Guangzhou Travel Guide (Pearl River Delta/Guangdong/South China/China/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Guangzhou
List of Places to Visit in Guangzhou
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Guangzhou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Guangzhou
Best Things to Do in Guangzhou: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Guangzhou
Food and Drink Scene of Guangzhou
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Guangzhou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Guangzhou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Guangzhou
Best Time to Visit Guangzhou
Do’s and Don’ts of Guangzhou
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Guangzhou
- Health in Guangzhou
Getting to Guangzhou: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Guangzhou
Where to Go Next from Guangzhou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Guangzhou

Located in the heart of the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong province, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Formerly known as Canton, the city is steeped in history and rich in culture, offering visitors plenty to discover and explore.

Guangzhou is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern-day trends, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to experience the best of both worlds. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s museums and historical sites, hiking in the surrounding mountains or simply indulging in local cuisine, Guangzhou has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Guangzhou

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Guangdong Museum: Showcase of Guangdong province’s historical and artistic treasures with changing exhibitions.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: A stunning complex of historic halls, picturesque courtyards and gardens showcases intricate wood, stone and brick carvings.
Shamian Island: A beautiful tree-lined street and charming colonial houses, a scenic spot to walk around.
Baiyun Mountain and Park: Spectacular mountain with a vast park that features stunning scenery, history and culture.
Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family: Built in 1894, the temple is the largest, most famous and best preserved ancient architecture existing in Guangdong area, filled with intricate wood, stone, and brick carvings.

Natural Attractions of Guangzhou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Yuexiu Park: Known as the lungs of Guangzhou, Yuexiu Park is both a natural oasis and a rich repository of culture.
South China Botanical Garden: One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, the South China Botanical Garden is also a renowned research facility for scientists studying tropical and subtropical plants.
Yuntai Garden Scenic Area: With seven themed landscapes, ranging from rock formations to bamboo groves, Yuntai Garden offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Baiyun Mountain: Surrounded by mist and clouds throughout the year, Baiyun Mountain has been listed as a World Geological Park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Guangzhou

White Cloud Mountain: A beautiful scenic spot with beautiful natural views and a challenging hike.
Baishuizhai Scenic Area: A gorgeous area with beautiful mountain stream, rock formations, and a stunning waterfall.
Nankunshan Mountain: A favorite destination among locals and tourists alike, the beautiful scenery and abundant flora and fauna of Nankunshan make it an ideal destination for those who love nature.
Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain Bike Park: A rigorous mountain biking trail featuring steps, rocks, and other obstacles.

Best Things to Do in Guangzhou: Activities and Tours

A Pearl River Night Cruise: Take a cruise on the Pearl river to see the glittering lights of the city at night.
Visit the Canton Tower: Also known as the Guangzhou TV Tower, the Canton Tower has 37 observation decks from where you can admire the stunning views of the city.
Explore Shamian Island: Tourists can enjoy food, drinks, and shopping while admiring the colonial style architecture of Shamian Island.
Visit Tianhe Shopping District: One of the most popular shopping districts in China with a variety of shops and entertainment venues.

Week-Long Itinerary for Guangzhou

Day	Activities
Day 1	Temples and Ancestral Halls: Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, and Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
Day 2	Exploring Nature: Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, South China Botanical Garden, and White Cloud Mountain Scenic Spot
Day 3	Shopping in Tianhe Shopping District and Visiting the Canton Tower
Day 4	Touring the Canton Fair Complex and the Guangdong Museum
Day 5	Relaxing at Yuexiu Park, enjoying food and drinks in Shamian Island
Day 6	Visit the Lingnan Impression Garden and exploring Nankunshan Mountain
Day 7	Strolling through the small streets of Xiguan and try some local street foods

Food and Drink Scene of Guangzhou

Must-Try Dishes

Dim Sum: Steamed buns with different fillings, Chinese sausage rolls, wontons, egg tarts and more.
Roast Goose: Roast goose is a must-try dish in Guangzhou. The meat is rich and succulent, and the skin is perfectly crispy.
Duck Feet: Braised duck feet have a strong flavor and tender meat, usually eaten with a special white vinegar dressing.
Chenpi Beef: Beef stir-fried with dried tangerine peel, marinated in rice wine and soy sauce with sugar and other seasonings. It is a popular dish in the local cuisine.

Local Beverages

Lemon Tea: A popular drink in Guangzhou that can be served hot or cold.
Shuang Pi Nai: A dessert drink made of milk and tangerine peel jelly served cold.
Pearl Milk Tea: A famous drink from Guangzhou that originated from Taiwan, with a creamy texture and a pearl tapioca at the bottom.
Yangcheng cocktail: A famous alcoholic drink made from Gunpowder tea, Chinese wine, and Coca-Cola.

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

Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou: 5-star luxury hotel located in the business district with state-of-the-art facilities.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center: Located in Baiyun City, the center is an international first-class business tourist hotel with 5-star services.
Langham Place Guangzhou: A 5-star luxury hotel located in the center of Guangzhou.
Sun Yat-Sen University Guesthouse: Located near Baiyun Mountain, the guesthouse provides a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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

Tea: Guangzhou has a long history of tea culture, and the city is famous for its green tea.
Canton Embroidery: Guangzhou is home to Canton embroidery, which involves intricate needlework done by skilled artisans.
Pottery: Guangdong province is famous for its pottery, and Guangzhou has many pottery markets and stores.
Gold Jewelry: Guangzhou’s gold jewelry is well-known for its quality and craftsmanship.

Local Culture and Customs of Guangzhou

Guangzhou’s culture is heavily influenced by Cantonese traditions, such as the language, cuisine, and traditional arts. Cantonese products such as embroidery, ceramics, and tea are highly respected in China. Local customs include drinking tea in the morning and performing Tai Chi in parks.

Best Time to Visit Guangzhou

Guangzhou’s climate is humid subtropical, with particular rainy seasons from April to June and September. But the best time to visit Guangzhou is from November to March, when the weather is cool and temperate.

Do’s and Don’ts of Guangzhou

Do:

Do try the local cuisine, visit the city’s museums, and explore its parks.
Do bring a light jacket or umbrella, especially during the rainy season.
Do respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

Don’t be loud or disrespectful in public.
Don’t try to haggle too much, as many vendors offer fair prices.

Safety and Health

Safety in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is generally a very safe city, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded streets or public transportation. It is also recommended to take precautions against traffic accidents and follow swimming rules when swimming in certain lakes or rivers.

Health in Guangzhou

Tap water in Guangzhou is not drinkable, and vaccinations are required when traveling from abroad. It is also recommended to take precautions against air pollution and water pollution.

Getting to Guangzhou: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Guangzhou

Guanzhou Baiyun International Airport is located in the north of the city and is approximately 25 kilometers from the city center. It is the third busiest airport in China with direct flights to many international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Guangzhou

The city has several bus stations that offer transport to other destinations, including major cities like Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Other Options

Shanghai to Guangzhou High-Speed Rail is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to reach Guangzhou. The train ride lasts around 8 hours, giving travelers the chance to enjoy the scenic views of China’s countryside.

How to Get Around in Guangzhou

The city has a well-developed public transportation network that includes buses, metro, and taxis. The metro system is the most recommended transportation service, with easy-to-use ticket machines and signs.

Where to Go Next from Guangzhou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Shenzhen: Also known as the “Silicon Valley” of China, Shenzhen is a modern and vibrant city that offers plenty of attractions, restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
Hong Kong: A vibrant and bustling port city just across the border, Hong Kong is renowned for its skyscrapers, vibrant nightlife, and street markets.
Zhuhai: A coastal city near Macau that boasts stunning beaches and natural wonders like the New Yuanming Palace.

Conclusion

Guangzhou is a city of great historical and cultural significance, offering visitors plenty to discover and explore. From ancient temples and museums to stunning mountains and outdoor activities, the city has something to offer all types of travelers. With a fascinating culture, a dynamic food scene, and outstanding natural beauty, Guangzhou should be on every traveler’s bucket list.