City Introduction
Guangzhou, also known as Canton, formerly known as Yangcheng, Suicheng, or Five Rams City, is the capital of Guangdong Province, one of the largest cities in southern China, and a national historical and cultural city and important transportation hub. As a frontier of China's reform and opening up, Guangzhou has over 2,200 years of history and is one of the earliest Chinese cities to open to the outside world.
As a millennium-old commercial city, Guangzhou is the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road and one of the core cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This city blends tradition with modernity, East with West, forming a unique Lingnan culture and an open and inclusive urban temperament.
Guangzhou attracts tourists from all over the world with its cuisine, commerce, and unique Lingnan culture. From the ancient Chen Clan Ancestral Hall to the modern Canton Tower, from the traditional Shangxiajiu to the fashionable Zhujiang New Town, every corner of Guangzhou tells the past and future of this city.
3-Day Day Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Modern and Colonial Architecture Exploration
The first day mainly focuses on experiencing Guangzhou's modern cityscape and colonial historical sites, including the iconic Canton Tower, the exotic Shamian Island, and the historically rich Beijing Road commercial area.
Day 2
Lingnan Culture and Traditional Districts
The second day mainly explores Guangzhou's traditional culture and historical landscape, including the representative Lingnan architecture of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Guangzhou's iconic Yuexiu Park, and the traditional commercial district of Shangxiajiu, to experience the charm of old Guangzhou.
Day 3
Natural Scenery and Cultural Arts
On the third day, get close to nature in the morning by climbing Baiyun Mountain to overlook Guangzhou; explore the modern cultural and artistic landmark Guangdong Museum in the afternoon; experience the Pearl River Night Cruise in the evening to enjoy Guangzhou's charming night view, perfectly concluding the three-day tour.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Modern and Colonial Architecture Exploration
The first day mainly focuses on experiencing Guangzhou's modern cityscape and colonial historical sites, including the iconic Canton Tower, the exotic Shamian Island, and the historically rich Beijing Road commercial area.
09:30-11:30
Visit Canton Tower
Take the subway to Canton Tower, ascend to the observation deck to overlook Guangzhou's panorama, experience the Sky Walk and other attractions, and feel the modern face of Guangzhou.
11:30-12:00
Transportation
Take the subway to Shamian Island (about 30 minutes)
12:00-14:30
Shamian Island tour and lunch
Stroll around Shamian Island, admire the European architectural style, and enjoy lunch at a specialty restaurant on the island, tasting Western or Cantonese cuisine.
14:30-15:00
Transportation
Take the subway or bus to Beijing Road Pedestrian Street (about 20 minutes)
15:00-18:00
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street tour
Shop at Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, visit the ancient city wall ruins, experience Guangzhou's commercial culture, taste various Guangzhou snacks, and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 2: Lingnan Culture and Traditional Districts
The second day mainly explores Guangzhou's traditional culture and historical landscape, including the representative Lingnan architecture of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Guangzhou's iconic Yuexiu Park, and the traditional commercial district of Shangxiajiu, to experience the charm of old Guangzhou.
08:30-10:00
Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, appreciate the exquisite Lingnan architectural art and crafts such as wood carving, stone carving, brick carving, and pottery sculpture, to understand Guangzhou's traditional culture.
10:00-10:30
Transportation
Take the subway or bus to Yuexiu Park (about 25 minutes)
10:30-13:30
Yuexiu Park tour
Tour Yuexiu Park, visit the Five Rams Sculpture, Zhenhai Tower (Guangzhou Museum) and other attractions, learn about Guangzhou's history, and enjoy lunch at the park or a nearby restaurant.
13:30-14:00
Transportation
Take the subway or bus to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (about 20 minutes)
14:00-18:00
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street experience
Stroll along Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, visit time-honored shops, buy souvenirs, taste authentic Cantonese snacks and desserts, experience the rich atmosphere of old Guangzhou, and enjoy dinner at a specialty restaurant nearby.
Day 3: Natural Scenery and Cultural Arts
On the third day, get close to nature in the morning by climbing Baiyun Mountain to overlook Guangzhou; explore the modern cultural and artistic landmark Guangdong Museum in the afternoon; experience the Pearl River Night Cruise in the evening to enjoy Guangzhou's charming night view, perfectly concluding the three-day tour.
08:00-11:30
Baiyun Mountain hiking
Head to Baiyun Mountain, choose to hike or take the cable car, enjoy the mountain scenery, feel the charm of nature, and overlook the panoramic view of Guangzhou city.
11:30-12:00
Transportation
Take a bus or taxi to leave Baiyun Mountain
12:00-13:30
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near Baiyun Mountain, tasting local specialty dishes
13:30-14:00
Transportation
Take the subway or bus to Guangdong Museum (about 40 minutes)
14:00-16:30
Guangdong Museum visit
Visit Guangdong Museum to learn about Guangdong's history, culture, natural resources, and artistic development, and appreciate the museum's treasures.
16:30-17:30
Free time
Free time in the Zhujiang New Town area, can rest or shop at nearby shopping centers
17:30-18:30
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Zhujiang New Town
18:30-19:00
Transportation
Head to the Pearl River Night Cruise wharf (depending on the specific boarding point)
19:30-21:30
Pearl River Night Cruise
Take a boat tour along the Pearl River, enjoy the brilliantly lit night view on both banks and the light shows of landmarks such as Canton Tower, concluding the three-day tour.
Attraction Details
Canton Tower
Also known as the 'Slim Waist', it is Guangzhou's landmark building, standing 600 meters tall, making it the fourth tallest tower in the world. The tower features a revolving restaurant, observation decks, and the world's highest outdoor Ferris wheel Sky Walk, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Pearl River and Guangzhou.
Shamian Island
Former European concession that preserves numerous European-style buildings with an elegant environment and lush trees. Walking here feels like being in a foreign country. The island has many cafes, restaurants, and wedding photography studios, making it the most exotic place in Guangzhou.
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
One of Guangzhou's oldest commercial streets with over 2,000 years of history. The street is lined with large shopping malls and specialty shops, as well as various food stalls. Beneath the pedestrian street are preserved ancient city wall ruins from various periods ranging from the Qin and Han dynasties to the Ming and Qing dynasties, which can be visited for free.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Also known as Chen Clan Academy, it was built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty and is the most representative Lingnan architecture in Guangzhou. The ancestral hall is well-preserved and showcases the architectural style, carved art, and decorative craftsmanship of the Lingnan region, earning it the title of 'Pearl of Lingnan Architecture'.
Yuexiu Park
Guangzhou's largest comprehensive park, containing attractions such as the Five Rams Sculpture, Zhenhai Tower (Guangzhou Museum), and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Monument. The Five Rams Sculpture, based on the legend of the Five Rams Immortals, has become a symbol of Guangzhou. The park's beautiful environment makes it a great place for citizens to relax.
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
Guangzhou's most famous traditional commercial street, centered around Shangjiu Road and Xiajiu Road, bringing together many time-honored brands and specialty food shops. It preserves the rich flavor of old Guangzhou and is a great place to experience authentic Guangzhou culture and taste local cuisine.
Baiyun Mountain
A famous mountain range within Guangzhou city, known as the 'First Scenic Spot of Yangcheng'. The mountain has multiple scenic areas, rich vegetation, and beautiful landscapes. From the summit, you can overlook the entire Guangzhou urban area and the Pearl River, making it an important natural landscape and leisure spot in Guangzhou.
Guangdong Museum
A large comprehensive museum located on the new city central axis of Guangzhou, housing a rich collection of historical artifacts, natural specimens, and artworks. The museum features exhibition areas for Lingnan history and culture, natural resources, art design, and more, showcasing Guangdong's unique historical culture and natural landscape.
Pearl River Night Cruise
Take a boat tour along the Pearl River to enjoy the brilliantly lit buildings and bridges on both banks, which is the best way to experience Guangzhou's night scenery. The route passes by landmarks such as Haixinsha, Liede Bridge, and Canton Tower, with the light shows at night being particularly spectacular.
Local Specialty Foods
Cantonese Morning Tea (Dim Sum)
Traditional breakfast for Guangzhou people, including various dim sum such as shrimp dumplings, siu mai, rice noodle rolls, char siu bao, etc., served with kung fu tea, embodying the exquisite food culture of 'Food in Guangzhou'.
Taotaoju, Lianxianglo, Dian Dou De, Guangzhou Restaurant
Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheung Fun)
Made by spreading rice batter into thin sheets, wrapped with fresh shrimp, beef, char siu or other fillings, and drizzled with soy sauce. The texture is smooth and tender, making it one of the most popular breakfast items in Guangzhou.
Sha He Rice Noodle Shop, Ng Jam Gee, Nam Shun (branches in various districts)
Roasted Meats
Including roasted goose, roasted duck, char siu, etc., with crispy skin and tender meat, aromatic and flavorful, representing Cantonese specialty cuisine.
Taotaoju, Guangzhou Restaurant, West Gate Old Brand Roasted Goose Shop
Double-Skin Milk
A sweet dessert with two layers of milk skin, with a delicate texture and rich milk flavor, it is one of the most representative traditional desserts in Guangzhou.
Nam Shun Double-Skin Milk, Lianxianglo, Taotaoju
Lychee Wood Roasted Goose
Goose meat roasted with lychee wood, tender and juicy with crispy skin and fragrant meat, is a traditional Cantonese dish.
Panxi Restaurant, Guangzhou Restaurant, Taotaoju
Ginger Scallion Crab
Fresh crabs stir-fried with ginger and scallions, preserving the freshness of the crab meat while being flavorful without losing the original taste, is a famous Cantonese seafood dish.
Panxi Restaurant, Nanhai Fishing Village, Ri Ri Lai Seafood Restaurant
Practical Tips
Best Travel Time
Guangzhou has a pleasant climate and can be visited year-round. October to April of the following year is cool and dry, best for tourism; May to September is hot and rainy, but this is also the harvest season for lychees, longans, and other fruits.
Transportation Advice
Guangzhou's subway network is extensive, covering most attractions. It is recommended to purchase a Yangcheng Tong transport card or use mobile payments. Attractions within the city are quite far apart, so planning routes wisely can save time.
Accommodation Recommendations
It is recommended to stay in Yuexiu District, Tianhe District, or Liwan District, which have convenient transportation and rich dining options. Yuexiu District is close to traditional attractions, Tianhe District is highly modernized, while Liwan District retains a strong old Guangzhou atmosphere.
Dining Tips
Guangzhou is a food paradise with a thriving morning tea culture. It is recommended to experience authentic Cantonese morning tea at least once. In summer, you can taste various cooling sweet soups, while in winter, Cantonese soups are recommended.
Weather Tips
Guangzhou is hot and rainy in summer, please bring sun protection and rain gear; winter is warm but occasionally has cold spells, it is recommended to bring a light jacket. The humidity is high year-round, so be sure to bring extra clothes.
Conclusion
In three days, we have experienced Guangzhou's ancient and modern landscapes: from the modern Canton Tower to the historic Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, from bustling commercial districts to tranquil natural scenery, each place showcases the diverse charm of this city.
As a city with both historical heritage and modern vitality, Guangzhou's appeal goes far beyond this. A three-day tour gives you an initial understanding of Guangzhou, but to truly experience the profound culture and inclusive spirit of this city requires more time to slowly appreciate. We hope this guide can help with your Guangzhou journey and leave you with wonderful memories.
Itinerary Highlights Summary
- 1Experience Guangzhou's diverse culture, from colonial buildings to Lingnan traditions, from ancient city wall ruins to modern skyscrapers
- 2Taste authentic Guangzhou cuisine, don't miss specialties such as morning tea, roasted meats, and desserts
- 3Feel the food culture of 'Food in Guangzhou' and the commercial tradition of 'Commerce in Guangzhou'
- 4Enjoy the charming scenery along both banks of the Pearl River, especially the brilliantly lit city view at night