The Best Things to Do in Guangzhou
Guangzhou (also known as Canton) is a city in southern China. It is an industrial hub and a leader in manufacturing and exports. Let’s look at the best things to do in Guangzhou for everyone.
Asian scope, natural beauty, historical monuments, and museums with magnificent collections – all this can be seen in the capital of the southern Chinese province of Guangzhou. The ancient sights of Guangzhou alternate with fantastic modern buildings, and billions of colorful lights are reflected in the waters of the Pearl River.
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangzhou Province and a major economic center of southern China. The total area of the city is more than 8000 km2, and the population is more than 14 million people (it is the third-largest city in China). Guangzhou is located in the southern part of the republic, north of the Zhujiang River. Other rivers flow through the city: Dongjiang, Xijiang, and Beijiang.
Learn the best things to do in Guangzhou for everyone and how to stay in touch with the world using the best eSIM for Guangzhou during your Chinese trip.
The Best Things to Do in Guangzhou: Top 20 Places for Everyone
If traveling to Guangzhou is in your travel plan, then here are the top 20 things to do in Guangzhou for all tourists. Save this top and use it during the trip.
1. Lotus Mountains
The Lotus Mountains at the mouth of the Pearl River in ancient times were a place where stone was mined. Over the centuries, the shape of the rocks began to resemble hewn pillars with wooded tops. The area around the Lotus Mountains has been turned into a well-maintained multi-level park, where the main attractions are located — a 40-meter Buddha statue covered with nine kilograms of pure gold, the remains of a 17th-century Lotus City, an ancient Lotus pagoda and a Lotus Temple.
2. Baiyun Mountain
The Baiyun Mountains are a ridge that stretches within the boundaries of a huge city. On the green slopes, there is a national reserve, several parks, an observation deck, and interesting sights that are recommended to visit. A cable car stretches from the foot to the top, and you can switch to electric cars on the territory. In the west, the Yuksi Ecopark stretches with rare trees, fountains, small ponds, and beautiful alleys.
3. Orchid Garden
The Orchid Garden is one of the parks in the capital of Guangzhou Province. More than a hundred species of exotic flowers have been collected in an area of 8 hectares. In the warmer months, sun orchids grow in the open air, and in winter they are moved to greenhouses. Garden paths wind between flowerbeds, each of which is unique and represents a real work of art. Waterfalls murmur everywhere, creating high humidity in the atmosphere, which is necessary for the growth and flowering of orchids.
4. Guangzhou Science Center
The new Guangzhou Science Center, which includes the Science Museum, opened in 2008 on the university campus on Xiao Guwei Island, in a huge futuristic building of 450,000 sq.m. There are exhibition halls, an educational center, and four cinemas in 4D, and IMAX 3D formats. The museum’s expositions are devoted to the scientific and technical development of China and are divided into thematic sections. Interactive exhibitions present achievements in the fields of hours transport, ecology, IT technologies, and medicine.
5. Yuexiu Park
Yuexiu Park’s rich flora is represented by plants from Southern China. Thousands of birds live in the crowns of trees and in reservoirs. There are paths through the forest that will lead you to cozy resting places with benches. Plants bloom luxuriantly in greenhouses at any time of the year. In the tea houses, you will be offered a cup of fragrant drink, you can refresh yourself during a walk in local cafés and restaurants. This is one of the best things to do in Guangzhou.
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6. Guangzhou Circle
Guangzhou Circle is a coin-operated high-rise building built in 2013. The circular building, resembling a donut, is lined with glass panels and a steel frame in the form of an ornament. The height of the building is 138 m, and the diameter of the inner ring is 48 m. Most of the area is occupied by the offices of two large corporations. In the central part of the “donut house”, as Guangzhou residents call it, there is a shopping center on the lower floors, and a seven-star hotel is open on the upper floors.
7. Shamian Island
Shamian Island is a legacy of China’s colonial past. Once it was part of the land — a sandy embankment that was used as a river port. At the end of the XVII century, factories and transshipment warehouses belonging to Europeans and Americans settled on the shore. In the middle of the XIX century, the territory was divided by the French and the British, and most of it went to Britain. At the same time, a channel was dug that separated Shamian from the shore and turned it into an island.
Nowadays, Shamian has become one big attraction. The island is a pedestrian zone where the movement of any transport, including bicycle rickshaws, is prohibited.
8. Baomo Scenery
Baomo Scenery is located in the suburbs of Guangzhou and is a palace and park ensemble built in 1911 at the very end of the Qing Dynasty. During the Cultural Revolution, it was destroyed and began to be restored only in the second half of the last century. The architects returned the original appearance of the classic Chinese garden to the park — they restored a network of reservoirs, and populated them with decorative fish and lotuses. Bridges have reappeared over ponds and streams. Exhibition galleries were opened in the restored palace pavilions, and the alleys were decorated with gazebos and sculptures.
9. Pearl River
Pearl River Cruise in Guangzhou is a fortification and a popular holiday destination for citizens and tourists. In the south of China, it splits into many branches, forming a delta. 70 km from Guangzhou, the Zhujiang flows into the South China Sea. There are 10 bridges across the Pearl River in the city. In the evenings and nights, they turn into truant connoisseurs with beautiful lighting. Tourist boats cruise along the river, shining with bright illuminations in the evenings. From the front sections of the 23-kilometer embankment, the skyscrapers of the business center, the TV tower, and modern residential quarters are clearly visible. There is a 3618 m long suspension memorial bridge across the Pearl River arm connecting Guangzhou and the city of Humen. This is one of the best things to do in Guangzhou.
10. Chen Clan Academy
The construction of the huge complex, which was called the Chen Clan Academy, was completed in 1894. It was originally intended to educate and prepare clan members for public service.
The Academy consists of 19 buildings, 9 halls, and 6 courtyards, which are connected by corridors and passages. The architectural ensemble is designed in the Lingnan style with an abundance of stone and wood carvings, reliefs, and clay sculptures. Meetings of representatives of clan families are held in the assembly hall. The Black Hall is the place where the cult of ancestors goes.
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11. Shunfengshan Park
In the city of Foshan, 17 km from Guangzhou, at the foot of Taiping Mountain, there is a spacious Shunfengshan Park. It begins with a majestic 88-meter white gate with three arches, through which five arched Gogebashi bridges lead across the canal. The well-maintained territory has everything for relaxing and active recreation-alleys, temples, gazebos, lush greenery, a large man-made lake, picnic areas, and bicycle and jogging paths with a special coating. There is a golf club in the park, and a light show is held in the evenings.
12. Chimelong Safari Park
Chimelong Safari Park is not at all like a classic zoo. There are 300 species of animals living on 130 hectares. They don’t know cages, their enclosures are so big that they feel completely free. The park is divided into two parts. In the safari area, visitors move only in special trailers or in cars, it is forbidden to get out of transport. Giraffes, zebras, camels, and other ungulates live in free-range, and large predators live in an area securely fenced off from visitors and other animals.
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13. Party Pier
Party Pier, located on the Pearl River Embankment, is the noisiest night spot in Guangzhou. It is not called the streets of bars, there are nightclubs, pubs, bars, cafés, restaurants, and other entertainment venues where the music does not subside even at night. Most people crowd the Party Piter on the weekend. The Mexican restaurant Zapataz is especially popular with tourists, where on Fridays and Saturdays they hold incendiary “cactus evenings” with Mexican music, dancing until morning, and a huge mug of tequila. They offer a panorama of the river, a view of the famous Liede Bridge, and the Canton Tower. This is one of the best things to do in Guangzhou.
14. Ersha Island
Ersha Island on the Pearl River in Yuexiu District is one of the centers of cultural, business, and political life in Guangzhou. It houses several residential complexes, three international schools, consulates of foreign countries, the Art Museum of Guangdong Province, and the famous Xinghai Concert Hall. The island is famous for its beautiful parks and gardens. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a pier with catamarans, kayaks and pleasure boats, bicycle rental, mini golf courses, and bowling.
15. Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is one of the main shrines of Guangzhou. It was sent in 537 to store Buddhist relics brought to China from India. At that time, the courtyard was sheltered by the crowns of six banyan trees. The name of the temple was given in 1099 by the Chinese poet Su Dongpo, who often composed poetry while sitting under their shade. He also started a hieroglyph on the gate, meaning “six trees”. The German building was preserved from the ancient one, the temple was often rebuilt. The buildings are designed in a traditional Cantonese style. The interior and shells of the pavilion are lavishly decorated with wooden carvings. An 8-tiered Flower Pagoda returns above the temple.
16. Sacred Heart Cathedral
A stone brought from the Holy Land was laid at the base of the cathedral. The building in the Neo-Gothic style almost exactly repeats the appearance of the Parisian church of St. Clotilde. On the sides of the central portal, two pointed towers with a height of 60 m rise to the sky. One of them has antique bells made in France. The facade is decorated with a classic rose window and decorative details inherent in medieval Gothic. Inside, there are 14 chapels on both sides of the central nave.
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17. Shangxiajiu Street
Shangxiajiu is a 1.2 km long promenade, which is considered one of the best shopping streets in Guangzhou. The architectural mix of the early 20th century from European and Cantonese traditions, and magnificent genre sculptures give Shangxiajiu pedestrian Street a special flavor. Large and small shops, restaurants, and coffee shops line the sidewalks, and street food is sold everywhere. Here you can buy clothes, shoes, electronics, jewelry, cosmetics, and accessories.
18. Canton Tower
The 600-meter-high Guangzhou Television Tower (Canton Tower) is a mesh hyperboloid structure with a central core. When the evening illumination turns on, it seems that the tower is braided with thousands of thin luminous threads.
At an altitude of 488 m, there is a circular open balcony. At the very top of the mesh frame, 16 closed observation gondolas move along the monorail. Another attraction for the strong in spirit is a spiral staircase with transparent steps running from 33 to 64 floors. There are two revolving restaurants and a VIP café in the tower. Festivals, grand openings of cultural events, and symphonic concerts are held in the halls.
19. Guangzhou Art Museums
The Guangzhou Art Museums was opened in 2000. It occupies a purpose-built building, which can also be considered a work of art. Its architecture in the spirit of modernized classicism fits perfectly into the overall futuristic style of the city. The museum’s collections number 10,000 exhibits, half of which are in permanent exhibitions. They are based on works of art by Chinese artists from different eras. Paintings, religious sculptures, calligraphy samples of various styles, manuscripts of ancient Buddhist texts, Tibetan carpets, and wood carvings are on display in 12 halls.
20. Guangzhou Library
The Guangzhou Library is a modern architectural masterpiece, an example of urban style, the shape of which resembles a Chinese character. The building has an area of 100,000 sq. m. It contains a rich collection of books — 8.5 million printed publications, manuscripts, documents, and periodicals. Inside, themed book and reading rooms are located around the 9-storey atrium. Elevators and escalators go up to them. An exhibition hall and a restaurant are located in the basement. The library has the status of a public library, and the entrance to it is open to everyone.
Why is it worth visiting Guangzhou?
Guangzhou is worth a visit because of its cultural diversity, rich gastronomy, and unique combination of traditional and modern architecture. The city offers many historical attractions, excellent shopping opportunities, and a rich cultural life, which makes it attractive to tourists.
How do the locals treat tourists in Guangzhou?
The locals of Guangzhou, as a rule, treat tourists with friendliness and interest. Many are ready to help and answer questions, especially in tourist areas. Although English may not be widely spoken, using gestures and translation apps it is easy to establish contact. In general, Guangzhou is a city open to communication and cultural exchange.
How to Stay Connected During Your Guangzhou Trip?
There are several working ways to stay connected while traveling: roaming, local SIM card, and eSIM. The first two methods are practically not used anymore, as they are expensive and time-consuming methods. eSIM is the leader in usage among tourists around the world, as it offers high-speed and high-quality communication anywhere in the world while traveling.
eSIM is a built-in SIM card that only needs to be activated using an eSIM provider. The whole process takes only a few minutes and takes place online, without the need to go to a mobile office.
However, it is important to choose a trusted eSIM provider that will ensure uninterrupted communication for an adequate amount. For example, eSIM Plus is a top service providing eSIM worldwide. There are many tariff plans in the service database that will suit everyone.
Choose the best eSIM Plus and travel around Guangzhou without any problems!
