When travelers plan a trip to China, Beijing and Shanghai often top the list. But Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province and the third-largest city in China, is frequently forgotten.
In our opinion, it deserves more attention, which is why we want to share with you the incredible things to do in Guangzhou, to help you learn more about this dynamic and multicultural metropolis with deep historical roots.
Photo by Loeng Lig on Unsplash
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Guangzhou has been a key port city for more than 2,200 years, and as such, it was a vital link in the ancient Maritime Silk Road. It still keeps much of this history alive, but it has evolved over the millennia. Now the whole area thrives as a trade powerhouse and cultural center, shaping the identity of southern China.
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The Best Things to Do in Guangzhou
Visit the Canton Tower
The Canton Tower is quite noticeable, after all, it’s Guangzhou’s tallest structure and a symbol of its modern identity. It stands an impressive 604 meters tall, dominating the skyline with aesthetic grace and structural complexity.
The tower has several observation decks, with the highest, known as the Sky Observatory, giving visitors an incredible 360-degree view of the Pearl River, the city center, and even the distant hills of Baiyun. There’s also the Outdoor Sky Walk, which is perched near the top and allows brave visitors to step out into the open air for an adrenaline-spiking experience.
If you’re looking for even more adrenaline, you can try the Sky Drop, the highest vertical free-fall amusement ride on the planet, or the Bubble Tram, where glass pods slowly rotate around the crown of the tower. So, basically, you have options for all visitors!
Aside from excitement and incredible panoramic views of the city, inside there are restaurants, a science-themed exhibition space, cafés, and event venues. You could actually spend a whole day at the tower and not be bored for a single minute. And even after you leave at night, you can see the LED light show that transforms the tower into a colorful beacon visible across the city.
Photo by Chenwei Yao on Unsplash
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Go to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
You enjoyed the modern side of the city, but now let’s explore an attraction rooted in Guangzhou’s ancient past. The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees was founded in 537 AD during the Liang Dynasty. It offers one of Guangzhou’s most peaceful and spiritually rich experiences, and it’s not only a place for sightseeing, it’s still a living temple with an active sanctuary for worship, reflection, and traditional Buddhist rituals.
The centerpiece of the temple is the Flower Pagoda, a 57-meter-tall octagonal tower with beautifully glazed tiles and delicate carvings. Its layered eaves and unique shape set it apart from typical pagodas, and it’s one of the city’s oldest architectural treasures. If you’re a photographer or an artist, we highly suggest that you visit during the early morning or late afternoon to catch it under golden light.
Among the best times of the year to visit are festivals like Vesak and Lunar New Year, which bring the temple to life with lanterns, chanting, and communal meals. You can see this quiet place under a different light and experience more of Chinese culture and communal celebrations.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Continuing with the exploration of Guangzhou’s historic side, we arrive at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the Chen Clan Academy. It’s not as ancient as other places, as it was built in 1894, but it’s still a very interesting place to visit. It was designed by the Chen family as a gathering place for study and worship. Today, it functions as the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, celebrating local traditions through remarkable artistry.
Take your time visiting, it’s stunning. From intricate wood carvings to porcelain sculptures, every detail showcases the skill of southern China’s finest artisans. The rooftop is especially famous for its colorful ceramic figures depicting folklore, animals, and legends, so make sure you visit while the sun is high in the sky.
Inside the museum, there are plenty of interesting exhibits on Cantonese opera, calligraphy, jade carving, embroidery, and folk paintings. This can give you an insight into what life was like in ancient China. Additionally, you’ll see antique furniture, musical instruments, and costumes once used during performances or family ceremonies.
Baiyun Mountain
After seeing so much of the human-made beauty of Guangzhou, let’s now explore the natural escapes. Among all the incredible places you can visit, Baiyun Mountain, or “White Cloud Mountain,” is the most popular by far. It’s not a very tall mountain, with only 382 meters of height, which means it’s easier to climb even if you’re a beginner!
In fact, you can explore any of the over 30 hiking trails, along with landscaped gardens, waterfalls, and quiet temples. Another option is renting a bike. But even if you aren’t able to walk them, you can use the cable cars and enjoy a relaxing ride up.
Yuexiu Park
Another incredible thing you can do in Guangzhou is visit Yuexiu Park, located near the city center. This is Guangzhou’s largest urban park and one of its oldest. It combines natural beauty with significant cultural landmarks, offering something for every kind of traveler.
For example, you have the iconic Five Rams Sculpture, built in 1959. It’s based on the myth of five celestial beings who arrived on goats to end famine in ancient Guangzhou, and it stands as an emblem of the city’s prosperity.
Nearby, there’s the Zhenhai Tower, originally built during the Ming Dynasty, and today it houses the Guangzhou Museum. This is the perfect museum to visit if you’re searching for traces of how the city grew from a trading outpost to a global metropolis.
Even if you’re not as interested in history, you can still have a very relaxing time in the park, with its lush gardens, ponds, and shaded walkways. And if you visit early enough, you can find seniors practicing tai chi, children flying kites, and couples strolling.
Shamian Island, Colonial Echoes in a Peaceful Setting
As we already said, Guangzhou is situated on the coast, so it’s no wonder there’s a nearby island you can explore. Shamian Island is a small but culturally significant island that once served as a foreign concession during the 19th century. Its name means “sandy surface,” so you can imagine what kind of place it is.
But don’t expect a little desert island; in reality, it has beautiful tree-lined avenues, neoclassical buildings, and cobblestone paths. This area offers a charming contrast to modern Guangzhou. During the colonial era, the island hosted British and French trading posts, so many of its buildings look more European than Chinese. Today, its buildings house museums, schools, consulates, and boutique hotels.
Beijing Road: A Walk Through Time and Commerce
Guangzhou was a pivotal city in one of the world’s largest historical trade routes, so let’s explore what remains of it. The perfect place is Beijing Road Pedestrian Street. For many, it’s an incredible shopping destination. And don’t get us wrong, it’s one of the best places to get Chinese souvenirs, but it’s also a living museum built on top of ancient streets that date back to the Tang and Song dynasties.
In many sections of the street, you’ll see transparent floor panels that reveal preserved stone pathways from the old Beijing Road. These roads sit about two meters below the current street level, so you can literally see how time has layered itself into this city.
And what about the current street? Above ground, the street bustles with department stores, tech outlets, snack stalls, and local brands. You’ll find everything from high-end tea shops to fast fashion, street performers, LED billboards, and nightly light displays. And if you’re hungry, try the local specialties like roast chestnuts, bubble tea, and grilled skewers; it’s a foodie paradise.
Cantonese Cuisine Tour
And speaking of food, let’s explore what delicious things you can try in Guangzhou. As the heart of Cantonese cuisine, this city offers an unmatched variety of dishes that are delicate, fresh, and deeply satisfying.
You can start your journey with dim sum, served in teahouses like Tao Tao Ju or Panxi Restaurant. Other must-try items include shrimp dumplings (har gow), pork buns (char siu bao), and turnip cakes (lo bak go). For a more filling meal, enjoy roast goose, double-boiled soups, steamed fish with ginger, and rice noodle rolls (cheung fun).
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Day Trips from Guangzhou
If you’re spending a few days in Guangzhou, you can take the opportunity to explore other locations in the Greater Bay Area. It makes an excellent base for day trips. And don’t worry about the distance, thanks to the extensive high-speed rail network, you can reach major cities within an hour or two.
Cities you can visit from Guangzhou:
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Foshan: Famous for martial arts, ceramics, and the Ancestral Temple of Ip Man, the legendary kung fu master.
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Shenzhen: Often called China’s Silicon Valley, this city is home to tech innovation, futuristic skyscrapers, and vibrant nightlife.
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Zhuhai: Prefer a slower pace? This relaxing coastal city is known for its seaside promenade and access to Macau via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge.
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In Conclusion
Guangzhou is more than a waypoint on your journey through China; it’s a destination in its own right, offering everything from ancient temples and colonial architecture to modern marvels and unforgettable cuisine.
It’s a city that lives in layers: historical, cultural, spiritual, and futuristic. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!