Top Tourist attractions Must-visit in Guangzhou

When people mention Guangzhou, they often first think of its economic development and skyscrapers. However, they tend to overlook its rich history and culture boasts a splendid 2,000-year history. Guangzhou is not only economically prosperous but also home to historical attractions, heritage sites, countless shopping streets await exploration.

Highlights include the Canton Tower, which stands out with its modern and imposing design, offering breathtaking views of the city. Yuexiu Park is a beautiful green oasis, rich in historical relics and natural beauty. Shamian Island showcases colonial architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. The Chen Clan Academy displays exquisite traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is a bustling hub for shopping and entertainment. These attractions, like dazzling stars along both sides of the Pearl River, radiate vibrant energy. They captivate visitors with their unique charm, offering a diverse and enriching experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the essence of Guangzhou.

Top 1: Canton Tower / Guangzhou

The Canton Tower, also known as Guangzhou Tower, is an illustrious landmark of Guangzhou, soaring majestically into the sky. It embodies the progressive spirit and innovation of Guangdong. Standing at 600 meters (1,969 feet), it is one of the tallest towers in the world and was completed in 2010. The tower's unique shape, with a broad base and a slender waist, has earned it the nickname "Little Waist.

The tower has several observation decks, including the Main Observation Deck, the Outdoor Observation Deck, and the Sky Drop, which is a free-fall ride from the top of the tower. There is also a rotating restaurant, known as the Canton Tower Revolving Restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the city.

The tower was designed by the Dutch architectural firm, Information Based Architecture, and was constructed by Guangzhou New Television Tower Group. It has won numerous awards for its design, including the CTBUH Skyscraper Award and the IStructE Award for Commercial or Retail Structures.

The Canton Tower has become a popular tourist attraction in Guangzhou and has been used as a venue for several events, including the opening ceremony of the 2010 Asian Games.

Tips:

After purchasing tickets, security checks are required for entry. Water, food, and flammable or explosive items are not allowed and can be stored at the security check area.

After collecting the tickets, you must enter the tower within 2 hours, or the ticket will automatically become invalid.

• Address: No. 222, Yuejiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: 09:30-22:30
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

Top 2: Chen Clan Academy

The Chen Family Temple, also known as the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, is a historic temple complex located in Guangzhou. Built during the late 19th century, the temple is a masterpiece of Lingnan architecture, characterized by its intricate carvings, colorful decorations, and traditional courtyard design.

Originally built as a place for the Chen family to worship their ancestors, the temple is now open to the public as a museum showcasing traditional Lingnan culture and art. Visitors can explore the various halls and courtyards, which feature exhibits of ancient ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, and folk art.

One of the most striking features of the temple is its magnificent carved woodwork. The temple is adorned with more than 500 intricate wooden carvings, depicting a variety of scenes from Chinese folklore, mythology, and daily life. The carvings are so detailed and elaborate that they are considered to be some of the finest examples of Lingnan wood carving in China.

Another highlight of the temple is its collection of stone carvings, which include a variety of elaborate reliefs and sculptures. Visitors can also see the temple's ancestral tablets, which list the names and achievements of the Chen family's ancestors over the past 800 years.

The Chen Family Temple is a fascinating cultural landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of Guangdong Province. It is easily accessible from central Guangzhou, and guided tours are available in English and other languages.

• Address: Liwan District of Guangzhou
• Open Hours: 08:30-17:30
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 3: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a historic landmark located in Guangzhou. It was built in 1931 as a memorial to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China and a pivotal figure in the country's political history. The memorial hall is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of China's most revered historical figures.

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is an impressive building, featuring traditional Chinese architectural elements combined with modern design. The hall is situated in a large park, which includes a number of gardens, pavilions, and lakes.

Inside the memorial hall, visitors can see a variety of exhibits related to the life and accomplishments of Sun Yat-sen. The exhibits include photographs, documents, and artifacts related to Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary activities, as well as his personal life and philosophy. Visitors can also see a replica of Sun Yat-sen's office and living quarters, giving them a sense of what life was like for the man himself.

One of the most striking features of the memorial hall is the large bronze statue of Sun Yat-sen, which stands at the center of the main hall. The statue is surrounded by a number of murals and sculptures, depicting scenes from Sun Yat-sen's life and the history of modern China.

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a fascinating cultural and historical landmark, offering visitors a chance to learn about one of China's most important political figures. The hall is easily accessible from central Guangzhou, and guided tours are available in English and other languages.

• Address: No. 259, Dongfeng Middle Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: 08:00-18:00, Ticket sales stop at 16:30; admission stops at 17:00
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 4: Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, also known as the Liurong Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Guangzhou. It was originally built in 537 during the Liang Dynasty and has undergone several renovations over the centuries.

One of the most notable features of the temple is its pagoda, which is also known as the Flower Pagoda. The pagoda was originally built in 1097 and stands at a height of 57 meters. It has thirteen stories and is adorned with beautiful carvings and Buddhist images.

The temple is also home to a large number of cultural relics and Buddhist artifacts, including statues, paintings, and scriptures. One of the most famous relics in the temple is the wooden statue of the Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin, which is over six meters tall and is one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in China.

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is a popular tourist attraction and is considered one of the most important Buddhist temples in Guangzhou. It has played an important role in the spread of Buddhism in the region and continues to be a significant center of Buddhist worship and culture.

• Address: No. 87, Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: 08:00-17:00
• Tour Length: 1 hours

Top 5: Yuexiu Park

Yuexiu Park is the largest comprehensive sightseeing park in the center of Guangzhou, covering an area of about 860,000 square meters. The park boasts beautiful scenery, with flowers blooming year-round, dense bamboo forests, trees, picturesque lawns, and serene lakes. It is a popular spot where many locals come to stroll, relax, and exercise.

In addition to its most famous landmark, the Five Rams Statue—an iconic symbol of Guangzhou，Yuexiu Park also features the Zhenhai Tower, one of the best-preserved and most culturally distinctive ancient buildings in Guangzhou. Other historical sites include the Ancient City Wall, the only surviving section of the Ming Dynasty wall in Guangzhou and the city’s oldest existing wall, with a history of over 600 years, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Monument.

Every spring and autumn, a large number of citizens and tourists come to visit. That is because Yuexiu Park holds a grand flower exhibition, which attracts a large number of citizens and tourists.

• Address: No. 988, Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: 06:00-22:00
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 6: Shamian Island

Shamian Island is a small island located on the banks of the Pearl River in Liwan District, Guangzhou. With its fresh air and beautiful environment, Shamian Island was once an important foreign trade port in Guangzhou. After the Opium War, it became a British and French concession. Over the course of a century, the island has preserved many buildings of various architectural styles constructed by foreigners.

The island retains more than 150 historical buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including 42 distinctive buildings in styles such as Neo-Baroque, Neo-Gothic, arcade style, Neoclassical, and a blend of Chinese and Western elements. These structures form a unique open-air "museum" of architecture. Shamian Island is a famous tourist attraction and a protected historical site in Guangzhou.

• Address: No. 60, Shamian South Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

Top 7: Guangdong Museum

Guangdong Museum is a large museum located in Guangzhou. The museum was established in 1959, and it is one of the oldest and largest museums in China. The museum is dedicated to the history, culture, and art of Guangdong Province, as well as the broader cultural history of China.

The museum's collection includes over 160,000 artifacts, including ancient ceramics, jade, bronze, and other artifacts from the region's history. The museum also has exhibits on traditional Chinese art forms such as calligraphy, painting, and sculpture, as well as exhibits on the history of Guangdong Province, including its role in the Opium Wars and the development of the region's economy.

The museum has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, with the latest renovation completed in 2010. The new building features modern architecture and design, including an innovative energy-efficient system that reduces the museum's carbon footprint. The new building also includes a 4D theater, interactive exhibits, and a large central atrium that serves as a gathering space for visitors.

The Guangdong Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture. Its vast collection and modern facilities make it one of the most comprehensive and enjoyable museums in China.

• Address: No. 2 Zhujiang East Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
• Open Hours: 09:00-17:00 admission stops at 16:00 Closed on Mondays
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 8: The Museum of the Nanyue King

Located on the bustling Jiefang North Road in Guangzhou, adjacent to Yuexiu Park, the Western Han Nanyue King Tomb is the largest Han Dynasty painted stone-chamber tomb discovered in the Lingnan region, excavated in June 1983.

The Nanyue King Tomb Museum was built around the original site of the tomb, showcasing the burial site of the second king of the Nanyue Kingdom, Zhao Mo (who reigned from 137 BC to 122 BC), along with over 10,000 funeral artifacts. Notable items include the Nanyue King's "silk-thread jade burial suit," the Emperor Wen's golden seal, and a jade drinking vessel. Among these, the Nanyue King's silk-thread jade burial suit is the earliest and most complete jade burial suit ever discovered in China, making it extremely rare. The tomb provides valuable insights into the politics, economy, and culture of Lingnan over 2,000 years ago.

• Address: No. 867, Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: 9:00-17:30；Ticket sales stop at 16:30; Closed on Monday
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 9: Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Mountain, located in the northeastern part of Guangzhou, has been regarded as the top scenic spot of the city since ancient times. After rain or during the late spring season, the mountain is often enveloped in white clouds, which is how Baiyun Mountain got its name. The Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area covers an area of 21.8 square kilometers, with a greening coverage rate of 95%, earning it the nickname "the lungs of Guangzhou." Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the mountain to enjoy panoramic views of the Pearl River Delta Plain and the city of Guangzhou.

Baiyun Mountain is rich in natural resources and hosts a variety of rare flora and fauna. Key attractions include the Luhu Lake Scenic Area, the Santailing Scenic Area, and the Mingchun Valley Scenic Area. Other notable sites include Moshan Ridge and Nengren Temple, which draw a large number of visitors each year. Baiyun Mountain is a renowned tourist destination that integrates natural beauty, historical culture, and recreational activities, making it a must-visit spot for tourists. Visitors can explore the area by foot or take the cable car.

Cable car hours: 09:00-18:00 Holidays: 8:30-20:00

• Address: No. 56, Yide Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: 06:00-22:00
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

Top 10: Chimelong Tourist Resort

Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort is one of the top sights chosen by 99% of families visiting Guangzhou with children. It offers kids the opportunity to observe rare animals up close in a natural setting, feed them, watch world's largest professional circus performance, and participate in a wide range of entertainment activities. It's an excellent place where education meets fun.

Chimelong Tourist Resort is China's largest and most comprehensive theme park resort, boasting the highest number of theme parks and attractions. The resort includes the Chimelong Safari Park, Chimelong Happy World, International Circus, Water Park, Bird Park, and a range of themed hotels.

Chimelong Safari Park: Featuring large-scale free-range wildlife habitats, it is the largest wildlife theme park in China with the most diverse animal species. you can enjoy close-up encounters with wild animals, feed them, take photos, and watch thrilling animal theater performances.

Chimelong International Circus: Home to the world's largest professional circus performance venue, this circus features over 300 circus elites and more than 500 professionally trained animals, putting on exciting and spectacular performances that include daring acrobatics and magic shows.

Chimelong Happy World: the largest amusement park in China with over 70 rides, offers thrilling attractions like the Guinness World Record-holding Ten-Loop Roller Coaster, along with exciting performances and experiences such as magic shows, acrobatics, parades, and a 4D cinema.

Chimelong Water Park: As the largest water park in Asia, Chimelong Water Park features numerous world-renowned, gold award-winning water attractions. Popular rides include the world's longest 1,280-meter "Lazy River," "High-Speed Slide," "Super Giant Funnel," all offering an exciting and exhilarating water amusement experience.

• Address: Chimelong Safari Park, Panyu District Guangzhou
• Open Hours: 10:00-22:00 Stop selling tickets: 20:00
• Tour Length: 1-2 days

Tips:

• 1.Food and drinks are not allowed to be brought into the park. There are dining areas and ice drink stations available within the park.
• 2.Visitors must undergo a security check when entering the park.
• 3.The park is quite large, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen. Please do not wear flip-flops while participating in rides.
• 4.Photos taken in the park are for personal use only and cannot be used for any commercial purposes.

Top 11: Sacred Heart Cathedral

There are four Gothic-style all-stone churches in the world, one of which is the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Guangzhou. It near the Pearl River and Beijing Road Pedestrian Street.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral earns the names 'Sacred Heart of Jesus Stone Hall' and 'Stone Catholic Church' because its walls and pillars are entirely constructed of granite. Designed by French architects and built by Chinese craftsmen, the construction took 25 years, from 1863 to 1888. With over 130 years of history, its stained-glass windows, high pointed arches, spire towers, and spacious, lofty nave give the building an air of beauty and solemnity.

The cathedral blends Chinese and Western styles. it looks as though it is wearing a Western-style 'coat,' but this 'coat' incorporates many traditional Chinese elements within it. It features unique elements, such as Chinese tung oil and glutinous rice paste were used to bind the stones. A stone from Jerusalem and soil from Rome beneath the foundation, with engraved stones marking "Jerusalem 1863" and "Rome 1863." The roof's water outlets are shaped like Chinese lions, and the locally sourced floor tiles are designed for moisture resistance. The grand wooden doors are adorned with intricate Cantonese-style carvings.

• Mass Schedule:
• Monday to Saturday: 6:30am, 7am, 3:30pm (English), 7:30pm
• Sunday: 6:30am, 8:30am, 10:30am, 3:30pm (English)
• Address: No. 259, Dongfeng Middle Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM; 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM; Sunday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Tips:

• 1.All visitors are welcome to attend Mass. During Mass, walking or taking photos inside the church is not permitted.
• 2.When entering the church, wearing sleeveless tops, short skirts, shorts, or flip-flops is prohibited. At the entrance, long scarves are available for visitors to use free of charge.
• 3.The church is closed on Mondays and the third Sunday of every month.

Top 12: Beijing Road Pedestrian

Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, located in the heart of Guangzhou, is not only the birthplace of the city's urban development but also its most bustling commercial center throughout history. For over 2,000 years, it has maintained its status as the city's central urban and commercial district, contributing to Guangzhou's rich historical and cultural heritage as well as its thriving commercial civilization.

Key attractions include Tianzi Wharf, the ancient drip clock, the arcade-style pedestrian street, colorful mural streets, and the Temple of the Great Buddha. Visitors can not only enjoy shopping but also admire historic architecture and savor a variety of Guangzhou's cuisine and specialties.

• Address: Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 13: Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, located in Liwan District, Guangzhou, is a historic commercial street with a history dating back to the early 20th century. Spanning over 1000 meters. It is named after the "nine steps" tradition, where visitors traditionally make nine steps while offering incense at the nearby temple.

The street is known for its unique blend of traditional Lingnan-style arcade buildings, Southern European architectural features, and the distinctive Western-style buildings of the Xiguan area. This vibrant street blends Guangzhou's rich cultural heritage with modern life, offering a lively atmosphere for shopping, sightseeing, and enjoying delicious Cantonese street food, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

• Address: Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 14: Xiaozhou Village

In a bustling metropolis like Guangzhou, is it all just towering skyscrapers? Not at all. Guangzhou is not only home to thriving economic development but also rich in historical landmarks. If you're tired of the modern cityscape and want to explore the rest of town, a visit to Xiaozhou Village is a great choice.

Xiaozhou Village is an ancient village full of Lingnan water town charm. Founded in the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty. The village has retained the unique charm of the Lingnan water town and has been designated as one of the first 16 historical and cultural preservation zones in Guangzhou. You can explore historical sites here, such as Jian Clan Ancestral Hal ancestral halls Tianhou Temple, Sihai Gongci and oyster shell houses.

• Address: Opposite to Yingzhou Ecological Park, Haizhu District, Guangzhou
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

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