. See more..
4.5 Huaisheng Mosque (101 reviews)
- The Great Mosque of Canton
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Beautiful Chinese-architecture mosque. It is believed to be the oldest mosque site in China, dating back over 1,300 years. Nice and well-maintained buildings and gardens. Over the years, the buildings have been rebuilt, time and again. See more..
4.5 Zhujiang Park (100 reviews)
- Beautiful oasis of lush-greenery
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 9:30 PM Parks

This 22-hectare park is great place to temporarily get away from big city life. It is a very well-maintained garden-park. There are many gardeners busy working throughout the park. In the Ornamental Forest Zone, there is a nice flowing waterfalls, and about 200 metres away, an odd shaped lake. There are many benches scattered throughout the park. Sit and enjoy the oxygen rich fresh air, the sounds of the forest, and relax amid the lush greenery. This multi-section park has at least three sets of very clean, large washrooms. See more..
4.0 Baiyun Mountain (958 reviews)
- Nature surrounding amidst concrete jungle
Mountains • Parks

It is a really nice place to visit withing the city. Well connected by public transport and taxi services. you can experience the rope-way from the city to mountain top and the panoramic view of Guangzhou city. Yuntai Garden is a pleasant view. See more..
4.0 Pearl River (Zhujiang) (693 reviews)
- Magnificent night views
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

Also known as the Guangdong and Canton river, the Pearl River is the third largest river in China. It is called Pearl River, because it has a stone island resembling a huge pearl. A cruise along the Pearl River in Guangzhou City has become a must for tourists. See more..
4.0 Yuexiu Mountain (680 reviews)
- Iconic & legendary symbol of Guangzhou
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Mountains • Parks

The park is big and beautiful with a play area for kids. See more..
4.0 Sacred Heart Cathedral (592 reviews)
- Sacred Heart Cathedral
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Get away from all the noise in Guangzhou and experience the calm atmosphere exuded by this impressive twin-spired Roman Catholic cathedral. See more..
4.0 Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda (Liurong Temple) (375 reviews)
- Peaceful place of worship
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

One of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou, located on the Liurong Road. See more..
4.0 Guangdong Museum (328 reviews)
- I live in Guangzhou for several years, and have been to the Museum several times. A beautiful architecture from outside
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

I live in Guangzhou for several years, and have been to the Museum several times. A beautiful architecture from outside and abundant exhibitions going on inside all year round. Travelling in Guangzhou is not so difficult except for some language problems until recently the GZ government has had an interpretation hotline(+8620960169), which can provide great service for public affairs and government services. I used several times taking taxi and asking for directions, the interpreters are quite professional. See more..
4.0 Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall (296 reviews)
- Enlightening educational experience
Theaters

Built after the death of Sun Yatsen in 1925, this memorial features a grand theater and lecture hall that can seat 5,000 people. See more..
4.0 Onelink International Plaza (165 reviews)
- Wholesale Plaza
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Shopping Malls

We like Onelink as it is easy to go around. The more you buy, the cheaper the products will be. It is not advisable to just buy one because the cost is just almost similar with regular stores. If you would like to go shopping in numbers, this place is worth a visit. See more..
3.5 Guangzhou Zoo (398 reviews)
- Nicely carred for animals
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

This the largest zoo in South China with over 2,000 animals including the giant panda. See more..