Top Attractions in Guangzhou

Guangzhou Top 10 Attractions

Guangzhou is a vibrant and charming city with many attractions worth visiting. If you're planning a trip to Guangzhou, don't miss out on these top ten must-visit attractions!

Sacred Heart Cathedral 广州圣心大教堂

Opening hours: 9:00-17:30

Admission: Free

Introduction: Located on Yide East Road in Guangzhou, the Sacred Heart Cathedral is the grandest and most distinctive cathedral in the Guangzhou Diocese of the Catholic Church. With over 130 years of history, it boasts Gothic-style twin spires and is one of the largest stone-structured Catholic buildings in Southeast Asia, among the world's four granite Gothic-style cathedrals.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall 陈家祠

Opening hours: 9:00-17:30 (Closed on Tuesdays)

Address: 34 Enlong Lane, Zhongshan Seventh Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou City 广州市荔湾区中山七路恩龙里34号

Admission: YES

Introduction: The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also referred to as the Chen Family Academy or Temple, stands as a collaborative endeavor funded by the Chen lineage across Guangdong's 72 counties. Located on Qishi Road in Zhongshan District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, it spans 15,000 square meters of land and boasts an 8,000-square-meter building. Among the largest extant traditional Cantonese structures, it is celebrated as China's largest and best-preserved ancestral hall, earning the moniker "Pearl of Lingnan Architectural Art."

Canton Tower 广州塔

Opening hours: 9:00-17:30

Address: 222 Yuejiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou City 广州市海珠区阅江西路222号

Admission: YES. Advance booking is necessary.

Introduction: The Canton Tower, China's second tallest tower following the Shanghai Tower, is a nationally recognized AAAA-level tourist destination. Soaring 600 meters high, it provides sweeping vistas of Guangzhou. Its elegant silhouette, dubbed the "Slim Waist," hosts attractions like the Ferris wheel, Pearl River photography observation deck, and Spider-Man Skywalk, catering mainly to sightseers and photographers.

Dafo Temple /Beijing Road 大佛寺/北京路ㅤ

Admission: Free

Introduction: Guangzhou Dafo Temple blends traditional and contemporary architecture, hosting lifelike Buddhist statues and housing valuable relics like a Ming Dynasty bronze Buddha and Qing Dynasty wooden statues, showcasing China's rich cultural heritage. Nighttime visit recommended! Millennium-old temple, perfect for an evening stroll together with Beijing Road, offering a great city walk experience with shopping, dining, and sightseeing all in one place.

Chimelong Safari Park 长隆野生动物园

Admission: Yes; Advance booking is necessary.
Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park, renowned as "China's top-tier safari," is the world's largest wildlife-themed park in Panyu, Guangzhou. With over 20,000 rare animals, including giant pandas and koalas, it offers a unique self-drive car safari experience, integrating conservation, research, and education.

Museum of the Nanyue King's Mausoleum 南越王博物馆ㅤ

Opening hours: 9:00-17:30 (Closed on Mondays)

Admission: Palace Area: Free, Tomb Area: Necessary

Introduction: The Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, a national first-class museum, showcases the significant archaeological remains of the Nanyue State. It spans 40,000 square meters, featuring exhibits on Nanyue culture, including the tomb and palace areas, along with special and temporary exhibitions.

Guangdong Museum 广东省博物馆ㅤ

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Admission: Free; Advance booking is necessary.

Introduction: The Guangdong Provincial Museum is the largest comprehensive museum in Guangdong Province, showcasing millennia of history and exceptional folk crafts. It features renowned Chaozhou wood carving, the "Duan Inkstone" from Zhaoqing, and Guangdong embroidery. The museum also presents recreated scenes of local life and exhibits including giant dinosaur skeletons and an oceanarium.

Shamian Island 沙面岛

Admission: Free

Introduction: Shamian Island is a microcosm of modern Chinese history and the history of concessions, serving as an open-air "museum" of unique architectural styles. With over 150 European-style buildings, including 42 prominent examples of Neo-Baroque, Gothic Revival, arcade-style, Neoclassical, and Sino-Western fusion architecture, it represents the most exotic European architectural ensemble in Guangzhou.

Yongqing Fang 永庆坊

Admission: Free

Introduction: Yongqing Alley in Xiguan is a must-visit landmark in Guangzhou! Located on Enning Road in Liwan District, it was once the bustling core of the city and embodies Guangzhou's historical and cultural essence. After renovation, it retains its traditional arcade buildings and Republic-style architecture, infused with modern commercial art. Yongqing Alley now features hand-painted walls and unique artistic shops, such as the Vintage Post Office and letterpress printing experiences, making it perfect for photography and exploration.

Pearl River Night Cruise 珠江夜游

Admission: Yes

The Pearl River Night Cruise, one of Guangzhou's top attractions, offers a mesmerizing view of illuminated skyscrapers along the riverbanks, resembling a vibrant rainbow at night. Landmarks like the Canton Tower and Liede Bridge shine brightly, enhancing the spectacle. With onboard entertainment and delicious cuisine, the cruise provides a leisurely way to enjoy Guangzhou's stunning night scenery.

How to visit the must see attractions in Guangzhou

For larger groups, guided tours are advisable. However, for a cheaper but still relaxed and flexible experience with family or friends, renting a car with a driver is ideal. It offers comfort and the freedom to explore at your own pace, making for an enjoyable journey with ample sightseeing opportunities.