Things to do in Guangzhou

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Guangzhou featuring a city, a skyscraper and skyline

Things To Do in Guangzhou

Southern China’s greatest metropolis has been enthralling visitors for more than 2,000 years, and you won’t have trouble seeing why. The city offers the opportunity to explore landmarks that highlight traditional Chinese elegance set amid the gleaming steel structures of modernity. Guangzhou’s museums and mausoleums tell a story of kings and revolutionaries, while the tree-filled parkland and rolling hills invite you into the misty landscapes around the Pearl River. Whether you’re in the mood for sightseeing, history, or bargain-hunting, you won’t run out of things to do in Guangzhou anytime soon.

Areas & Neighborhoods

Yuexiu

Named for the hill that stands at the edge of the old walled city, Yuexiu has been a center of culture and commerce since the 2nd century BC. Alongside the monuments, the district features bustling shopping streets and lush parkland with terrific views of the city.

Tianhe

Most of Guangzhou’s modern business district sprang up in the years of hectic growth since the 1980s. With a soccer stadium, tech center, and railway station that connects to Shenzhen and Hong Kong, Tianhe showcases modern marvels and sleek urban planning, but you can still find plenty of traditional corners like Shipai Village if you’re in the mood for narrow alleys filled with lively markets.

Nansha

Despite hosting some of the world’s biggest tankers and container ships at the Port of Guangzhou, the city’s southernmost district is the place to go for open grassland, trees, and wildlife. There’s a miniature ecosystem thriving in the preserved wetlands on the banks of the Pearl River, while classical temples and carefully sculpted gardens lie amid the tree-covered hills.

What to See in Guangzhou

Even with all the skyscrapers and modern developments, there’s plenty to remind you that Guangzhou has been hosting visitors for a very long time. Get to know some of the city’s earliest rulers at the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, or visit the towering, colorful 11th-century pagoda at the Temple of the 6 Banyan Trees. The unmistakably Gothic architecture of the Sacred Heart Cathedral points to one facet of the region’s unique history with the West, and the nearby Huaisheng Mosque happens to be one of the oldest mosques in the world.

If you want to spend some time with nature, try the mist-shrouded forests of Baiyun Mountain or the miniature ecosystem of birds, lotus, and sugarcane plants in Nansha Wetland Park. The iconic statue of the Five Rams and Guangzhou’s Zhenhai Tower, new and old symbols of the city, greet you in Yuexiu Park, and the crowd of shops on Beijing Road Pedestrian Street give you a look at the city’s urban side. For some quick perspective on just how much city there is, try the open-air observation deck on top of Canton Tower and check out the view from a quarter-mile up in the air.

Things to do, Landmarks & Attractions

Guangzhou’s location at the center of the Pearl River Delta means you’re ideally positioned to go exploring. You can join a private guide for a dinner cruise that shows off some of the best sights along the river, visit the waterfalls and hot springs of Liuxihe National Forest Park, or take a trip to Kaiping for a look at the fortified watchtowers that stand over the countryside.

You can also get to know a few of the famous figures who can claim a connection to the region. A private tour to the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King lets you get an expert’s take on the ancient tomb, or you can fast-forward a couple millennia at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall to learn about the founding father of the Chinese republic. If you’ve got time to visit nearby Foshan, you can learn about the origins of Bruce Lee with a look at his ancestral home—and fire up some ceramics in a 500-year-old kiln while you’re at it. There’s a treasure trove of heritage waiting in Guangzhou pretty much wherever you go.


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What to do in Guangzhou

Free Things to Do in Guangzhou

A visit to Guangzhou need not break the bank. You can leave your wallet at home if you go to:

Museum of the Peasant Movement Institute - Stroll around and explore the intriguing exhibits and well-curated collections at this respected museum.

Dongshan Lake Park - You can't go past this place if you're looking to kick your heels up and simply have fun.

Hai Zhu Square - This landmark is an interesting backdrop for that vacation profile pic.

Guangzhou Martyrs' Memorial Garden - Take a stroll around this historic attraction and find out a couple of secrets from yesteryear.

Flower City Square - Spend some time in this bustling spot and experience life as a local resident.

Five Rams Statue - Speak to a local resident and find out why many sightseers stop to visit this place.

Liurong Temple - Gain an insight into the local beliefs at this holy sanctuary.

Yuexiu Park - If you enjoy working in your garden, this place will delight your inner green thumb.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Guangzhou? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Guangzhou on a sunny day?
What to do in Guangzhou on a rainy day?
What should I not miss in Guangzhou?
Don’t venture home without checking off the following list of sensational attractions:

  • Canton Fair Complex
  • Yuexiu Park
  • Guangdong Folk Art Museum
  • Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

Are there cheap things to do in Guangzhou?
If you’re traveling on a budget, be sure to add the following low-cost tours and activities to your agenda:


What can you do in Guangzhou for free?
You could leave your cash in the hotel safe for the day, because these fantastic attractions won’t cost you a cent:

  • Yuexiu Park
  • Huaisheng Mosque
  • Liurong Temple
  • Beijing Road Pedestrian Street


Discover the most popular places to visit in Guangzhou

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Guangzhou

Tianhe

Tianhe

4/5(153 area reviews)

Relax in vast parks, appreciate artistic innovation and admire futuristic skyscrapers in this dynamic business district of Guangzhou.

Tianhe
Yuexiu Park

Yuexiu

4/5(126 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Yuexiu. Spend some time visiting top spots like Guangdong Provincial Museum, and catch the metro at Peasant Movement Institute Station or Beijing Lu Station to see more of the area.

Yuexiu
Canton Tower showing night scenes, a high rise building and city views

Haizhu

4/5(82 area reviews)

Haizhu is a destination travelers like for its spas, and you might hop aboard the metro at Datang Station or Kecun Station to explore sights like Canton Tower.

Haizhu
Liedecun featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

Guangzhou Central Business District

Noted for its spas and coffeehouses, there's plenty to explore in Guangzhou Central Business District. Top attractions like Tianhe Stadium and Tee Mall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Tianhe Sports Center Station or Linhexi Station to see more of the city.

Guangzhou Central Business District
Guangdong Folk Art Museum showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Liwan

4/5(23 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Guangdong Folk Art Museum while getting to know Liwan, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Chen Clan Academy Station or Hualinsi Buddhist Temple Station to see more of the area.

Liwan
Chimelong Paradise showing railway items and rides

Panyu

4/5(16 area reviews)

Get to know Panyu and its many features like its mountain views and parks. You might want to explore sights like Dafu Mountain Forest Park and Chimelong Paradise, and you can jump on the metro at Panyu Square Station or Shiqiao Station to get around the city.

Panyu

Popular day trips from Guangzhou