Guangzhou

Travel Guide
Guangzhou featuring a city, a skyscraper and skyline
Discover modern architecture and enormous shopping centers amid old temples and beautiful parks in the ancient city of Guangzhou.

Guangzhou is an economic and commercial powerhouse, flourishing particularly in trade, finance and tourism. New skyscrapers are springing up, the streets are packed with shoppers and the good times are rolling for one of China’s largest cities.

Guangzhou is situated on the Pearl River in Southern China. From its founding during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 B.C.), the city has become an important hub for international trade. After substantial reforms in the 1970s, Guangzhou became an economic role model for the rest of the country.

One of the most visible signs of this city’s energy and modern attitude is Canton Tower. Make this colossal building one of your first stops. From its summit not only will you have an incredible bird’s-eye-view of the city, you’ll also have the opportunity to ride the world’s highest Ferris wheel in the form of the tower’s Bubble Tram.

Guangzhou may have its sights set on the future, but it has not severed its links with the past. Local heritage can be seen in the city’s temples, mosques, classical architecture, and traditional arts and crafts.

Discover more than 2,000 years of the city’s history with a visit to The Western Han Museum of the Nanyue King Mausoleum. It houses the tomb of an ancient king and many of the relics that were buried along with him. Visit the lavishly decorated Chen Family Temple, which was once an ancestral shrine but now holds a museum dedicated to the area’s long tradition in arts and crafts.

Take in some of Guangzhou’s many modern attractions. Shop for bargains on Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, and treat the family to a day out at the Chimelong Paradise theme park. For quieter moments surrounded by beauty, head for the hills, lakes and lawns of Yuexiu Park (Yuexiu Gongyuan).

Although Guangzhou still has a reputation for its air pollution, the city has done much in recent years to improve this. There are pollution controls and a vastly improved subway system. Guangzhou’s subway is actually one of the quickest and most efficient ways to get around, and it connects to most of the major attractions.

Where to stay in Guangzhou

Tianhe

Tianhe

4/5(153 area reviews)

Tianhe is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Tianhe Park and Taikoo Hui. See more of Guangzhou by jumping on the metro at Tianhe Park Station or Yuancun Station.

Tianhe
Yuexiu Park

Yuexiu

4/5(126 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Yuexiu. Spend some time visiting top spots like Guangdong Provincial Museum, and catch the metro at Peasant Movement Institute Station or Beijing Lu Station to see more of the area.

Yuexiu
Canton Tower showing night scenes, a high rise building and city views

Haizhu

4/5(82 area reviews)

Haizhu is a destination travelers like for its spas, and you might hop aboard the metro at Datang Station or Kecun Station to explore sights like Canton Tower.

Haizhu
Liedecun featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

Guangzhou Central Business District

Noted for its spas and coffeehouses, there's plenty to explore in Guangzhou Central Business District. Top attractions like Tianhe Stadium and Tee Mall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Tianhe Sports Center Station or Linhexi Station to see more of the city.

Guangzhou Central Business District
Guangdong Folk Art Museum showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Liwan

4/5(23 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Guangdong Folk Art Museum while getting to know Liwan, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Chen Clan Academy Station or Hualinsi Buddhist Temple Station to see more of the area.

Liwan
Chimelong Paradise showing railway items and rides

Panyu

4/5(16 area reviews)

Get to know Panyu and its many features like its mountain views and parks. You might want to explore sights like Dafu Mountain Forest Park and Chimelong Paradise, and you can jump on the metro at Panyu Square Station or Shiqiao Station to get around the city.

Panyu
Soluxe Hotel Guangzhou
Soluxe Hotel Guangzhou
5 out of 5
No.199 Huangpu Road Central, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong
The price is ¥12,265 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥12,265
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Guangzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (817 reviews)
"Good location. Clean. Food in western cafe has lots of variety. Very happy"

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024

Soluxe Hotel Guangzhou
The Garden Hotel Guangzhou
The Garden Hotel Guangzhou
5 out of 5
368 Huanshi Dong Lu, Guangzhou, Guangdong
The price is ¥15,915 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥15,915
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this luxury hotel in Guangzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 9 restaurants. Popular attractions Guangzhou Friendship Store and Guangzhou Martyrs' ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Siempre cómodo el hotel, pero mucha construcción alrededor."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

The Garden Hotel Guangzhou
Langham Place, Guangzhou
Langham Place, Guangzhou
5 out of 5
No.638 Xingang East Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong
The price is ¥14,658 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥14,658
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Guangzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (952 reviews)
Great hotel, walking distance to the fair grounds.
"Great hotel within a few mins walk to the fair grounds. Even though they were super busy the service was great l, especially the club lounge. I would definitely stay again and would recommend to others."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Langham Place, Guangzhou
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Guangzhou Hakka Apartment Beijing Road
Guangzhou Hakka Apartment Beijing Road
3.5 out of 5
No.238 Beijing Road, No.1407, Kam Rueng Apartment Plaza, Guangzhou
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Guangzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary ...
7.6/10 Good! (99 reviews)
"The property is on a busy district and so very convenient to get around. Bejing Road is a walkable street, I just love it. However, taking the elevators is a challenge. Long-wait is the norm. The facility in our unit is dated and needs upgrading and major improvement."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Guangzhou Hakka Apartment Beijing Road
Ascott ICC Guangzhou
Ascott ICC Guangzhou
4.5 out of 5
No. 239, Tianhebei Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Guangzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Zhongtian Shopping Mall and Waterscape ...
9/10 Wonderful! (25 reviews)
"Perfect for young families. Very clean location and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024

Ascott ICC Guangzhou
Star Residence ICC Guangzhou
Star Residence ICC Guangzhou
3.5 out of 5
No. 239, Tianhebei Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Guangzhou. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Canton Tower and Beijing ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (20 reviews)
"Very nice place to stay! Friendly staffs!"

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2024

Star Residence ICC Guangzhou
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Guangzhou

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
164
" "5 - Excellent 45.17906336088154%
4 - Good
146
" "4 - Good 40.22038567493113%
3 - Okay
43
" "3 - Okay 11.845730027548209%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1.3774104683195592%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 1.3774104683195592%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 21, 2020

Good for business

5/5 - Excellent

JC
Dec 22, 2019

A modern city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 21, 2019

I will definitely visit the hotel again whenever I'm in town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 19, 2019

Loved the area. Made friends!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 17, 2019

It’s a really nice city especially the area of the hotel but the construction made the stay kind of terrible

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 14, 2019

There are many close smaller cities around Guangzhou. If not mind to travel by public transportations, can see lot more and will enjoy.

Cities near Guangzhou