by chensiyuan  (format  changed) / CC BY-SA 4.0

A Major Port City on the Pearl River

A. About Guangzhou

Nickname: The City of the Five Rams

Guangzhou in southern China, one of China's five largest city, is one of the country’s most important economic and cultural hubs.

The capital of Guangdong Province had also been China’s capital in the 20th century for three times.

Influenced by neighbouring Hong Kong and formerly known as Canton to the West, the city of Guangzhou has a history dating back roughly 2,200 years. As a major port city on the Pearl River, it plays a crucial role in international trade and has historically been a center for commerce, especially during the Canton Trade Fair, which has been held since the 1950s.

The city's rich history is reflected in its many historic landmarks, such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the ancient city wall remnants. Guangzhou is also known for its vibrant culinary scene, renowned for dishes like dim sum and the local Cantonese cuisine.

Additionally, the city's modern skyline is dominated by landmarks such as the Canton Tower, which stands as one of the tallest TV towers in the world and offers panoramic views of the city.

➕ The Good

With a variety of shopping options, Guangzhou provides a diverse and satisfying shopping experience, offering a wide range of markets, malls, and boutiques.

An efficient and well-connected public transport system makes traveling around Guangzhou convenient.

Guangzhou excels in its culinary offerings, particularly with its famous Cantonese cuisine, making it a foodie destination.

Guangzhou's large size offers extensive opportunities and experiences, though it may be overwhelming for some.

➖ Negative Aspects

Guangzhou faces notable challenges in cleanliness, with issues in pollution and waste management impacting its rating. Air quality can be poor at times, and some areas are not well-maintained.

B. Best Things to Do in Guangzhou in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than 25 sights in Guangzhou. The following sights and attractions contribute to a score of 5.50/10 in this most important category:

# Canton Tower 6 3.6 out of 5 stars

Canton Tower, standing at 604 meters, is the tallest structure in Guangzhou and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, as well as a variety of entertainment options including a skywalk and observation decks.

Tower 

by Colin Zhu / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Chimelong Safari Park 6 3.6 out of 5 stars

Chimelong Safari Park, one of the largest wildlife theme parks in China, houses over 500 species including rare and endangered animals, providing an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Wildlife Theme Park Distance from Guangzhou: 19.6 km

by Xiquinho Silva / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Shāmiàn Island 6 3.6 out of 5 stars

Shāmiàn Island, historically a European concession in Guangzhou, is known for its colonial-era architecture and tree-lined streets, offering a picturesque and tranquil retreat from the bustling city.

Island  

by Eduardo M. C. / CC 2.5

# Chimelong Paradise 5 3.1 out of 5 stars

Guangzhou Chimelong Paradise, located in Panyu District, is one of China's largest and most popular amusement parks, featuring over 70 attractions including the Dive Coaster, the world's first ten-inversion roller coaster. The park also hosts spectacular live shows and parades, making it a premier destination for both thrill-seekers and family entertainment.

Amusement Park

by JaJaWa / CC 4.0

# Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family (Museum of Folk Art of Guangdong) 5 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, now the Museum of Folk Art of Guangdong, showcases exquisite examples of traditional Chinese architecture, wood carvings, and folk art, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage.

Museum  

by Zyng1 / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Sun Yat-Sen Memorial 5 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial, located in Guangzhou, is a grand monument dedicated to the founding father of the Republic of China, featuring a statue of Sun Yat-Sen and an exhibition hall detailing his life and revolutionary activities.

Monument

by Shujianyang / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda 5 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda is a historic Buddhist temple in Guangzhou, renowned for its ancient banyan trees and the intricately designed Flower Pagoda, which dates back to the 3rd century.

House Complex 

by Legolas1024 / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Museum of the Nanyue Tomb (Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King) 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Museum of the Nanyue Tomb (Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King) in Guangzhou houses the 2,000-year-old tomb of the Nanyue King Zhao Mo, showcasing a wealth of artifacts, including jade burial suits and cultural relics from the Western Han Dynasty.

Museum

by Gary Todd / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Guangzhou Opera House 4 2 out of 5 stars

Guangzhou Opera House, designed by Zaha Hadid, is an architectural marvel that hosts a range of performances from opera to modern theater, making it a cultural landmark in the city.

Opera House  

by 圍棋一級 / CC BY-SA 3.0

#10 | Yuexiu Park and Five Rams Statue 4 2 out of 5 stars

Yuexiu Park, the largest park in downtown Guangzhou, offers visitors scenic landscapes, historic monuments like the Five Rams Statue, and cultural attractions such as the ancient city wall of the Ming Dynasty.

Park

by Zhangzhugang / CC BY-SA 4.0

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌏 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Guangzhou

#11 | Guangdong Museum  4 2 out of 5 stars

The Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou, established in 1959 and relocated to Zhujiang New Town in 2010, features over 160,000 items including natural history, ceramics, and art. Its modern building, designed to resemble an antique Chinese treasure box, showcases the rich cultural heritage of Guangdong province.

Museum  

by そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

 
 

#12 | Guangzhou Museum of Art 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Guangzhou Museum of Art (廣州藝術博物院), located in Guangzhou, China, showcases over 10,000 works of art, including traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy, and modern art, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's artistic heritage.

Art Museum

by CRCHF / CC 3.0

    • Yuexiu Park 4
    • Liwan Museum 4
    • Shangxiajiu Street 4
    • Yuyin Garden 4
 

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Guangzhou

Baiyun (White Cloud) Mountain 6 3 out of 5 stars

Baiyun (White Cloud) Mountain, a popular scenic spot in Guangzhou, offers lush greenery, panoramic city views, and various attractions such as the Moxing Summit and the Nengren Temple, making it a favorite destination for both tourists and locals.

Mountain  Distance from Guangzhou: 111 km

by anonimerce / CC 4.0

Gulong Canyon Grand Glass Skywalk Bridge 5

Shenzhen 5 (136 km)

 

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Guangzhou (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Guangzhou for at least three entire days:

Canton Tower 6

Chimelong Safari Park 6

Shāmiàn Island 6

Chimelong Paradise 5

Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family 5

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial 5

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees & Flower Pagoda 5

Guangzhou Opera House  4

Museum of the Nanyue Tomb  4

Yuexiu Park and Five Rams Statue  4

Copyright © 2024 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes