Guangzhou China Travel Guide: 17 BEST Things To Do In Guangzhou Guangdong

The Canton Tower is the tallest tower in China and the third tallest in the world, offering observation decks, a revolving restaurant, an outdoor skywalk, an obstacle course, and a Ferris wheel.

Yuexiu Park is the largest park in downtown Guangzhou, featuring the Five-Ram Sculpture, a symbol of Guangzhou, and the Zhenhai Tower, which houses the Guangzhou Museum.

The Five Rams Statue is a main attraction in Yuexiu Park and serves as a symbol of Guangzhou city.

The Zhenhai Tower is a five-story building from the Ming Dynasty located in Yuexiu Park, which now houses the Guangzhou Museum with cultural relics, photos, and historical information about Guangzhou.

The Guangzhou Museum is located in the Zhenhai Tower within Yuexiu Park, showcasing a collection of cultural relics, photos, and historical information about Guangzhou.

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, built in 1894, originally served as a training ground for students and now houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, showcasing intricate carvings, statues, and paintings.

The Guangdong Folk Arts Museum is located within the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and features exhibits on local folk arts and crafts, as well as old maps and family trees.

The Pearl River is a key landmark in Guangzhou, offering magical views of the city’s illuminated skyline at night via river cruises.

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is a famous Buddhist temple known for its stunning Flower Pagoda and peaceful surroundings, making it a great spot to learn about the city’s religious heritage.

The Flower Pagoda is located in the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees and stands 57 meters tall.

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is one of Guangzhou’s busiest shopping districts, full of traditional Chinese buildings, local boutiques, and eateries offering Cantonese street food.

Baiyun Mountain, known as the “lung of Guangzhou,” offers hiking trails, cable cars, and beautiful views of the city, making it a popular spot for nature and escaping the urban bustle.

The Guangdong Museum features exhibits on Guangdong’s history, art, and natural science, with collections ranging from ancient ceramics to fossils.

Chimelong Safari Park is one of the largest wildlife parks in the world, home to around 20,000 animals from over 500 species, featuring safari train rides and walking paths.

Redtory is an art district transformed from the Guangdong Canned Food Factory, featuring art galleries, fashion boutiques, bookshops, cafes, and restaurants in repurposed industrial buildings.

The Whampoa Military Academy, located on Changzhou Island, was founded in 1924 by Dr. Sun Yat-sen to train military leaders and now serves as a museum showcasing its role in China's history.

The Nanyue King Wen's Mausoleum is the tomb of Zhao Mo, the second king of the Nanyue Kingdom, discovered in 1983 and now housed in a museum showcasing the ancient burial site and artifacts.

Shamian Island, once a foreign settlement, features a mix of European-style buildings, including old embassies, cathedrals, and churches, making it feel like a little European town nestled in China.

Guangzhou Opera House, designed by Zaha Hadid, is an eye-catching building with a unique, pebble-like shape that fits perfectly with the modern skyline, offering a wide variety of performances.

Baomo Garden, located in Panyu, reflects traditional Chinese values with its harmonious design, featuring charming bridges, winding paths, lovely rose gardens, and serene koi fish ponds.

The Xinghai Concert Hall is one of Guangzhou's most iconic landmarks seen during a Pearl River night cruise.

The Yuntai Garden is a beautiful scenic attraction near Baiyun Mountain.

Sacred Heart Cathedral is an impressive Gothic structure made entirely of granite with colorful stained glass windows and detailed carvings, holding Mass in multiple languages and popular for its design and history.

Huacheng Square is located next to the Guangdong Museum.

Huaisheng Mosque is believed to be the oldest surviving mosque in China, featuring a 108-foot minaret and combining Tang Dynasty and Arabic architectural styles.

Qingping Market is a great place to check out traditional Chinese herbs and get a glimpse into local life, with vendors selling everything from ginseng and goji berries to seafood.

Guangxiao Temple, also known as the Bright Filial Piety Temple, is one of Guangzhou's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, featuring a statue of Buddha and historically significant as the place where Huineng was ordained.