Guangzhou (formerly Canton) is where Cantonese culture was born. This 2,200-year-old city was China's ancient gateway to the world - Marco Polo passed through, and it was the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. Today it's a megacity of 18 million famous for incredible food, the biannual Canton Fair, and a rich history most tourists overlook in favor of Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Top Attractions
Canton Tower
At 600 meters, this is China's tallest TV tower and Guangzhou's most recognizable landmark. The twisting structure features an observation deck, sky drop ride (world's highest), and bubble tram around the exterior. The tower changes colors at night in spectacular light shows.
Visitor Information
- Admission: ¥150 (basic), ¥228 (with sky drop)
- Hours: 9am-11pm daily
- Tip: Visit at night for Pearl River views
- Getting There: Canton Tower Metro Station
Shamian Island
This peaceful island preserves Guangzhou's colonial heritage with 150 European buildings from the former British and French concession. Tree-lined boulevards, wedding photo spots, and charming cafes make it perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's remarkably peaceful compared to the surrounding city chaos.
Chen Clan Academy
This stunning 19th-century temple-academy showcases the finest Cantonese decorative arts. The ceramic roof sculptures, woodcarvings, and ironwork are extraordinary. Built by the Chen clan for family members studying for imperial exams, it's now a folk art museum.
Pearl River Night Cruise
Guangzhou's skyline comes alive at night along the Pearl River. Cruises pass neon-lit bridges, the Canton Tower, and colonial Shamian Island. The one-hour cruises depart from multiple piers and offer the best way to see the city's transformation from ancient to modern.
Yuexiu Park & Five Rams Statue
The city's largest park contains the iconic Five Rams Statue - Guangzhou's symbol based on legend that five celestial rams brought rice to the starving city. The park also houses the 600-year-old Zhenhai Tower museum and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
Qingping Market
One of China's largest markets for traditional Chinese medicine and dried goods. Wander through aisles of herbs, fungi, snake wines, and ingredients you've never seen. It's toned down from its more exotic past, but still offers a fascinating window into Chinese medicinal traditions.
Guangzhou Food Guide
Chinese people say "eat in Guangzhou" (食在广州) for good reason. Cantonese cuisine is considered China's finest, and Guangzhou is its capital. The emphasis on fresh ingredients, subtle flavors, and cooking technique created dim sum, roast meats, and the dishes that represent "Chinese food" worldwide.
Must-Try Dishes
Dim Sum (Yum Cha)
The birthplace of dim sum - tea with dozens of small dishes from rolling carts. Best as breakfast/brunch. ¥50-150.
Try: Guangzhou Restaurant or Lian Xiang Lou
Roast Goose
Crispy skin and succulent meat - the Cantonese roast meat specialty. Often served with noodles or rice. ¥60-120.
Try: Bingsheng Restaurant or Yung's
Wonton Noodles
Thin egg noodles with shrimp wontons in clear broth. Deceptively simple, perfectly balanced. ¥25-40.
Try: Mak's Noodle or any local noodle shop
Rice Rolls (Cheung Fun)
Silky steamed rice noodle rolls with various fillings. Served for breakfast with sweet soy sauce. ¥15-30.
Try: Yinsha or any dim sum restaurant
Claypot Rice
Rice with Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and egg cooked in a clay pot. Crispy rice at the bottom is prized. ¥35-60.
Try: Chao Neng Ji or traditional restaurants
Double-Skin Milk
Silky steamed milk pudding - Cantonese dessert perfected in Guangzhou. Served warm or cold. ¥15-25.
Try: Nanxin or dessert shops
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Metro: Extensive network, 15+ lines. ¥2-12 per trip
- To Hong Kong: 50 minutes via high-speed rail
- Didi: Chinese ride-hailing app (Uber doesn't work)
- Payment: WeChat Pay/Alipay essential
Budget Guide (Per Day)
- Budget: ¥250-400 (hostels, local food, metro)
- Mid-range: ¥600-1,000 (3-star hotels, restaurants)
- Luxury: ¥1,500+ (5-star hotels, fine dining)
Best Time to Visit
- Oct-Dec: Best weather, comfortable and dry
- Mar-May: Spring, pleasant but increasingly humid
- Canton Fair: April & October - city extremely busy
- Jun-Sep: Hot, humid, typhoon season
Interactive Map
Explore Guangzhou's top attractions on the map. Click markers for details and directions.
Key Attractions on Map
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