Explore Guangzhou: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More

12 Best Things to Do in Guangzhou

1. Enjoy the Cityscape from Moxing Mountain ☀️ Great Half-Day Trip

Who says a mega-city like Guangzhou doesn’t offer adventure? Just a 20-minute Didi ride from the city center, you’ll find Moxing Mountain, a 382-meter-high peak located north of Guangzhou City Center. It’s the highest point in the city, where you can spend half a day escaping the hustle and bustle while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the entire city.

Surrounding the mountain is a beautiful nature park where you can hike, jog, or simply relax amid the lush greenery towering above you. You can truly feel like you are in nature here, which is pretty impressive considering there is a city of 17 million people right next to it.

To get to the top of the mountain, you have a few options. If you want the fastest and most convenient way, you can hail a Didi to take you to Yuntai Garden, where you can catch a cable car to Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area.

From there, you can catch a shuttle bus to the top of Moxing Mountain. The cable car should cost about 25 CNY going up and 20 CNY coming down, and the shuttle bus to Moxing Mountain costs about 10 CNY per way. You can buy the ticket on site.

If you want to hike up, you can hail a Didi to Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area's Southern Gate, pay the entrance fee of 5 CNY, and then you can follow the road all the way up to the first platform. It should take about 30 minutes until you reach the first platform where you can already get a really great view of the city. Be sure to bring enough water as it can be very humid here.

From here, you can choose to continue hiking to Moxing Mountain, which will take another 1-2 hours, or you can catch the shuttle bus for 10 CNY before you arrive at the viewing platform on top of Moxing Mountain. You will have to pay another 5 CNY to enter the summit area.

While at the top of Moxing Mountain, you will get an even better view of the city as well as the rolling hills and mountains surrounding it. The views are quite different from the first platform, and I highly recommend you make time to see them both. This whole experience took me half a day, so be sure to spare enough time for it.

Moxing Mountain and Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area are open 24/7, but the cable car runs between 9 AM and 6 PM daily, while the shuttle bus runs between 7:30 AM and 10 PM daily. If you are looking to escape the bustle and hustle of Guangzhou, be sure to go and hike Moxing Mountain.

Where to Stay in Guangzhou?

Budget

Yimi Hotel (Guangzhou Ximenkou SubwayStation Stor)

$ | Double Room

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Yizhi Hotel (Guangzhou Beijing Road )

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Kempinski Residences Guangzhou

$$$ | Double Room

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2. Check Out the View of Canton Tower from Flower City Square ❤️ Must Visit

One of the most famous landmarks in Guangzhou is arguably the iconic Canton Tower, a beautiful 604-meter high tower with its unique, slender twisting design and beautiful light works that dazzle the cityscape at night, and I found that one of the best places to see it is from Flower City Square located not too far from the Canton Tower.

Flower City Square is a public park in the Zhujiang New Town area, surrounded by some of Guangzhou’s tallest skyscrapers, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House. It’s a perfect place to visit at night, when the city truly comes alive and you can appreciate how modern and forward-looking Guangzhou is, with its skyscrapers illuminated in vibrant waves of color.

The square is beautifully landscaped with flower beds, fountains, and walking paths, earning it the nickname “Flower City Square”. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax, take photos, or enjoy outdoor events that are often held there. At night, the area comes alive with vibrant LED lights that often synchronize with the light shows at the Canton Tower, which I thought were really impressive.

You can reach the square via the metro by getting off at Huacheng Avenue Metro Station, and you can make your way south to the Canton Tower. The square is massive, but with its open and spacious design, as well as all the beautiful lights reflecting from the surrounding skyscrapers, walking around is a breeze.

There is also an underground shopping mall called Mall of the World that stretches along the entire length of the square, where you can pop in and out to grab food or drinks while you explore the area.

It's one of my favorite spots to hang out at night, with the city lights glowing and locals coming out from work to enjoy a peaceful stroll or socialize with friends. If you're looking for a quintessential futuristic Guangzhou scene, this is definitely the place to experience it.

3. Admire the Beauty of Chen Clan Academy

Chen Clan Academy is one of Guangzhou’s most remarkable historical and cultural sites. Built in 1894 during the Qing Dynasty, it originally served as an academic and ancestral hall for the Chen family, providing a place for study, gatherings, and honoring ancestors. Today, it functions as the Guangzhou Folk Art Museum, showcasing traditional Cantonese craftsmanship.

The architecture of Chen Clan Academy is stunning, featuring intricate wood carvings, stone carvings, and colorful ceramic decorations. The courtyards, halls, and pavilions are adorned with motifs of flowers, birds, dragons, and mythical creatures, reflecting the artistic mastery of southern China during the late Qing era.

While here, you can explore the beautifully preserved halls, admire the delicate carvings, and even see exhibitions of traditional folk art, including embroidery, pottery, and sculpture. I really like their colorful ceramic carvings on the roof of the academy. It's quite a sight to behold.

The place is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM daily, and to enter, you will need to have WeChat activated so that you can scan the QR code at the entrance and pay for the entry ticket. There is no other way to get the ticket, so be sure you get your WeChat sorted before visiting.

It should cost around 8 CNY per person to enter, which is very affordable. If you like history and want to see some really cool architecture, be sure to drop by and check out Chen Clan Academy.

4. Hang out at Shamian Dao Island in the Evening

Another of my favorite places to hang out in the evening is Shamian Dao Island, a charming historic enclave in Guangzhou located along the Pearl River that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city without having to travel far.

This small island was once a foreign concession during the 19th and early 20th centuries, which explains its distinctive European-style architecture, tree-lined avenues, and colonial-era mansions. Walking around Shamian Dao Island, you almost forget you are in China.

I visited right after sunset, and the streets were quiet, shaded by banyan and camphor trees, with soft light from roadside cafés and lamps around small gardens illuminating the way. The walk was very peaceful, which was perfect as it was my first evening in Guangzhou, and I was getting a bit overwhelmed by the crowds.

I particularly loved the spacious square running straight through the middle of the island. The pathways are lined with colorful flower beds, and beautiful sculptures and statues dot the square, providing context and history about the people who once inhabited the island as I walked past it. It was awesome.

If you are looking for a nice and peaceful place to stroll around in the evening in Guangzhou, I highly recommend you check out Shamian Dao Island. The island is open 24/7 and entry is free.

5. Stroll Around Yongqingfang

Not too far from Shamian Dao, you will find Yongqingfang, which is a vibrant historic neighborhood in Guangzhou that perfectly blends the city’s traditional culture and history with youthful energy and modern creativity. It is a popular spot for the youth to come and hang out.

Yongqingfang was originally a residential district, and its streets are lined with well-preserved Lingnan-style architecture, featuring grey brick walls, intricate wooden carvings, and classic tiled roofs. In recent years, Yongqingfang has been revitalized as a cultural and creative hub, with boutique shops, cafés, art galleries, and craft studios housed inside the historic buildings.

It’s a lovely area to stroll through and observe the wonderful collision of old and new Cantonese culture. It’s the perfect place for those looking to explore not just the history of Guangzhou, but also the contemporary culture of its residents. The area is open 24/7, but it’s best visited in the evening when it is liveliest.

6. Try Street Food at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

While exploring this part of Guangzhou, be sure to check out Shangxiajiu, a pedestrian street over a kilometer long in the Liwan District. It’s lined with historic Lingnan-style buildings, featuring ornate facades, traditional tiled roofs, and decorative carvings, giving the area a charming old-town atmosphere.

The street is famous for its shopping, dining, and street food. You can browse through local boutiques, souvenir shops, and modern retail outlets, or indulge in authentic Cantonese snacks like dim sum, roasted meats, and traditional desserts at one of the many restaurants and street food stalls here.

Shangxiajiu is also a great place for people-watching and photography, especially in the evenings when the neon lights illuminate the street and locals and tourists alike fill the area. It’s easily accessible by metro or taxi and is best explored on foot, so if you are looking for a place to try some local street food while also being surrounded by beautiful historical buildings, be sure to come and check out Shangxiajiu.

7. Enjoy the Lively Vibe of Beijing Street 🥘 Place to Eat

Beijing Street is another of Guangzhou’s most famous shopping and cultural streets, but unlike Shangxiajiu, Beijing Road is a modern commercial hub built atop layers of history, with archaeological ruins preserved beneath glass walkways that allow you to see roads and city foundations dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties.

The street stretches for about 1.2 kilometers and is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it a popular spot for shopping, dining, and people-watching. You can find everything from high-street fashion to local specialty stores, as well as Cantonese snacks and street food along the way.

While Shangxiajiu is charming, I personally prefer Beijing Street because of its size and variety of things you can do here. Looking for street food to try? You’ll find plenty here. Want a nice café to sit and people-watch? There are plenty of options as well. And if you’re looking for souvenirs for your loved ones, you could easily spend hours shopping along this bustling street.

Make sure you come here in late evenings as this place is particularly lively in the evenings, when neon lights and crowds come together to create a chaotic and beautiful atmosphere that is unapologetically Chinese. I really enjoyed my time here and whenever I had free time in Guangzhou, I would choose to come and hang out here just so I can people watch.

The street is open 24/7, but it’s best visited around sunset when it’s at its liveliest. Be sure to look out for the glass walkway that reveals the ancient street beneath it, allowing you to get a glimpse into Guangzhou’s history. You are going to love it here, I promise!

8. Visit Dafo Temple At Night

While you are exploring Beijing Street, be sure to drop by and check out Dafo Temple, one of Guangzhou’s most significant Buddhist sites located right in the middle of the city near Beijing Street. It's famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue, which stretches over 13 meters in length.

The temple complex includes several halls, pavilions, and beautifully landscaped gardens where you can explore its main prayer hall, admire intricate Buddhist carvings, and observe the peaceful atmosphere amidst the bustle and hustle of Beijing Street outside.

I accidentally stumbled upon this temple while exploring Beijing Street. Curious, I walked in and discovered a massive, peaceful temple complex with traditional-style buildings surrounded by towering skyscrapers. The striking contrast between modernity and tradition immediately intrigued me, so I decided to spend some time there, and it was awesome!

Be sure to stay until the lights come on around 6–7 PM, which makes the temple even more photogenic. The Chinese have truly mastered the art of lighting, and it was quite a spectacle to see and definitely worth the wait! The temple is open daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and entry is free.

9. See the Ancient City Foundation of Guangzhou at Nanyue King Museum

Not too far from Beijing Street, you will also find Nanyue King Museum, one of Guangzhou’s most fascinating historical attractions that is worth a visit if you are interested in learning more about the ancient history of this city.

The museum is built around the 2,000-year-old tomb of the second Nanyue King, Zhao Mo, which offers a rare glimpse into the life, culture, and burial practices of the ancient Nanyue Kingdom (204–111 BCE). The museum houses a large collection of ancient artifacts, including jade ornaments, pottery, bronze vessels, and musical instruments.

The centerpiece is the king’s tomb itself, which has been meticulously excavated and preserved, complete with murals and burial goods that reflect the sophistication of the era. You can walk around and explore the exhibition halls, learn about the Nanyue Kingdom’s history and culture, and admire the craftsmanship of ancient artifacts.

The archaeological site is quite extensive, so expect to spend at least an hour exploring. The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, and entry is free. If you’re a history enthusiast and want to see a fascinating archaeological site in Guangzhou, there’s no better place to visit.

10. Learn the History at Guangzhou Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

For a more modern history, you might want to check out Guangzhou Museum as well, which is housed in this stunning ancient Zhenhai Tower, a 5-storey pagoda built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty, located within Yuexiu Park on top of a hill overlooking the city.

The museum offers a comprehensive look at Guangzhou’s long and rich history, from its founding as a trading port in ancient times to its role in modern China. Inside, you will find a wide range of exhibits, including ancient artifacts, traditional costumes, calligraphy, ceramics, and historical documents.

Even if you're not particularly into history, the pagoda itself is worth a visit, featuring classic Chinese architecture with sweeping eaves, decorative tiles, and intricately carved wooden beams. From the top floor, you'll also enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Yuexiu Park and the surrounding green spaces, which are worth a visit in their own right.

There is also another section of the Guangzhou Museum that is in another building located here that is also worth checking out. You can use the same ticket as the one at the 5-storey pagoda, and inside, you will find all kinds of artifacts from all over the world, showing just how globally connected Guangzhou was back in the day.

Yuexiu Park is the largest park in downtown Guangzhou, covering over 860,000 square meters. The park is filled with lush gardens, lakes, walking paths, and historic monuments, and you can spend hours hanging out in the park and enjoying some nature away from the crowds.

I had a blast exploring Yuexiu Park and its attractions, so if you want to enjoy nature without leaving downtown, be sure to check out the park along with the museum inside. The park is open 24/7 with free entry, while the museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, with an entry fee of 10 CNY per person.

11. Check Out Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall

Once you are done with Yuexiu Park, you should be able to reach Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall easily along its nature walking path that connects the 2 places together in a seamless and easy-to-navigate way without having to go through loud and noisy streets.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall is a grand tribute to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China, built in 1931, and it is considered to be an architectural masterpiece combining traditional Chinese and modern design elements, with a striking circular auditorium and sweeping rooflines.

If you have taken Didi around the city, you will definitely come across the building, as the place is massive in relation to all the other buildings around it and it is surrounded by a spacious open garden with colorful flowers all over.

The memorial hall functions as both a historical landmark and a cultural venue, hosting exhibitions, ceremonies, and events that honor Dr. Sun’s life and contributions to China’s revolution. You can explore the main hall to learn about revolutionary history, or simply admire the architectural beauty from the outside. The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with an entry fee of 10 CNY per person if you wish to go inside.

12. Drop By Shishi Jesus Sacred Heart Cathedral

Last but not least, if you’re looking for something unique to visit in Guangzhou, be sure to check out Shishi Jesus Sacred Heart Cathedral. This stunning Gothic Revival cathedral was built in the 19th century entirely from granite by French missionaries of the Paris Foreign Missions Society.

The cathedral features tall spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and classic Gothic arches, making it a perfect example of 19th-century European ecclesiastical architecture in southern China. If you manage to get inside, you can admire the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful altars, and detailed woodwork.

Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited, so I could only admire it from the outside. Even so, it is still stunning and stands out among the other attractions I’ve listed. It’s definitely worth a visit if you have time. The cathedral is open daily from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, and you can only walk around outside of mass times. The entry is free.

Things to Know Before Visiting China

• Get an eSIM: China’s cashless economy relies on constant internet access, so having a data connection is essential. I highly recommend getting an eSIM or a local SIM card for your trip. An eSIM is often better because the service is usually based in Hong Kong, which bypasses China’s Great Firewall—meaning you can access apps like Instagram and YouTube without a VPN. I suggest checking eSIM options on Klook or Trip.com, as they tend to be the most affordable.
• Use AMap to Navigate: Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, so local apps like AMap are much more informative and accurate for getting around. It even provides metro information, making it easy to navigate city subway systems. I used AMap throughout my entire trip, and it worked perfectly! In this guide, I’ll be linking locations with AMap links instead of Google Maps, so be sure to download it before your trip.
• Use LetsVPN to Bypass the Great Firewall: As you may know, many major websites such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more are blocked in China. To access them, you’ll need a VPN like LetsVPN installed on both your phone and laptop before you arrive in China. This is crucial—once you're in the country, you won’t be able to search for or download VPN apps. I used LetsVPN during my trip, and it worked very well throughout. The service is affordable too, with a free tier offering limited data or a basic unlimited plan for just 5.99 USD per month.
• Connect Alipay with Your Credit Card: First, download Alipay from the app store, set up your account, and link it to your credit card. This will be one of the two main ways you’ll pay for services in China. Alipay also has mini-apps built in, such as Didi (China’s version of Uber), so you don’t need to download separate apps—you can use them directly through Alipay. Very convenient!
• Get a Transport Card Working in Alipay: Once you have Alipay set up, you’ll need to verify your account before you can activate a transport card for metro and bus rides. First, if you’re not currently in the city you want to use, tap the city name in the top-left corner and select the correct city. After that, tap the “Transport” button and request a transport card. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your passport for verification. Once approved, your transport card will be issued, and you can use the QR code to scan and pay for buses and metro rides.
• Get WeChat Set Up: WeChat is another essential app for communicating with locals, thanks to its built-in translation feature. It’s also widely used for payments as Alipay only works about 70% of the time, while WeChat is commonly needed for paying individuals, buying entry tickets at certain attractions, and more. Setting up WeChat can be a bit tricky though because you need verification from an existing user. The easiest way is to ask your hotel’s reception to help verify your account when you arrive in China—that’s how I got mine activated.
• Use Trip.com / Trip App: For hotels, day trips, attraction tickets, train tickets, flights, and everything in between, you can use Trip.com or the Trip app to book all your travel needs. It’s very convenient, offers a great user experience, and has a generous cancellation policy that gives you more flexibility when traveling in China.

How to Get to Guangzhou?

By Plane: The fastest way to get to Guangzhou is to fly into the country directly via Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), one of the most popular travel hubs in East Asia. You should have no trouble flying here via airlines like China Southern Airlines or even AirAsia if you are already in Asia.

You can find cheap flights to Guangzhou from Trip.com, Skyscanner, or Expedia.

By High Speed Train: If you are in Hong Kong, you can also take a high-speed train from West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou. It costs around 30 USD and takes a little over an hour. You can book the ticket in advance here. Keep in mind that you will have to clear immigration for both China and Hong Kong at West Kowloon Station, so get there at least 2 hours in advance.

How to Get Around Guangzhou?

By Metro: You can get around Guangzhou pretty easily using its metro system, which connects most of the places I'll be recommending here together. The metro fare will depend on the distance you traveled starting at 2 CNY, plus 1 CNY for every 4, 6, and 8 kilometers. The further you travel, the cheaper it gets. Just make sure you get your Alipay and transport card set up before you use it. You can learn more about it here: Things to know before visiting China.

By Didi: Didi is China’s version of Uber, more reliable and much more affordable. It’s an easy and comfortable way to get around cities like Guangzhou. You can see the price in advance and hail a ride using the Didi mini-app inside Alipay, with all payments handled directly through Alipay. It’s an efficient, fast, and budget-friendly way to travel around the city.

What to Pack for Guangzhou?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Guangzhou, China:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Guangzhou, China in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation:Trip.com, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: Klook is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online here.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for China, Hong Kong, and Macau

Looking for more information about your trip to China, Hong Kong, and Macau? Here are a collection of articles that you might find useful:

• Want to spend 5 days in Hong Kong? Here's a complete itinerary for you: Hong Kong in 5 Days: A Backpacker's Itinerary.
• First time in Hong Kong, but you are not sure where to begin? This is the guide for you: Visiting Hong Kong: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
• Macau is often called the Las Vegas of Asia, offering larger-than-life entertainment, a unique blend of Portuguese heritage, and so much more. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check this out: Discover Macau: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
• For more articles about China, visit the China travel guide, or explore my guides to Hong Kong and Macau.
• Planning a trip to East Asia? Explore all my articles on the East Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can find all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.