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Ask a QuestionWhat to do in Guangzhou? As a major tourist city, as well as a gourmet city, Guangzhou offers more to see and experience. You may have visited the time-honored Temple of Chen Family and modern Canton Tower, then what else to do and see in this city? TopChinaTravel would like to introduce some popular activities and entertainments for you of this city to find you a way to access to the local culture, to explore more about this city and experience the different beauty in your own way.
Venue: Peal River
Duration: about 2 hours (daily 18:00-20:00, 20:00-21:30 and 20:30-22:30)
The night scene viewed along the Pearl River is so chroming that you must take a look at it. The best way is by boat. The trip will start from the Xidi Dock and end at the Guangzhou Bridge.
As the third largest river in China, the Pearl River measures 2,129 meters in length, with its name deriving from the Haizhu Rock (Sea Pearl Rock). When the thousand-meter long Pearl River went through Guangzhou City, a huge rock island in the center of the river was scoured time and again and became smooth and bright like a pearl, called 'Sea Pearl Rock', hence the name 'Pearl River' for the river with this rock.
Located in southern China, Guangzhou is home to Canton Cuisine - a well-known cooking style for home and abroad. Cantonese is fond of eating and skilled in cooking and food innovation, thus in China, it is a saying goes that “Eating in Guangzhou”.
The specialties here are Sliced boiled Chicken, Roasted Suckling Pig and varied seafood dishes. Snacks and Dim Sum like Wonton, Double-layer Steamed Milk and Herb Jelly, are also high recommended. Besides, have a Canton Morning Tea is the thing that every tourist should not miss.
In a wider definition, to go to drink morning tea does not just mean to drink one cup of tea after another without eating. Instead you will find many dim sums (snacks), which are quite tasty with the companion of tea. For Canton residents, it is an access to socialize rather than having a breakfast. They do not only mean to eat but want to spread news, exchange friendship and negotiate business. When negotiation is deadlocked, Cantonese people will find a decent teahouse to settle down their issues in a more relaxing atmosphere.
Venue: Guangzhou Tower (No.222 Yuejiang West Road, Haizhu District)
Duration: about 1.5 hours (daily 9:30-22:30, last admission at 22:00)
The panoramic view of Guangzhou from the Guangzhou Tower is so spectacular that you must experience it. The best way is to take the high-speed elevator to the 107th or 108th floor observation deck. The trip will let you overlook the entire city’s skyline, from the dense high-rises in the central business district to the winding Pearl River below.
As the tallest tower in South China, the Guangzhou Tower stands 600 meters high, with its design inspired by the shape of a "thin waist" (also known as "Xiaomanyao"). When the tower is lit up at night, its colorful LED lights change with the rhythm, forming a stunning visual scene. This unique appearance and superior viewing position make it a must-visit landmark for anyone traveling to Guangzhou.
Venue: Chimelong Safari Park (Chimelong Tourist Resort, Panyu District)
Duration: about 4 hours (daily 9:30-18:00, seasonal adjustments may apply)
The close interaction with rare animals in Chimelong Safari Park is so interesting that you must try it. The best way is to take the safari bus to see animals in their semi-wild habitats, and then walk in the pedestrian area to visit pandas and koalas. The trip will let you see giant pandas, white tigers, African elephants, and other animals from all over the world.
As one of the largest safari parks in Asia, Chimelong Safari Park covers an area of over 2,000 acres, with its fame spreading from being the filming location of the TV show Dad, Where Are We Going?. When you take the safari bus, you can watch lions lazing in the sun and giraffes eating leaves from trees at a safe distance. This immersive experience makes it a top choice for family trips in Guangzhou.
Venue: Shamian Island (Liwan District, between the Pearl River and Liwan Lake)
Duration: about 2 hours (daily 8:00-22:00, shops and cafes open 10:00-21:00)
The European-style scenery on Shamian Island is so romantic that you must take a walk there. The best way is to wander along the tree-lined streets and stop by the old buildings. The stroll will take you past more than 150 colonial-style buildings, including former consulates, banks, and churches.
As a historical area with a history of over 100 years, Shamian Island was once a foreign concession in the late 19th century. When the island was developed, Western-style buildings with different styles—such as Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical—were built here. Today, these well-preserved buildings are paired with green lawns and river views, making it a popular spot for photography and leisure.
Venue: Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area (Baiyun District, main entrance at No.1518 Guangyuan Middle Road)
Duration: about 3 hours (daily 6:30-21:00, cable car operates 9:00-18:00)
The natural scenery of Baiyun Mountain is so fresh that you must go hiking there. The best way is to take the cable car up the mountain first and then walk down along the scenic trails. The hiking will let you enjoy the green mountains, clear streams, and fresh air, with stops at scenic spots like Mingzhu Tower and Moxing Ridge.
As one of the "Eight New Sights of Yangcheng", Baiyun Mountain is known as the "Green Lung of Guangzhou" with a highest altitude of 382 meters. When you reach the top of Moxing Ridge (the highest peak), you can see the entire city of Guangzhou when the weather is clear. In addition to natural scenery, there are also historical sites such as the ancient temples and stone carvings on the mountain, combining nature and culture perfectly.
Venue: Yue Opera Art Museum (No.133 Enning Road, Liwan District, main theater)
Duration: about 2 hours (weekends 14:30-16:30, ticket booking required in advance)
The Yue Opera performance in the Yue Opera Art Museum is so charming that you must watch it. The best way is to sit in the traditional theater and enjoy a classic Yue Opera excerpt. The show will let you appreciate the unique singing style, exquisite costumes, and graceful movements of Yue Opera.
As a museum dedicated to protecting and inheriting Yue Opera (one of China’s national intangible cultural heritages), it is built in the style of Lingnan gardens. When you watch the performance, you can not only listen to the sweet and mellow singing but also see the performers’ delicate expressions and gestures that convey rich emotions. The combination of the garden environment and the opera show makes you feel the strong Lingnan cultural atmosphere.
Venue: Guangzhou Zoo (No.120 Xianlie Middle Road, Yuexiu District, Giant Panda Hall)
Duration: about 1 hour (daily 9:00-17:00, pandas are more active in the morning)
The giant pandas in Guangzhou Zoo are so cute that you must watch them. The best way is to go to the Giant Panda Hall in the morning when pandas are looking for food or playing. The watching will let you see the pandas eating bamboo, rolling around, or climbing trees, which is very interesting.
As one of the earliest zoos in South China, Guangzhou Zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1958. The Giant Panda Hall is one of its most popular attractions, with a comfortable living environment for pandas (including air conditioning in summer and heating in winter). When you watch the pandas, you can also learn about the protection status of giant pandas and related knowledge through the on-site introductions, making the visit both fun and educational.
Recommended Tour: 12 Days Gourmet Experience Tour
More popular Activities in Guangzhou please click Things to do in Guangzhou & Guangzhou Activities
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