Whether you are drawn by the neon glow of a 600 metre skyline or the comforting steam of a 5:00 AM dim sum basket, Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, blends modern China with over 2,000 years of living history.
With visa-free entry now available for travellers from Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and 44 other countries, and improving access for visitors from the UK and Canada, Guangzhou has become one of the easiest major cities in China to explore.
This guide covers how to get there, when to go, how to move around, and which experiences are most worth your time, so you can skip the stress and focus on eating, sightseeing, and enjoying the city.
Guangzhou Weather and Best Time to Visit
Guangzhou has a humid subtropical climate, warm year-round temperatures and distinct seasonal differences.
| Season | Travel Tip |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Comfortable for outdoor walks and nature spots like Baiyun Mountain, though humidity starts to rise. |
| Summer (Jun-Sep) | Hot and humid, often above 33°C.
Best for indoor attractions, shopping malls, and theme parks such as Chimelong Water Park and indoor snow worlds. |
| Autumn (Oct-Nov) | The most pleasant season, ideal for walking tours, river cruises, and city exploration. |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Mild (10°C+). A great time to visit flower markets and experience Lunar New Year traditions. |
If you prefer a smooth way to cover the main sights, you can choose a private day tour to see the the Canton Tower, the Chen Clan Academy, the Pearl River, and nearby attractions.
Flights to Guangzhou
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is one of southern China’s main international hubs and the primary base of China Southern Airlines.
Direct or seasonal flights connect Guangzhou with cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London Heathrow, Sydney, Melbourne, and Vancouver.
Flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur take around four hours and operate frequently, making Guangzhou a convenient short break destination.
From Hong Kong, many travellers skip flying altogether. The high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou South Railway Station takes about 47 to 60 minutes and is usually faster door-to-door.
Arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Entry rules to know before you arrive
Starting from 9th February 2024, citizens of 48 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, making Guangzhou ideal for short trips and long weekends.
You can complete your arrival details online using the Immigration Bureau 12367 service, which may reduce paperwork and waiting time on arrival, though paper forms may still be issued if required.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Metro Line 3 connects the airport to central Guangzhou in around 45 to 60 minutes.
If you are travelling with family or heavy luggage, a private airport transfer offers a relaxed door-to-door option with no waiting, navigation stress, or language barriers.
Guangzhou Map and Must-See Attractions
Guangzhou is divided into the “Old City” (Liwan/Yuexiu) and the “New City” (Zhujiang New Town). Here are some key attractions that you must absolutely check out in Guangzhou!
Canton Tower: The “Slim Waist” of the City
If you want to witness Guangzhou at its full glory, head first to its iconic landmark: the Canton Tower.
Standing at 610 meters tall, this skyscraper is a stand-out in Guangzhou’s skyline, offering panoramic views, thrilling experiences, and a stunning display of lights.
The tower was initially built in 2010 to demonstrate China’s growing prowess in contemporary engineering and innovation. Its slender, fluid design is a reflection of the city’s dynamic modernism and futuristic ambition.
From its observation decks, you can spot the Pearl River, Haizhu Bridge, and other modern skyscrapers. But beyond the observation deck, the tower has a lot more to offer in terms of thrilling attractions.
One popular experience is the Bubble Tram, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, offering unobstructed panoramic views of the entire cityscape.
The experience is wonderful during sunset, as you watch the skyline get painted in a warm glow, and at night, when the city comes alive with dazzling lights.
Here are other unique experiences from the Canton Tower:
- Sky Drop: An adrenaline-filled vertical drop ride that drops you from the tower’s peak
- Skywalk & Rope Course: An outdoor adventure that features a 360-degree skywalk, available through various courses
- 488 Lookout: The highest outdoor viewing deck in the world, standing at 488 meters above the ground. It offers panoramic views and photo opportunities.
Sunset and evening visits are especially popular when the skyline glows, and the river lights reflect across the city.
Baiyun Mountain
After exploring Guangzhou’s urban charm, head to Baiyun Mountain to take in its natural beauty.
Located just 17 kilometres from the city, this natural landmark is renowned for its lush greenery, panoramic views, and picturesque sites.
The name Baiyun means “White Cloud” in Chinese, as its summit gets covered in clouds whenever the sky clears.
To reach the summit quickly, you can ride the cable car to Baiyun Mountain.
Aside from its convenience, this gives you scenic views of the mountain and the surrounding areas, including the Guangzhou cityscape, on your ascent.
The mountain is brimming with scenic areas that visitors can explore. One of these is Luhu Lake, a public park that boasts of lakeside scenery, a botanical garden, and a golf club.
Another must-see area is the Yuntai Garden, the largest landscape garden in China. Feast your eyes on the garden’s sea of flowers, which covers 250,000 square meters.
The garden features a mix of European and Chinese design and is home to exotic ornamental plants.
Whether you love flowers or not, the picturesque floral displays of this massive garden are sure to brighten your day.
This area is easy to combine with other highlights through a guided day tour if you prefer not to plan transport yourself.
Pearl River Day Cruise with Floating Tea House
Enjoy a calm Pearl River day cruise through central Guangzhou, paired with a floating tea house experience.
From the water, you see the city at a slower pace, with classic bridges and modern skylines drifting past.
What’s included
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Boat ticket and floating tea house seat
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Morning tea served onboard
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Fixed departures at 09:30 and 11:30
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Ticket pick up at Tianyu Pier, 30 minutes before departure
Available as double, three-person, or four-person packages, this cruise is ideal for couples and families who want a relaxed daytime experience on the Pearl River.
Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park
If you’re visiting Guangzhou with your family, the Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park is one key destination that you shouldn’t miss. It’s famously home to the world’s only surviving giant panda triplets.
Located within the expansive Chimelong Tourist Resort, this park is one of the largest safari parks in the world, housing over 20,000 animals from more than 500 species.
Unlike traditional zoos, Chimelong Safari Park mimics natural habitats, allowing animals to roam around freely in open spaces. You can see this wildlife up close via enclosed trams and walkthrough zones.
To make the most of your day, try to visit right at opening hour to catch the animals at their most active and head straight to the Safari Zone.
For an unforgettable view, you can also ride the Aerial Cable Car to spot cheetahs and other wildlife from above.
Additionally, if you are travelling with kids, the White Tiger Buffet Restaurant is a fun dining option.
Located inside Guangzhou Chimelong Hotel, it features a large buffet and full-length glass windows overlooking the animal enclosure, making mealtime part of the animal experience.
3-Day Relaxed Guangzhou Itinerary
Best for first-time visitors and families who want a smooth pace.
Day 1, Easy Start
Start the day with a Pearl River day cruise with a floating tea house, a calm way to see the city from the water.
Good option if you want something organised but light after arrival. Keep the rest of the day free for food, rest, or casual walking.
Day 2, Full Day City and Mountain Highlights
Spend the day on a guided tour that combines Guangzhou’s cultural sights with natural scenery. This is a full 8-hour itinerary, so plan nothing else today.
You visit Chen Clan Academy, Yongqingfang and the Cantonese Opera area, and Shamian Island before moving through Huacheng Square and Haixinsha.
The tour includes a photo stop at the exterior of the Canton Tower, followed by Baiyun Mountain, with a cable car or sightseeing vehicle for city views.
The day ends with the exterior of Sun Yat sen Memorial Hall, Yuexiu Park, and the Five Rams Sculpture, finishing near Beijing Road in the late afternoon.
This is a good choice if you want to see many highlights without planning routes or transport.
Day 3, Wildlife and Family Day
Spend the whole day at Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park. The park is large, and a full day allows time for safari trams, walking zones, and the aerial cable car.
Arrive early to see more active animals. Many families finish with dinner at the White Tiger Buffet Restaurant inside the Chimelong Hotel.
Ideal if you are travelling with kids or want a slower, immersive day.
What You Need to Know about Guangzhou, China
What apps do you need when travelling in Guangzhou?
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Alipay or WeChat Pay: Essential for 99% of transactions. You may carry a small amount of cash, around 200 to 500 RMB, for backup.
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AMap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps: for navigation (AMap now supports English UI).
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Didi: The local version of Uber.
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eSim: eSIM is convenient. A VPN is needed for Google and most Western social apps.
Are there any special festivals or events?
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International Light Festival (Nov): A stunning display around Huacheng Square.
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Guangzhou Food Festival (Nov/Dec): A paradise for foodies.
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Dragon Boat Race (June): Vibrant races on the Pearl River.
Before You Go Guangzhou, China
Check your latest visa eligibility, pack a power bank, and plan key experiences during peak seasons. Booking transport and attractions early helps ensure a smooth, stress-free trip to Guangzhou.
Disclaimer: Most images in this article are provided by KKday suppliers. Images not supplied by KKday are credited to their respective sources.
