Guangzhou Attractions - Top 16 Tourist Attractions in Guangzhou

No.1: Canton Tower

Type: Sights & Landmarks

Recommended Lenth of visiting: about 1~2.5 hours

The Canton Tower, also known as Guangzhou TV Astronomical and Sightseeing Tower, is the landmark of Guangzhou City standing by the Pearl River in Zhujiang New Town. With 600 meters high, Canton Tower is the tallest sightseeing tower in China and the third tallest in the world. Reputed as “Slim Waist”, “Twisted Firewood” and “Peak of the Ram City”, Canton Tower offers you different, charming view both at daytime and at night.

Travelers can have fun and challenge yourselves when get atop of Canton Tower. Enjoy a zigzag walk with 1096 steps from 168 meters to 344 meters to appreciate the beauty of Guangzhou in different angle, try to walk through the transparent corridor to catch the best scenery at 107F/108F, ascend yourselves to 450 meters with panoramic view in front of you, get into the sky wheel to see Guangzhou in different way, or challenge sky drop to experience the height of Canton Tower, and if you like, get to the highest point at 488 meters for breathtaking bird eye view. Know more about Canton Tower>>

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No.2: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Type: History Museums

Recommended Length of Visit: about1~ 3 hours

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also called Chen Clan Academy, is an academic temple in Guangzhou with a history over 125 years. Built by the 72 Chen clans for their juniors’ accommodation and preparation for the imperial examinations in 1894 in Qing Dynasty. Praised as the Pearl of Lingnan Architecture, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a typical folk museum with the highest form of wood carving, stone carving, brick carving, pottery, stucco relief, iron and copper casting and colored drawing. The Guangdong Folk Art Museum is here where you can have deep understanding about Guangdong’s folk arts and crafts. You’ll be awed by fantastic decoration once arriving at the entrance and then be amazed by every corner and every detail when visiting the 19 buildings with nine halls and six courtyards. Know more about Chen Clan Ancestral Hall>>

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No.3: Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

Type: History Museums

Recommended Length of Visit: 2~3 hours

The Museum of the West Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King houses the 2000-year-old tomb of the Nanyue King Zhao Mo (the second Nanyue King) in Guangzhou. The tomb is the earliest, the largest and with the most buried objects Han Dynasty Tomb. It is also the only stone tomb made up of 750 huge stones with colorful murals. It was discovered in 1983 and then opened to public in 1988 which showcases the tomb and its complete trove of artifacts. This museum is renowned for its rare assemblage of funerary artifacts representing the diffusion of cultures throughout the Lingnan region during the Han Dynasty. It is worth your time to visit which carries more than 1000 pieces of cultural relics, bronzeware and terracotta ware and so on. Know more about Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King >>

>> 3 Days Guangzhou History & Culture Experience Tour

No.4: Yuexiu Park

Type: Park & Nature

Recommended Lenth of visiting: 2~3 hours

Yuexiu Park, or Yuexiu Mountain, is a mountainous park as well as the largest park in downtown Guangzhou. It features in stunning mountain view, beautiful lakes and well equipped entertaining facilities and service. There are many places to go in the park. Among of all attractions, the Five Rams, Zhenhai Tower, Ming Dynasty City Wall and Square Cannon Site are the most popular ones. The Five-Ram Sculpture is the emblem of the city. Zhenhai Tower is a five-story building built in Ming Dynasty which has become a famous landmark in Guangzhou.

Yue Xiu Park is not only an attractive place for outbound travelers, but also a great place for relaxing and entertainment for locals. Know more about Yuexiu Park>>

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No.5: Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Type: Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites, Religious Sites

Recommended length of visit: about 2 hours

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, or Liurong Temple, a famous Buddhist temple with almost 1500 years. It got its present name from the famous poet of Song Dynasty - Su Dong Po. He was attracted by the 6 old and strong banyan trees, so he wrote down two Chinese characters - “Liurong” (六榕). It is one of the birthplace of Chinese Zen Buddhism and also listed as “The Four Buddhist Sites of Guangzhou” together with Guangxiao Temple, Hualin Temple and Hoi Tong Monastery. There is a saying going “the Guangxiao Temple is famous for its trees, and the Jinghui Temple (Liurong Temple) is distinguished for its pagoda”. You won’t miss the oldest landmark of Guangzhou - Flower Pagoda, an octangular pagoda with 57.6 meters high which is regarded as the tallest pagoda in Guangzhou city. A visit to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, you can also learn some Buddhist culture. Know more about Temple of the Six Banyan Trees>>

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No.6: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Type: Monuments / Statues

Recommended Lenth of visiting: 2 hours

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is situated on the No.259, Dongfeng Zhong Lu, Guangzhou. It is one of the city symbols of Guangzhou, also the most used place for gathering or performance. It was built during 1929~1931 in memory of the great revolutionist Sun Yat-sen. Inside of the hall, you will learn about Mr. Sun’s lifelong story and some big events about China’s modern time history. Here you will also explore the great changes happed in Guangzhou.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall itself is a traditional Chinese building - significant outlooks and delicate interior designs. At every corner, you will find the spectacular style of Chinese architecture. know more about Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall>>

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No.7: Shamian Island

Type: Islands, Neighborhoods, Historic Sites

Recommended Length of Visit: 2-3 hours

Shamian Island is located along the beautiful Pearl River. It used to be home to foreign merchants in Guangzhou. If you're a Westerner, Shamian is a very cool place to check out Western architecture from the late 1800s/early 1900s. Compared to other rumbustious area in Guangzhou, Shanmian attracts people due to its tranquility, elegant buildings, diverse western countries’ remnants. Shanmian is a laid-back area ideal for strolling or stopping for a meal or cup of tea. In addition there's a number of nice restaurants serving Western food and drinks.

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No.8: Chimelong Safari Park

Type: Zoos, Wild Parks

Recommended Length of Visit: More than 3 hours

Chimelong Safari Park is regarded as the largest safari park which houses largest number kinds of species in the world. Among of all animals, there are many “super stars”, including Chinese Giant Panda, Australian Koala, Thai Asian Elephant, etc. you can feed the giraffes and elephants. The animals appear to be well taken care of. Its animal performance is world famous. Make sure to take the safari train ride to tour through the safari park areas. You and your kids are going to love it.

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No.9: Pearl River

Type: River & Bodies of Water

Recommended Length of Visit: 1~1.5 hours

The Pearl River (Zhujiang珠江 in Chinese) is an extensive river system in Southern China. It is composed of Xi River, Bei River, Dong River and rivers in Pearl River Delta. Measured from the farthest reaches of the Xi River, the Pearl River is China’s third-longest River, about 2400 kilometers after the Yangtze River and the Yellow River, and also the second largest river by volume after the Yangtze River. When taking a visit to Guangzhou, you must have a look at the Pearl River no matter in the daytime or at night. The best way to explore the river is taking a Pearl River night cruise when night falls and lights put on, the view on both banks are charming and attractive which worth your 70-minute exploration by cruise. If you want to join in the locals, you can also head to Haizhu Square or Huacheng Square to have fun and nice river view.

>> 3 Days Guangzhou Short Stay with All Highlights

No.10: Sacred Heart Cathedral

Type: Sights & Landmarks, Churches & Cathedrals

Recommended Length of Visit: about 1 hour

Sacred Heart Cathedral, located on the north bank of the Pearl River at the heart of the old town, is the largest Catholic cathedral in Guangzhou and the largest cathedral in the Gothic style in Southeast Asia. Built for 25 years, this elegant cathedral can make a comparison with Notre Dame de Paris in France. Sacred Heart Cathedral is a magnificent construction with walls and columns made of granite and featured with high towers, clusters of high columns, pointed arches and stained glass windows. Since it is totally constructed of granite, it can also be called “Stone House” or “Shishi”. A visit here, travelers can fully appreciate the exquisite architectural arts, do mass (Cantonese is available from Monday to Saturday and Mandarin is available on Saturday and Sunday) and learn the religious and historical stories through architecture and Catholicism.

No.11: Guangdong Museum

Type: Museums

Recommended Length of Visit: 2~3 hours

Located in the central axis of Guangzhou and on the north bank of Pearl River in Guangzhou, Guangdong Museum is a comprehensive museum showcasing Cantonese art, nature, culture and history. This museum is listed as the first-level national museum with a collection of 160,000 pieces of cultural relics. Guangdong Museum consists of a room for historical artifacts, an exhibition space for the nature, and a vernacular art exhibition area which together house the museum’s permanent collections. The valuable relics include Ceramics, Painting and Calligraphy, Woodcarving, Duan Inkstone, Precious Stone, Paleobiogical Fossil and Mineral. If you eager to get an in-depth learning about Cantonese culture, Guangdong Museum is definitely worth a visit.

No.12: Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain)

Type: Mountains, Nature & Parks

Recommended Length of Visit: half day

Baiyun Mountain, also known as White Cloud Mountain, with an altitude of 427 meters, is a mountain located in the northeast of Guangzhou about 10 kilometers away. Famous for its greenery, Baiyun Mountain is reputed as “First Beauty in Guangzhou”, “City’s Lung”, or the “Most Famous Mountain in South of Ling”. Its highest peak - Moxing Peak is similarly sometimes called the “First Peak under the Southern Sky”. White Cloud Mountain is mostly chosen by local citizens to relax on weekends. And if you have some extra time and want to breathe fresh air, you can make the plan to this Mountain. Cable cars are available to go up and down and if you prefer to hike, it may need about 2 hours up.

No.13: Flower City Square (Huacheng Square)

Type: Landmarks & Points of Interests

Recommended Length of Visit: about 1 hour

Flower City Square or Huacheng Square, is the largest square in Guangzhou situated on the city axis in Zhujiang New Town with walk distance to Pearl River. This huge square has been planted over 600 trees and constructed a 2-kilometer plank road.

There are altogether 39 buildings around, including Guangzhou Library (New Hall), Guangdong Museum (New Hall), Guangzhou International Financial Center, Guangzhou Opera House and so on. Strolling on the square, you can have a clear sight of Canton Tower no matter in the daytime or at night. The fountain show starts at 20:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and starts at 15:00 and 20:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and other national holidays. Furthermore, during the Spring Festival every year, travelers have the chance to view “the light concert” with the backdrop of Canton Tower.

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No.14: Beijing Road & Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Type: Shopping & Specialty Shops

Recommended Length of Visit: about 1 hour

With a length of 1450 meters, Beijing Road (or Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street), is situated in the bustling commercial area in old downtown of Guangzhou (Yuexiu District). This pedestrian has been developed from original road from the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279A.D.). It will be a good idea for a walk after your exploration at Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, Yuexiu Park or Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, with a length of 1237 meters, is situated in the central area of Liwan District which is also close to Shamian Island and Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. This pedestrian street is composed of Shang Jiu Road, Xia Jiu Road and Dishupu Lu. A visit here, you can have a nice look at the unique Lingnan architectural style, know some Xiguan folk customs and try some Cantonese snacks.

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No.15: Qingping Market

Type: Shopping Area

Recommended Length of Visit: about 1 hour

Qingping Market, also known as Qingping Chinese Medicine Market, is the specialized place for Chinese medicine situated in the north of Shamian Island in Liwan District. In this market, you can see the different style of food that local Guangzhou citizen buy so they can prepare their meals. Cantonese like to cook soup every day and this market offers all kinds of herbal ingredients for the soup pot. On the stands, you can find endless rows of seafood, turtles, fish, snakes and all parts of animals...No matter you just want to have a free browse, or want to buy some suitable ingredients for your daily meal, you can find something and learn something here. It is good to combine your visit after the exploration of Shamian Island.

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No.16: Whampoa Military Academy

Type: Sights & Landmarks, Historic Site

Recommended Length of Visit: about 1 hour

Paying a visit to the Former Site of Whampoa Military Academy is worth a visit if you are a historian / history buff. Founded in 1924 and established by Sun Yat-sen with the help of the Communist Party of China and Soviet Union, Whampoa Military Academy is a museum of China’s modern revolutionary history. It was established to train army elites for both the Kuomingtang and the Communists. Indeed, it produced many prestigious commanders who fought in many of China’s conflicts in the 20th century, notably the Northern Expedition, the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War. The Former Site of Whampoa Military Academy offers a good insight into the modern history and Chinese military history.