Guangdong Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Guangdong with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover fascinating cultural attractions, natural wonders, and delicious local cuisines.


Introduction to Guangdong

Guangdong is a prosperous coastal province in southern China, bordering on the South China Sea. It is the wealthiest and most populous province in China, with a rich history and a fascinating culture. Guangdong Province boasts a blend of urban and rural landscapes with many cities, ancient towns, picturesque mountains, and beaches along the coastline.

This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Guangdong and explore its attractions, from culturally significant museums to natural wonders and unique local cuisine. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to and getting around Guangdong:

List of Places to Visit in Guangdong

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Guangdong Province is a treasure trove of historical attractions, many of which date back to the days of the Silk Road. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  1. Guangdong Museum: A modern museum with a wide range of displays and exhibitions showcasing Guangdong’s history and culture.

  2. Chen Ancestral Shrine: This complex of halls and temples is a well-preserved example of traditional Lingnan architecture.

  3. Foshan Ancestral Temple: The temple is a 900-year-old monument to Chinese culture and is one of the most important temples in the Guangdong region.

Natural Attractions of Guangdong: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Natural attractions in Guangdong include mountains, beaches, and forests. Here are some of the must-visit locations:

  1. Danxiashan Geopark: The geopark is known for its red sandstone formations and picturesque beauty, attracting hikers and geology enthusiasts alike.

  2. Nanshan Mountain: Nanshan Mountain is a 500-meter peak located in Huiyang district. A perfect location for hiking and taking in the beautiful vistas of the surrounding areas.

  3. Shenzhen Bay Park: Whether you’re taking in the stunning view of Shenzhen Bay or simply enjoying the well-maintained greenery, Shenzhen Bay Park makes for a peaceful and scenic day trip destination.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Guangdong

Hiking and biking are popular activities in Guangdong, and there are many trails and routes to explore. Here are some of the best routes:

  1. Baiyun Mountain: Baiyun Mountain is known for its hiking paths and scenic vistas, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

  2. Shenzhen Bay Promenade: This scenic promenade spans 13 kilometers, offering stunning views of Shenzhen Bay and the city skyline.

  3. Huizhou West Lake: Huizhou West Lake is famous for its beautifully designed gardens and pavilions, and there are many hiking trails and paths to explore.

Best Things to Do in Guangdong: Activities and Tours

Guangdong has no shortage of things to do, with many activities and tours to choose from. Here are some of the best:

  1. Canton Tower: Cantor Tower in Guangzhou is the highest tower in Asia and offers a panoramic view of the Pearl River Delta.

  2. Chimelong Safari Park: This park is home to more than 20,000 animals, including rare and exotic species from all around the world.

  3. Lingnan Culture Park: This park celebrates the unique culture of the Lingnan people and showcases their traditional crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Guangdong

Guangdong Province is a large area, and if you want to explore everything it has to offer, a week-long itinerary is a great way to start. Here is a sample itinerary:

Day Destination Activity
1 Guangzhou Visit Shamian Island
2 Shenzhen Visit Window of the World amusement park
3 Foshan Visit the Ancestral Temple and Bruce Lee Memorial
4 Huizhou Visit West Lake and explore the Huizhou West Lake Scenic Area
5 Dongguan Visit the Humen Naval Battle Museum
6 Zhaoqing Visit Seven Stars Crags Scenic Area
7 Guangzhou Shopping and departure

Food and Drink Scene of Guangdong

Guangdong is famous for its Cantonese cuisine, a style of Chinese cuisine that originated in the province. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Dim Sum: A popular Cantonese breakfast dish consisting of bite-size portions of steamed or fried foods such as dumplings, buns, rolls, and cakes.

  2. Char Siu: A type of Cantonese barbecue pork that is marinated with honey, soy sauce, and various spices.

  3. Wonton Noodles: A Cantonese soup made with shrimp dumplings and egg noodles.

Local Beverages

  1. Chrysanthemum Tea: A popular Cantonese tea infusion made with chrysanthemum flowers.

  2. Herbal Tea: Cantonese herbal tea, known as lei cha, is made with a blend of medicinal herbs and nuts.

  3. Shuangpinai: A traditional Guangdong fermented milk.

Where to Stay in Guangdong: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Guangdong has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Guangzhou: Garden Hotel Guangzhou, Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, or Fraser Suites Guangzhou.

  2. Shenzhen: Ritz Carlton Shenzhen, Langham Place Shenzhen, or The St. Regis Shenzhen.

  3. Dongguan: Silverworld Hotels & Resorts, Grand Mercure Dongguan Humen, or Hyatt Regency Dongguan.

What to Buy in Guangdong: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Guangdong is famous for its silk products, porcelain, and handicrafts. Here are some popular souvenirs and local products:

  1. Cantonese Silk Products: Cantonese silk is famous for its glossy finish and elegant designs.

  2. Chaozhou Ceramics: These ceramics are known for their intricate designs and durability.

  3. Lingnan Handicrafts: This category consists of traditional crafts such as pottery, bamboo weaving, paper cutting, and jade carving.

Local Culture and Customs of Guangdong

As a melting pot of culture and traditions, Guangdong has some unique cultural customs that visitors may want to observe, such as:

  1. Lion Dance: A traditional form of performance art that combines martial arts and dance.

  2. Cantonese Opera: A traditional Chinese opera that is popular in Guangdong.

  3. Lingnan Embroidery: A type of embroidery that is unique to the Lingnan region and is known for its intricate designs.

Best Time to Visit Guangdong

The best time to visit Guangdong is in Spring or Autumn when the weather is mild and comfortable. Winter can be chilly and humid, while summer can be hot and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Guangdong

Do:

  1. Learn some basic Mandarin or Cantonese phrases before your visit.

  2. Try the local cuisine and experience the local customs.

  3. Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t wear revealing clothing in religious places.

  2. Don’t take photos without permission in traditional areas and in museums.

  3. Don’t talk loudly in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Guangdong

Guangdong is generally safe for travelers, but visitors should be aware of the following:

  1. Pickpockets and other petty crimes are common in crowded areas.

  2. Traffic is heavy in Guangdong, and pedestrians should use caution when crossing the road.

  3. Avoid political demonstrations, as they can be unpredictable and potentially violent.

Health in Guangdong

Travelers to Guangdong should take the usual health precautions, such as:

  1. Drinking bottled water.

  2. Washing hands frequently.

  3. Vaccinations for typhoid, yellow fever, and other diseases should be up to date.

Getting to Guangdong: Transportation Options and Logistics

Guangdong is easy to reach by air, train, or bus. Here are some options for getting to Guangdong:

Airports Near Guangdong

  1. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport: Located in Guangzhou City, Baiyun Airport is the busiest airport in Guangdong Province.

  2. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport: Located in the eastern part of Shenzhen, Bao’an Airport is the fifth busiest airport in China.

  3. Hong Kong International Airport: Located just across the border in Hong Kong, the airport is used by many international airlines.

Bus Stations Near Guangdong

  1. Guangzhou Bus Station: A large bus station located in Guangzhou City.

  2. Shenzhen Bus Terminal: A large bus station in Shenzhen.

  3. Dongguan Bus Terminal: A busy bus station in Dongguan.

Other Options

Guangdong is also well-connected by an extensive rail network. The China High-Speed Railway connects the province to other parts of the country, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

How to Get Around in Guangdong

Guangdong is a large province, and visitors have many options for getting around, including:

  1. High-Speed Train: The high-speed rail system connects major cities in Guangdong and is fast and convenient.

  2. Metro System: Cities in Guangdong have well-developed metro systems that are efficient and easy to use.

  3. Taxi/Uber: Taxis are available in all cities in Guangdong, and Uber is also an option in some areas.

Where to Go Next from Guangdong: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Guangdong is a gateway to many other interesting destinations in China, including:

  1. Hong Kong: A vibrant city with a unique cultural blend of Eastern and Western influences.

  2. Macau: A former colony of Portugal, Macau is known for its historic architecture, casinos, and fusion cuisine.

  3. Guilin: A picturesque city known for its stunning limestone karst hills and stunning landscapes.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of natural landscapes, cultural landmarks, or fine dining, Guangdong Province has something to offer every traveler. With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to plan your trip and explore everything that this fascinating Chinese province has to offer.

Danxia landscape at Danxiashan Danxia landscape at Danxiashan


    Chaoshan
    Northern Guangdong
    Pearl River Delta
    Western Guangdong