Your China & Yunnan Travel Experts
Ask a QuestionTo visit Guangzhou, there are numerous places are worth sightseeing, such as Guangzhou Must See Attractions, Guangzhou Must See Shows, Guangzhou Must See Commercial Streets, Guangzhou Must See Buildings, etc. Top China Travel has picked out some must see in Guangzhou that are worthwhile for tourists.
Temple of Chen Family
Temple of Chen Family
The Temple of the Chen Family is not only the largest, best-preserved, and most exquisitely decorated ancient architectural complex in Guangdong province but also a supreme masterpiece of Lingnan (South of the Five Ridges) decorative arts. Now housing the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, it showcases the breathtaking "Seven Excellences": wood carving, stone carving, brick carving, pottery sculpture,灰塑 (lime sculpture), copper-cast art, and colorful paintings. Every roof ridge, column, and doorway tells a story from Chinese mythology or history through intricate figures and scenes. Originally built as an ancestral hall for the Chen clan in the late Qing Dynasty, it served as an academy to prepare students for imperial examinations. Today, visitors can marvel at the architectural genius that blends functionality with profound artistic expression, making it an essential stop to understand Lingnan culture. Tip: Allocate at least two hours to appreciate the details, and look for the symbolic bats (fu), representing good fortune, hidden throughout the carvings.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
An iconic symbol of Guangzhou, the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built in 1931 with funds raised by the people of Guangzhou and overseas Chinese to commemorate the great revolutionary forerunner. Designed by the renowned architect Lu Yanzhi (who also designed the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing), its magnificent octagonal structure is a successful fusion of traditional Chinese palace architecture with modern construction techniques. The grand hall, with a span of 71 meters, was the largest public building with the greatest auditorium capacity in China at the time, achieved without a single obstructing pillar. The deep blue glazed tiles, the white granite platforms, and the bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in front create an atmosphere of grandeur and reverence. It remains a vital venue for important meetings and cultural performances. The surrounding memorial park, with ancient trees and the nearby Sun Yat-sen Monument, offers a peaceful retreat in the city center.
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
This ancient temple, with a history stretching back over 1,400 years to the Liang Dynasty, is a spiritual and cultural landmark. Its name, "Six Banyan Trees," was bestowed by the great Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who was captivated by six majestic banyan trees he saw here. While the original trees are gone, the temple is renowned worldwide for its stunning Six Banyan Pagoda (Hua Ta, or "Flower Pagoda"). Soaring 57.6 meters high, the pagoda appears to be a nine-story structure from the outside but has 17 stories inside. Its vibrant eaves, painted in red, white, and green, resemble blossoming flowers, hence the name. Climbing the pagoda rewards visitors with a panoramic view of old Guangzhou. The temple is also an active Buddhist sanctuary, housing precious cultural relics, including an ancient bronze statue of Buddha from the Northern Wei Dynasty and a massive, serene Jade Buddha. The atmosphere is one of profound tranquility amidst the urban bustle.
Shamian Island
Shamian Island
Shamian Island is a unique historical enclave and an open-air museum of European colonial architecture. Created as a sandbank (hence its name, "Sand Surface") in the Pearl River, it was divided into British and French concessions after the Opium Wars. The island's charm lies in its peaceful, tree-lined avenues, lush gardens, and over 150 well-preserved buildings in styles ranging from Neo-Baroque and Neo-Classical to Gothic Revival. Strolling along its pedestrian-friendly streets feels like stepping back in time. Key landmarks include the former British and French consulates, the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, and the iconic Bridge of England. Today, these historic buildings have been adaptively reused into chic cafes, boutique hotels, art galleries, and souvenir shops. It's the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon of photography, coffee, and people-watching, offering a stark and serene contrast to the frenetic energy of Guangzhou's modern districts.
Pearl River
Pearl River
As the third longest river in China and the mother river of Guangzhou, the Pearl River is the lifeblood and defining feature of the city. Its history is intertwined with Guangzhou's identity as a millennia-old trading port on the Maritime Silk Road. The riverbanks beautifully narrate the city's story: from the historical customs house at Huangpu Old Port to the futuristic skyline of Zhujiang New Town. The river itself is a dynamic spectacle. By day, it's a bustling waterway; by night, it transforms into a glittering stage for the city's famous light show. The best way to experience its magic is to take a Pearl River Night Cruise. Sailing from Whampoa (Huangpu) to the White Goose Pool (Bai'etán), the cruise passes under illuminated bridges and offers unparalleled views of landmarks like Canton Tower, Guangzhou International Finance Center (IFC), and the Haixin Bridge. The traditional scenic spots like "Red Heart of the Pearl Sea" and "Night Moon over the Goose Pool" capture the poetic essence that has inspired locals and visitors for centuries. The riverfront promenades, especially around Haixinsha Island (site of the 2010 Asian Games opening ceremony), are popular for evening strolls and exercise, showcasing the vibrant daily life of the city.
►More info about must see attractions in Guangzhou please click: Guangzhou Attractions
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, the first pedestrian mall approved by the ministry of commerce of China in Guangzhou, is a showcase of traditional Cantonese architecture, especially pretty at night when it's lit up.
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, one of the major commercial streets in Guangzhou, is a busy place with shoppers packing both sides of the road, and an array of neon lights dazzling your eyes. There are many different business stores, shopping malls, flavor snacks and delicacy plaza. Many famous brand clothing stores gather together so that you can shop one by one without wasting time.
Hualin Jade Market, accounting for over 90% of the cities jade sales, one can find not only small jade items costing a few money but also rings, bangles, pendants and sculptures, with price tags ranging from about RMB100 to tens of thousands of yuan.
►More info about must see commercial streets in Guangzhou please click: Guangzhou Shopping
Cantonese opera, Chinese local opera, formerly known as Guangdong Drama, is Guangzhou traditional theatrical pieces. Since AD 1522 to 1566, it has spread in Guangdong.
It is a performing art collecting singing, reading, playing, music played by musicians, drama stage and costumes, abstract body, etc. Known as "southern red beans," its performance is flexible and delicate, its music for voices is varied and its melody is graceful and harmonious, making it deeply loved by the Guangzhou people.
►More info about must see shows in Guangzhou please click: Things to do in Guangzhou
Guangzhou TV & Sightseeing Tower (Canton Tower), with a height of 618 meters, ranks as the highest tower in China and the highest TV Tower in the world. It offers a platform for the public to have a bird's view of Guangzhou City.
It has the longest aerial ladder, the highest revolving restaurant, the highest outdoor sightseeing platform as well as the highest lateral observation wheel. Mixed the architectural art with the modern science, Guangzhou TV & Sightseeing Tower integrates the functions of broadcast, sightseeing, entertainment and leisure into one as a new landmark of Guangzhou City.
►Highly recommended tour in Guangzhou: 3 Days Guangzhou Highlight Tour
(Attractions: Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Temple of Chen Family, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Shamian Island)
►More useful travel information in Guangzhou please click: Guangzhou Travel Guide
►More tours in Guangzhou you can click: Guangzhou Tours
English
