Guangzhou walking tour & city guide
Old Canton, dim sum and a glowing riverfront.
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Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, is the great trading city of southern China, on the Pearl River. It has been a gateway to the world for over two thousand years, and today it combines old Cantonese neighborhoods and temples with a gleaming modern skyline and, above all, a legendary food culture.
Old Canton
Shamian Island, a small island on the Pearl River, was once a foreign concession, and its quiet, tree-lined streets are full of European colonial buildings. Nearby, Shangxiajiu is a long pedestrian shopping street with traditional arcaded 'qilou' buildings.
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a masterpiece of southern Chinese decoration, with intricate wood, stone and ceramic carvings. The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees has a colorful pagoda, and Yuexiu Park is home to the Five Rams statue, the symbol of the city.
Modern Guangzhou
Zhujiang New Town is the modern center, with skyscrapers, the futuristic Guangzhou Opera House by Zaha Hadid and Huacheng Square. Across the river, the Canton Tower, one of the tallest towers in the world, changes color at night and has an observation deck and a slow Ferris wheel on top.
An evening cruise on the Pearl River is the best way to see the illuminated bridges and towers.
Visiting tips
Guangzhou is hot and humid for much of the year. The Canton Fair, held in spring and autumn, makes hotels busy and expensive. High-speed trains link the city with Shenzhen and Hong Kong in under an hour.
Top sights in Guangzhou
- 1
Canton Tower
A landmark tower lit up at night.
- 2
Shamian Island
Colonial buildings on a peaceful island.
- 3
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
A richly decorated ancestral temple.
- 4
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
Shopping under old arcades.
- 5
Zhujiang New Town
Skyscrapers and the opera house.
- 6
Pearl River night cruise
Illuminated bridges and towers.
Food markets & where to eat in Guangzhou
Shangxiajiu
Traditional snack shops and dessert houses.
Beijing Road
A pedestrian street with food and shopping.
Dim sum teahouses
Morning tea with family-style dumplings.
Liwan district
The old town's local food stalls.
Food to try in Guangzhou
Dim sum
Har gow, siu mai and other bite-sized dishes.
Char siu
Sweet roasted barbecue pork.
Wonton noodles
Thin noodles with shrimp dumplings in broth.
Double-skin milk
A silky steamed milk pudding.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Guangzhou
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in GuangzhouCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Guangzhou.
- eSIM for ChinaStay online from the moment you land.
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