Guangzhou was the last stop of my 14-day trip across China, and to be honest, I didn’t expect much. It felt like more of a convenient destination to fly out from, not necessarily a must-see. But as it turns out, this southern city was one of the biggest surprises of the trip.
It’s noticeably more relaxed than northern cities like Beijing or Xi’an. I saw more foreigners, the pace felt slower, and the tropical vibe gave it a completely different energy. Peaceful temples, shady parks, and vibrant markets make Guangzhou a unique place to visit.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the attractions in Guangzhou you absolutely can’t miss if you have a couple of days in the city. Plus, you’ll find helpful tips to plan your stay.
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Planning Your Trip to Guangzhou
1. Key Things to Know
2. Guangzhou At a Glance
📍 Where to Stay: The Yuexiu area is a great location, with nearby metro stations (Yuexiu Park station) that can take you anywhere in the city. Another great location for a more local experience is Liwan, in the heart of old Guangzhou.
🚄 How To Get To Guangzhou: High-speed train is the way if you are in the South of China – It’s a 3-hour journey from Guilin.
✈️ Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport: This southern city is a great place to land or depart from in China. From there, many direct and domestic flights depart. This is the best option if you arrive in Guangzhou from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Xi’an.
🗓️ Best Time To Visit Guangzhou: Southern China is great to visit in Winter and Autumn, allowing you to enjoy the city without the Summer heat. Avoid the period from April to September, as it’s more likely to rain.
3. How Many Days in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is a huge city, like many in China. However, depending on your availability, I recommend spending two or three days in the city.
Staying downtown for two days to visit the city’s most important attractions is great. If you have a third day available, you can plan a day trip to a nearby location to give you another perspective on the city.
If you’re looking for more details on traveling to China, here’s my travel guide. You’ll find everything from visa requirements and the best times to travel to tips on language, etiquette, and so much more.
4. Hotels in Guangzhou
Paco Hotel Guangzhou: This is the hotel where I’ve stayed in Guangzhou, and it’s super recommended. It’s located close to Beijing Road subway station, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. Its position is probably the highlight, located in the heart of the city.
Stargazing Platform Inn: Located close to Shamian Island, this hotel is in the heart of the old city. Rooms are so spacious and clean, and it’s renowned for having one of the best coffees in the city.
2-Day Travel Itinerary
Tickets & Tours in Guangzhou
Day 1: From Rich History to Modern Streets
- Visit the Chen Clan Academy, initially built for the Chen family to prepare for the imperial exams. Now, it serves as the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.
- Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall – a landmark honoring the man who led the movement abolishing imperial rule and paved the way for a new republic
- Temple of the Six Banyan Trees – The temple, dating back over 1,400 years, is a Buddhist site with a rich history.
- Beijing Road Pedestrian Street—This road is a shopper’s paradise, and if you’re looking to buy some last-minute souvenirs, this is the place to be.
- Canton Tower—The panoramic view from this tower is jaw-dropping and fully appreciates the metropolis’s sheer size.
Day 2: Nature, Museums & Contrasts
- If you’re looking for a place that combines nature, culture, and history, visit Yuexiu Park, the largest park in the city.
- Guangzhou Museum – You’ll find ancient artifacts such as pottery, paintings, and relics that tell the story of Guangzhou’s role as a trade hub
- Shamian Island in the afternoon – a peaceful oasis with a distinctly European flair right in the middle of China
- Cruise on the Li River – the perfect way to appreciate the Guangzhou skyline from another perspective
10 Things To Do in Guangzhou
1. Get Inspired at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Our first stop of the morning was the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the Chen Clan Academy. Initially built in the late 19th century by the Chen family as a place to honor their ancestors and prepare for the imperial exams, today this complex houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.
What I loved most was the atmosphere: peaceful, elegant, and full of details that tell stories. Every corner is a piece of art. You’ll find wood and stone carvings, rooftop sculptures, ivory carvings, and murals that feel like they belong in a museum (because technically, they are!).
The whole place is a celebration of Cantonese craftsmanship—from pottery to embroidery and traditional architecture.
If you’re into folk art, history, or want to see a stunning example of traditional Chinese design, this is a must. I recommend taking your time to wander through each hall—or if you want to learn more, a 1.5-hour guided tour is also available, which helps you dive deeper into the stories behind every masterpiece. You can get your ticket directly at the entrance if you’re exploring on your own.
2. Soak In Chinese History at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
Ⓜ️ Subway Instruction: From the Chen Clan Academy subway station, you can take line 1 to Gongyuanqian. From there, it is around a 12-minute walk to the Memorial Hall. Or if you prefer, you can take a 34-minute stroll from the Chen Clan Academy to the Memorial Hall.
If you’re into Chinese history, a visit to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall should be on your list—but let me give you a tip: go with a guide. I went on my own and quickly realized that without someone explaining things, it’s hard to appreciate the place. All the signs are in Chinese, and while the building is impressive, the stories behind it are what make it special.
This memorial hall is dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China, the man who led the movement that ended imperial rule in China. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that walk you through his life, ideas, and the impact he had on the country’s future.
3. Stroll Around the Peaceful Temple of Six Banyan Trees
Just a quick 10-minute walk from the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, right across the road, you’ll find one of my favorite attractions in Guangzhou: the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. This place was a real highlight for me.
I love wandering around temples, and this one is particularly charming. Surrounded by greenery, flowering plants, frangipani trees, and (of course) the iconic banyan trees, it immediately feels like you’ve stepped into sacred space.
The temple dates back over 1,400 years and is still an active Buddhist site. Monks walk around, sometimes chatting with visitors, deep in prayer.
The centerpiece here is the Flower Pagoda, a 57-meter-tall structure that represents a blend of ancient Indian and Chinese architectural styles. When I visited, there was even a small local crafts market in the garden area.
4. Get Your Last Minute Souvenirs at Beijing Road
Ⓜ️ Instruction: There is no subway instruction here because the easiest way to reach the Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is by taking a 20-minute walk south of the temple.
This street is a shopper’s paradise, and if you’re looking to buy some last-minute souvenirs to wrap up your trip, this is the place. All you can think about is that! Beyond shopping, it’s also the perfect spot to soak in the city’s energy.
You’ll see locals going about their daily routines, families strolling together, and teenagers hanging out after school—one of my favorite things to witness when I travel!
5. Soak in the Energy of the Guangzhou Tower Area
The Guangzhou Tower is without a doubt one of Guangzhou’s most iconic landmarks—and yes, also the tallest building in the city. You can spot it from almost anywhere, especially at night when it lights up the skyline in all the colors of the rainbow.
But what surprised me wasn’t the tower itself, but the energy of the area around it. It quickly became one of my favorite spots in Guangzhou—lively, buzzing, and filled with people out for an evening walk or snapping skyline pics.
One of the absolute highlights is the white pedestrian bridge that connects both sides of the Pearl River. The skyline of Guangzhou glows, the lights reflect in the water, and for a moment, everything feels so alive.
If you’re planning a visit, I recommend heading there after dinner (keep in mind there aren’t many food options nearby unless you’re up for a shopping mall meal).
6. Morning Stroll at Yuexiu Park & Guangzhou Museum
Yuexiu Park is the largest park in the city and an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for a spot that combines nature, culture, and history.
The park is best known for its Five Rams Statue, representing the city’s legend of being saved from famine by five celestial rams. It also features beautiful artificial lakes, flower gardens, and traditional pavilions where you can relax in the warm southern sun.
However, the highlight is the Guangzhou Museum, located within the ancient Zhenhai Tower.This museum witnesses the city’s fascinating history and rich culture, from its ancient beginnings to its development into a modern metropolis.
Yuexiu Park is also full of surprises, such as the remnants of ancient city walls, small temples, and even a sports stadium. It’s a great place to spend the morning outdoors!
7. Afternoon at Shamian Island
Shamian Island shows a completely different side of Guangzhou—honestly, at first glance, it doesn’t even feel like you’re in China. Once a foreign concession, this peaceful little island is filled with colonial-era buildings that look more like Paris or London than Guangzhou.
The architecture is elegant and quiet, the streets are lined with trees, and it’s no wonder you’ll often see Chinese influencers and even bridal photo shoots happening here. The cafés and restaurants have the same vibe, with decor and outdoor seating that give a more European feel than anything else in the city.
But walk toward the riverside, and the real Guangzhou energy hits you again. That’s where the locals gather, especially the older ones, to sing traditional songs, dance, play instruments, or enjoy the moment.
The whole scene feels so spontaneous, and it’s one of my favorite memories from the city. It’s the perfect pre-dinner stop: you can grab a coffee from one of the charming cafés and enjoy it on a bench by the river.
Huacheng Square
Huacheng Square is probably the largest and most beautiful square in Guangzhou. But don’t expect a chaotic intersection full of noise. Instead, you’ll find a peaceful park surrounded by the city’s tallest skyscrapers, with shaded paths, bridges, and even an artificial river.
It’s the perfect place to stroll and escape the intense southern sun under some of the highest trees.
Other Must-See Attractions in Guangzhou
1. Chimelong Safari Park
Ⓜ️ Getting there is very easy. You can hop on Line 3 of the Guangzhou Metro and get off at Hanxi Changlong Station, which is just a short shuttle ride from the park. The park is busy, especially on weekends, so plan ahead to make the most of your visit.
Chimelong Safari Park is a must-visit for wildlife lovers and one of the best attractions in Guangzhou.
Located about 40 minutes from the city center, this massive park is one of the largest wildlife parks in Asia and offers the best zoo experiences and more natural safari-style excursions.
You can explore the park on foot or take the safari train to see animals in their natural habitats from up close. Expect to see pandas (a major highlight!), giraffes, elephants, and rare species, such as white tigers.
Beyond the animals, there are interactive shows, feeding experiences, and opportunities to learn more about wildlife conservation efforts.
Even if you’re traveling solo, it’s still a great day trip to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a break from the city.
2. Day Trip to Baiyun Mountain
A trip to Baiyun Mountain is an adventure you won’t want to miss while in Guangzhou!
Located about 18 kilometers from downtown, this scenic spot is easily accessible by taking the metro to the Baiyun Mountain station.
One of the best ways to experience Baiyun Mountain is by taking the cable car to the summit. This is the perfect way to enjoy panoramic city views.
At the top, you can explore various hiking trails, visit the temples, or enjoy the fresh air away from the traffic. Don’t forget to check out the various pavilions and viewpoints scattered around the mountain.
Although I spent only two days in Guangzhou, this vibrant city exceeded my expectations and left me with incredible memories that still make me smile.
In this Guangzhou 2-day itinerary, we explored the city’s top attractions: from the Chen Clan Academy to the iconic Guangzhou Tower. I also shared a few tips to help you make the most of your short stay, especially if it’s your first time in the city.
So now I’m curious — what are you most excited to see in Guangzhou? Or have you already been and have a favorite spot I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments!
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