Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, is a vibrant metropolis blending modern skyscrapers with ancient temples, colonial history, and some of the best Cantonese cuisine in China.
Here are the top 15 must-visit attractions in Guangzhou.
- Canton Tower
- Shamian Island
- Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
- Yuexiu Park & Five Rams Statue
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
- Baiyun Mountain
- Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
- Haizhu Wetland Park
- Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
- Guangzhou Opera House
- Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Guangdong Museum
- Pearl River Night Cruise
- Lianhua Mountain
- Baomo Garden
- Tourist tips for visiting Guangzhou
Canton Tower
Canton Tower is the most iconic landmark of Guangzhou, offering stunning 360° views of the city.
What to Do? Take the bubble tram at the top, experience the skywalk, or enjoy fine dining.
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Location: Haizhu District
Chinese name: 广州塔
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Entry Fee: 150 CNY+ for observation decks
Shamian Island
A peaceful island with European-style colonial architecture, gardens, and cafés.
What to Do? Walk along tree-lined streets, take photos of historic buildings, and relax at a riverside café.
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Location: Liwan District
Chinese name: 沙面岛
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
A beautifully preserved Cantonese temple and museum showcasing wood carvings, paintings, and ceramics.
What to Do? Admire the intricate roof carvings, explore the folk art museum, and learn about Guangzhou’s history.
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Location: Liwan District
Chinese name: 陈家祠
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ¥10
Yuexiu Park & Five Rams Statue
The largest park in Guangzhou, home to the Five Rams Statue, a city symbol.
What to Do? Hike up to Zhenhai Tower, explore Guangzhou Museum, and enjoy the lakes and gardens.
Read more: Yuexiu Park and Five Rams statue in Guangzhou
Location: Yuexiu District
Name in Chinese: 越秀公园 & 五羊石像
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
A grand architectural tribute to Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China.
What to Do? Visit the main hall, explore exhibitions, and take photos of the impressive blue-tiled roof.
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Location: Yuexiu District
Name in Chinese: 中山纪念堂
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ¥10
Baiyun Mountain
The best hiking and nature escape in Guangzhou with stunning views.
What to Do? Take the cable car or hike to Moxing Ridge, visit Yuntai Garden, and enjoy fresh air.
Read more: Baiyun Mountain – the nature escape from the city
Location: Baiyun District
Name in Chinese: 白云山
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: 5 CNY (cable car extra)
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
The best place for shopping, street food, and nightlife in Guangzhou.
What to Do? Shop for clothes, try local street snacks, and see the ancient road ruins beneath glass panels.
Read more: Beijing Road – the heart of Guangzhou
Location: Yuexiu District
Chinese name: 北京路步行街
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Haizhu Wetland Park
A modern and peaceful eco-park with lakes, bridges, and wildlife, perfect for a relaxing break.
What to Do? Walk along scenic trails, go cycling, and enjoy nature photography.
Read more: Haizhu Wetland Park – wildlife in Guangzhou city
Location: Haizhu District
Chinese name: 海珠湿地公园
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
A famous Buddhist temple with the stunning Flower Pagoda.
What to Do? Explore the temple halls, admire ancient relics, and experience a peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
Read more: The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees in Guangzhou
Location: Yuexiu District
Chinese name: 六榕寺
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ¥5
Guangzhou Opera House
A modern architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid.
What to Do? See a live opera, ballet, or concert, or just admire the futuristic design.
Location: Tianhe District
Chinese name: 广州大剧院
Opening Hours: Varies by event
Entry Fee: Ticket prices vary
Sacred Heart Cathedral
A magnificent Gothic-style cathedral, one of the largest in China. It is located near Haizhu Square and Yidelu, famous historical area in Guangzhou.
What to Do? Admire the French-built stained glass windows and attend Sunday mass.
Read more: The Gothic masterpiece in China – Sacred Heart Cathedral in Guangzhou
Location: Yuexiu District
Chinese name: 石室圣心大教堂
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Guangdong Museum
A must-visit for history lovers, showcasing Cantonese culture, ancient artifacts, and dinosaur fossils.
What to Do? See jade carvings, ceramics, and learn about Guangzhou’s maritime history.
Read more: How to visit Guangdong Museum
Location: Tianhe District
Chinese name: 广东省博物馆
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Entry Fee: Free (but requires advance booking)
More travel ideas:
Pearl River Night Cruise
The best way to see Guangzhou’s skyline lit up at night and enjoy the most popular locations in the city from the river. This cruise also available at the daytime, but it is highly recommended to take it after 7 PM when the city lights up.
What to Do? Take a cruise and see landmarks like Canton Tower, Haixinsha Island, and Liede Bridge.
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Location: Boarding from Tianzi Wharf
Chinese name: 珠江夜游
Opening Hours: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: ¥80+
Lianhua Mountain
It is famous for its ancient quarry ruins, a massive golden Buddha statue, lotus flowers, and beautiful views of the Pearl River.
What to Do? Visit beautiful Buddhist temple with a peaceful atmosphere, take pictures of 40-meter-high golden statue of Guanyin (Bodhisattva of Mercy) stands on the mountain.
Location: Panyu District
Chinese name: 莲花山
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 50 CNY.
Baomo Garden
A classical Lingnan-style garden with lakes, pavilions, and stone bridges.
What to Do? Walk through elegant gardens, feed koi fish, and enjoy a peaceful retreat.
Read more: Lingnan architecture in Guangzhou – Baomo Graden
Location: Panyu District
Chinese name: 宝墨园
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ¥50
Tourist tips for visiting Guangzhou
Best time to visit: October to April (cool & dry). Summer is too hot and humid, especially during rainy season (July and August). Also try to avoid Canton fair period (October 15 – November 5, April 15 – May 5) if you are not interested in business. This time Guangzhou became very crowded and hotel prices rising up.
Transport: Use Guangzhou Metro – fast and cheap.
Food to try: Dim sum, roast goose, wonton noodles.
