Guangzhou can seem a bit boring at first, but once you dig in you will find this place is full of life. The things to do, places to visit, and attractions are endless.
For example, see my mega-list of over 200 things to do in Guangzhou. Where to begin, and what to see and do on a short stay in the city? Here are the top 20 attractions ranging from modern to traditional.
The Top 20 Attractions and Things to do in Guangzhou
Canton Tower 广州塔
The Canton Tower is the tallest TV tower in the world with a total height of 600m and it is the third tallest tower and the fifth-tallest freestanding structure in the world. Don’t miss the roof-top observatory and the amazing ‘Ferris wheel’ in the sky.
No.222 Yuexiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
海珠区阅江西路222号
Twin Towers – IFC 广州国际金融中心 & CTF Centre 广州周大福中心
The IFC is the second tallest tower in GZ, head to the 99th-floor cafe for a pricey drink, yet amazing views. The CTF centre across from IFC is the tallest and newest, it will breathtaking open sky podiums on its top 111th floor.
No.5 Zhujiang West Road, Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou 510623, China
510623珠江新城珠江西路5号
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall-Folk Craft Museum 陈家祠-广东民间工艺博物馆
Exquisite traditional Chinese architecture and the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum.
No.34 Enlong Li, Zhongshan 7th Road, Guangzhou 510150, China
510150中山七路恩龙里34号
Speciality Museums
Chimelong Safari Park 长隆野生动物世界
Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park is a nationally AAAAA rated attraction. Featuring a large and diverse range of animals from across the globe, it’s one of the city’s major attractions.
Dashi Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511430, China
511430番禺区大石
Zoos
Shamian Island 沙面岛
A lovely small neighborhood featuring European architecture, tree-lined streets alongside the Pearl River. Perfect for a romantic stroll or relaxing coffee.
North Bank of Baie Bond, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China
荔湾区白鹅潭北岸
Islands
Archaeological Site Museum of Nanyue Palace 南越王宫博物馆
No.316 Zhongshan Fourth Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510030, China
510030越秀区中山四路316号
Historic Sites
Baiyun Mountain 白云山
Also known as White Cloud Mountain, it is one of the top natural scenic spots in Guangdong.
Xinshi Town, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510440, China
510440白云区新市镇
Mountain
Sacred Heart Cathedral 石室圣心大教堂
Classical twin-spired Roman Catholic cathedral.
Yide Road, Guangzhou 510120, China
510120一德路
Religious Sites
Guangdong Museum 广东省博物馆新馆
No.2 Zhujiang East Road, Zhujiang New City, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510110, China
510110越秀区天河区珠江新城珠江东路2号
Speciality Museums
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda (Liurong Temple) 六榕寺和花塔
One of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou.
No.87 Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510180, China
510180越秀区六榕路87号
Architectural Buildings
Guangxiao Temple 光孝寺
109 Guangxiao Rd, Yuexiu Qu, Guangzhou
广州市越秀区光孝路109号
Sacred and Religious Sites
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street 上下九商业步行街
Another famous and ancient commercial street and very popular for its wide array of local snacks. More here.
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, ShangXiaJiu, Liwan
上下九商业步行街
Shopping Street
Guangzhou CBD – Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe
The modern front of Guangzhou and the cities CBD, nearby there are several shopping malls inc. Tee Mall, Parc Central, Taikoo Hui, and Grandview Mall to name four of the many. Here you’ll also find the Guangdong Museum, Guangzhou Opera House, the second Children’s Palace, the new Guangzhou Library and Guangzhou IFC.
Huacheng Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
广州双塔
Urban
Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall 中山纪念堂
Beautiful traditional Chinese architecture and gardens paying tribute to one of modern China’s most important figures, a must-visit.
No.259 Dongfeng Middle Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510030, China
510030越秀区东风中路259号
Memorial
Baomo Scenery 宝墨园
This area has magnificent gardens and beautiful sculptures.
Zini Village, Shawan Town, Fanyu District, Guangzhou 511487, China
511487番禺区沙湾镇紫坭村
Historic Sites
Qingping Medicine Market 清平药材专业市场
Huangsha Avenue, Liwan District, Guangzhou 510130, China
510130荔湾区黄沙大道
Shopping Malls & Markets
Yuexiu Park 越秀山
It is the largest park in Guangzhou CBD and it’s also the home of an icon of the city, the Five Rams sculpture. You can also visit Zhenhai Tower, and enjoy the many lakes with people boating and fishing.
No. 960 Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510000, China
510000越秀区解放北路960号
Mountains,Parks
Yuyin Garden 广州市番禺区余荫山房管理处
It is well out of the central area, but it is a little gem. Beautiful traditional architecture and garden.
North Street, South Village Town, Panyu
番禺区西塘集街
Traditional Garden
Shawan Ancient Town of Panyu 番禺沙湾古镇
A great place to escape the modern metropolis and experience the Guangzhou of old.
Shawan Cultural Center, Daxiangyong Road, Fanyu District, Guangzhou 514000, China
514000番禺区大巷涌路沙湾文化站
Historic Sites
