Guangzhou Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Guangzhou

Guangzhou blends a modern skyline with centuries of history, and its excellent metro makes the main sights easy to reach.

• Canton Tower — The city's landmark tower on the south bank of the Pearl River, with observation decks and colourful lights after dark.
• Pearl River — Take an evening cruise past the illuminated skyline and bridges, or stroll along the riverside promenades.
• Shamian Island — A peaceful, tree-lined island of European-style buildings from the colonial era, ideal for a slow walk.
• Chen Clan Ancestral Hall — A beautifully decorated late Qing dynasty complex, famed for its wood, stone and brick carvings.
• Yuexiu Park — A large green park in the city centre, home to the Five Rams Statue, a symbol of Guangzhou.
• Baiyun Mountain — Wooded hills north of the centre, with walking trails and views across the city.
• Cantonese food — Join locals for morning tea and dim sum, and explore food streets and markets in the old districts of Liwan and Yuexiu.

Best time to visit Guangzhou

Guangzhou has a humid subtropical climate. Autumn, from October to December, is usually the most pleasant time to visit, with drier air, sunny skies and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.

Spring is mild but often damp and misty. Summer, from around May to September, is hot, humid and rainy, and typhoons can occasionally affect the region. Winters are short and mild. The Canton Fair, held in spring and autumn, makes the city especially busy.

Getting from the airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) lies north of the city centre. Metro Line 3 connects the airport terminals with the city, including the Tianhe district, and airport express buses serve various parts of Guangzhou. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available at official ranks and pick-up points outside arrivals.

Where to stay

Guangzhou is large, so staying close to a metro station makes getting around much easier.

• Tianhe — The modern business district, including Zhujiang New Town, with shopping, dining and good metro links.
• Yuexiu — The historic heart of the city, close to Yuexiu Park and the Beijing Road pedestrian street.
• Liwan — Traditional old Guangzhou, near Shamian Island, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and busy markets.
• Haizhu — South of the river, home to the Canton Tower and convenient for the Canton Fair complex at Pazhou.

Travel tips

• Money — Mobile payments are used almost everywhere; set up a mobile payment option before you travel if you can, and carry some cash as a back-up.
• Getting around — The metro is fast, affordable and signposted in English as well as Chinese.
• Language — English is less widely spoken than in some other large cities, so keep your hotel's address written in Chinese and use a translation app.
• Staying connected — Some international websites and apps may not be accessible, so plan your connectivity before you arrive.
• What to pack — Light, breathable clothing and an umbrella for sudden showers, especially in summer.
• Before you go — Check current entry requirements for China before you travel.