15 Best Things to See and Do in Guangzhou, China

Looking for the best things to do in Guangzhou?

This vibrant southern Chinese city offers a perfect blend of historical charm, modern landmarks, and lush green spaces. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another trip, this Guangzhou itinerary will give you a mix of must-see attractions and lesser-known spots to make your trip unforgettable.

Here are my top recommendations for places to visit and things to do in Guangzhou, from ancient temples to stunning skyline views—ideal for creating a Mixbook travel album filled with your favorite moments.

Top 15 Things to Do in Guangzhou, China

1. Visit the Canton Tower: Guangzhou’s Futuristic Landmark

No Guangzhou itinerary would be complete without a visit to the Canton Tower, one of the most iconic Guangzhou attractions. Towering at 600 meters, this architectural marvel offers panoramic views of the city, and for the adventurous, there’s even a skywalk and an outdoor glass observatory.

You can enjoy beautiful Guangzhou views from the 428m and 433m observation decks, and also from the 450m lookout. The 450m lookout is right at the top of the Canton Tower and you can get there also via the Bubble Tram, one of the most unique things to do in Guangzhou. It is the highest Ferris wheel in the world and has been designed to resist 8-magnitude earthquakes and Beaufort scale 12 typhoons.

2. Explore Shamian Island: A Window into Guangzhou’s Colonial Past

Shamian Island (translated as “sandy surface”) is a charming, pedestrian-friendly district that gives you a glimpse into Guangzhou’s colonial history. Once a hub for foreign trade during the 19th century, it’s now known for its picturesque tree-lined streets, European-style architecture, and lovely riverside promenade.

There are some cute cafes and shops in this area, but maybe one of the most interesting things about the area is the Place of Adoption. Shamian Island is well-known among Western couples who are looking to adopt Chinese babies and young children, most of who are orphaned and female.

3. Vist Guangzhou Yongqingfang: A Cultural Revival

One of my favorite things to do in Guangzhou was to explore the historic Yongqingfang area in the heart of Guangzhou’s old town, Enning Road District. Here, modern and traditional Guangzhou blend seamlessly.

Recognized as a national 4A scenic spot (a type of rating system for the most important and best-maintained tourist attractions in the People’s Republic of China), Yongqingfang is home to old streets and small alleys that were built hundreds or thousands of years ago and where many historical sites of Cantonese heritage live.

The area is full of local artisans, quaint shops, and cultural exhibits. You can also enjoy traditional Cantonese opera performances in Yongqingfang.

4. Hike Baiyun Mountain for Stunning Views, A Top Thing to Do in Guangzhou

Baiyun Mountain, also known as White Cloud Mountain, is a must-visit for nature lovers and anyone looking for panoramic views of Guangzhou. There are several trails of varying difficulty, and at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the Pearl River.

You can either hike or take the cable car up, making it accessible for all visitors.

Other than hiking, you can also admire wild birds and rare plants, see some cultural relics, and just relax and enjoy nature.

5. Visit the Bruce Lee Family Residence

When you visit Guangzhou, you need to also pay a visit to the ancestral residence of famous global Hollywood movie star Bryce Lee. The Bruce Lee family residence is located in the Yongqingfang area and it is a great place to visit for insights into the legendary actor’s family history and his roots in southern China.

6. Dafo Temple: A Hidden Gem Near Beijing Road

Built by Emperor Liu Yan in the Southern Han dynasty (917–971), the Dafo Temple, also known as the Grand Buddha Temple, is a grand temple with a history of more than one thousand years. It is located in the center of Guangzhou, just a stroll away from the bustling Beijing Road.

The temple was destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout its thousand-year-old history and has been used for a number of different purposes throughout its existence. Nowadays, the Dafo Temple is restored to its former glory and is used as it was first intended as a Buddhist temple.

We randomly stumbled upon it while exploring the areas and it felt like although it is so beautiful and has such a long history is one of the lesser-known things to do in Guangzhou; it is definitely worth the visit tho, so don’t miss out on checking it out.

7. Stroll Along the Pearl River Promenade

The 23km long Pearl River Promenade is a scenic riverside walkway that stretches along the heart of Guangzhou, offering visitors stunning views of the river, the city skyline, and iconic structures like the Canton Tower. This vibrant area comes alive at night when the buildings and bridges are lit up in colorful displays, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The promenade is lined with parks, open-air cafes, and benches, providing plenty of places to relax and take in the scenery.

The Pearl River is more than 2, 000km long and is the third longest river in China. You can also join a river cruise.

8. Relax in the Stunning Yuntai Garden

Located on the slopes of Baiyun Mountain, Yuntai Garden is one of the most beautifully landscaped gardens in the city, featuring flowers from all over the world. There is a rose garden with a great variety of different roses, a cactus house, a lake, and much more. It is a great place to relax and to take your Insta-worthy photos.

9. Enjoy the Tranquility of the Orchid Garden

If you are an orchid fan, then one of the things you will enjoy most doing while visiting Guangzhou will be going to the Orchid Garden. The garden is so beautiful and peaceful that even if you are not going specifically to admire the different orchids, you’ll still enjoy it 1,000%.

Aside from the orchids, you’ll also find bamboo groves, rock formations, and pavilions scattered throughout. It’s an ideal place for a quiet stroll, especially if you’re interested in the traditional art of Chinese garden design.

10. Step Back in Time at Enning Road History Block

Enning Road History Block is one of Guangzhou’s most charming historical neighborhoods, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Known for its traditional Xiguan-style architecture, the area preserves the elegance of Guangzhou’s old streets with a series of well-preserved Qilou buildings—arcade-style structures that blend Western and Lingnan (southern Chinese) architectural elements.

11. Walk the Bustling Beijing Road

If you’re in the mood for shopping and history combined, Beijing Road is the place to be. This pedestrian shopping street is one of the most famous places to visit in Guangzhou. Underneath glass panels along the road, you’ll find ancient city ruins dating back to the Song and Yuan dynasties. It’s the perfect spot for shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, and soaking up Guangzhou’s vibrant energy.

12. Discover History at Liurong Temple (Six Banyan Trees Temple)

Liurong Temple, or the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, is one of Guangzhou’s most important historical sites. Dating back to 537 AD, this ancient Buddhist temple is home to a stunning pagoda, intricate carvings, and peaceful courtyards.

The temple’s vibrant history and cultural significance make it one of the best places to visit in Guangzhou for those interested in traditional Chinese architecture and spirituality.

13. Shop Till You Drop in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is famous for its shopping scene, and you’ll find everything from luxury malls to bargain markets. Whether you’re looking for the latest electronics, fashion, or unique souvenirs, shopping is one of the top things to do in Guangzhou. Make sure to do your research ahead of time to get an idea of where you can find what you are interested in and looking for.

14. Visit Yuexiu Park and the Five Rams Statue

As Guangzhou’s largest urban park, Yuexiu Park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It’s home to the famous Five Rams Statue, a symbol of Guangzhou’s prosperity and legend. Here, you’ll also find lakes, gardens, and historical relics like the ancient city wall.

15. A Unique 24-Hour SPA Experience

While we knew about these types of experiences before visiting Guangzhou, it wasn’t something we initially planned to include in our Guangzhou itinerary. Having already tried a variety of massages during our trip to China and with so many cool and interesting to do in Guangzhou, we wanted to focus on exploring the city. However, these 24-hour spa experiences are genuinely unique and I would love to give them a try on our next trip to China.

These (most of the ones I found) luxury spas are popular throughout China but are especially popular in Guangzhou. Most of these establishments offer a range of all-inclusive services, and for a fixed price, you can enjoy access to a host of relaxing amenities. The entrance fee usually covers accommodation, massages, gourmet food, and various spa amenities, will some of them also having cinemas and game rooms available to guests as well.

Pretty unique, huh? Would you give it a try?

I hope that this article gave you a good overview of the best things to do in Guangzhou. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Thank you for reading,

Bilyana