Guangzhou has to be one of my favorite cities in China. I first visited this city in 2019 during China’s National Holiday (pre-Covid) and it was an experience I greatly appreciated. I know I say this about every city I’ve shared on my blog, but Guangzhou has a very unique culture and history. It’s a mixture of the old and new, and everything in between. It’s the third largest city in China and one that is very international due to it being a coastal city, making it ideal for international trade and transportation.
Since my recent visit was during the Chinese (Lunar) New Year, I expected the city to be very ghost-like, knowing many individuals and families would be traveling out of the city and businesses would close for a couple of days. As expected, the city was unusually quiet, most markets were closed, and streets were nearly empty of humans and cars.
The quietness felt very unusual, although it was nice for a change, considering how populated and overwhelming it would be otherwise. It gave me room to enjoy the simple moments without the need to feel and be rushed. This time around, my time in Guangzhou was all about familiarizing myself with the city more and appreciating travel at a slower pace for the sake of traveling more mindfully.
If you’re looking to visit this wonderful coastal city, here’s a wholesome city guide to Guangzhou that includes all the culture, art, food, and history you’ll want to experience. Enjoy!
About Guangzhou
Guangzhou is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the largest cities in China and has a population of over 14 million people.
Guangzhou has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years and was a major center of trade and commerce in ancient times. It was also one of the first ports in China to open to foreign trade and has played a key role in the country’s economic development.
Some of the things the city is known for are Cantonese cuisine, its cultural heritage, the Guangzhou Opera House, Pearl River, and the Canton Fair.
When to visit
The best time to visit Guangzhou will greatly depend on your weather preferences and what you plan to do. Generally, most prefer to visit Guangzhou during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant, with lower humidity and rainfall.
The summer months (June to August) can be very hot and humid, with frequent rain and occasional typhoons. If you plan to visit during the summer, be prepared for the heat and humidity and pack accordingly.
The winter months (December to February) can be cool and rainy, but it is still a good time to visit if you don’t mind the lower temperatures. The Lunar New Year celebrations in Guangzhou during late January or early February can be a highlight of your trip, once the main
In addition to weather considerations, it’s also worth checking the calendar for any major events or festivals in Guangzhou that may interest you.
How to get around
- Guangzhou Metro: The Guangzhou Metro has a large network of lines and stations that cover most of the city’s popular tourist destinations and commercial areas. Using the metro can help you get to your destination quickly and easily without the hassle of navigating through busy streets and crowded public transport.
- DiDi: Didi Chuxing is a popular ride-hailing app in China that can be used to order a taxi or private car to take you to and from places.
- Bicycle: Guangzhou, like many Chinese cities, is very bike-friendly. There are many bicycle rental services available. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and take in the sights. Here are a couple of apps where you can access bike-sharing options, also my favorites:
Where to stay ~ CityJoin Hotel (Ximenkou subway station)
A very lovely, aesthetically pleasing, clean, and modern hotel in the heart of the city and in close proximity to the metro station. I was overly pleased with my stay and how relaxed I felt after a night’s rest.
I was in need of clean clothes after spending a couple of days in Xiamen, and the hotel staff was also very accommodating in assisting me.
For booking details, here’s where you can book your stay.
Where to eat
Guangzhou, like many other cities in China, has a growing number of halal restaurants that serve delicious and authentic Chinese and international halal cuisine. You’ll also find a variety of vegetarian and seafood restaurants which was a highlight for me when looking for new things to try.
Here are a couple of options and additional links to a selection of places.
Shache Muslim Restaurant
Location: No.43 Guangta Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou China
A Muslim restaurant located right in front of the Huaisheng Mosque, and within walking distance from where I was staying.
For the sake of my love for Xinjiang cuisine, I ate at this restaurant about 3 times during my stay. Their food was flavorful, wholesome, and satisfying.
The portions were family-size so I had to be very strategic when ordering and choosing one main dish that would be on the hearty side and a vegetable dish to balance it out. They also make delicious beef and/or lamb buns that are excellent for a quick breakfast on the go or an afternoon snack.
MAYS
Location: K133 Shopping Center, Huacheng Avenue K11
In search of vegetarian and/or vegan restaurants, I came across MAYS on Trip.com and was greatly pleased. It was my last evening in Guangzhou, so I planned to dine myself at a fancy restaurant, and ya girl did just that!
I ordered two dishes, as shown in the images above, and I enjoyed how flavorful and wholesome the ingredients were.
Additional food options
- Xinjiang Restaurants in Guangzhou
- Vegetarian Restaurants in Guangzhou
- Seafood Restaurants in Guangzhou
- Bakeries (Be mindful of some bakeries that may heavily use lard or pork in their bread and pastries. Always ask about the ingredients if you are unsure)
- Coffee Shops
What to visit
Guangzhou has a variety of places for any tourist or local to explore and enjoy. Here’s my list of places I highly enjoyed and hope you would too.
Yongqing Lane
A hidden gem located in the old town area of Guangzhou. It’s one of the few remaining traditional alleyways in the city and is known for its historical architecture, cultural significance, and local life.
Yongqing Lane is relatively small and surrounded by old houses, shops, and small restaurants. It also has a long history dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was once a commercial street but has transformed into a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the traditional culture of Guangzhou.
Pearl River
The Pearl River is a major river in southern China, that flows through Guangzhou and has a significant role in the city’s landscape and culture. The river is divided into several branches that flow through the city and is surrounded by many landmarks and attractions. Some of the notable places along the river include the Canton Tower, Guangzhou Opera House, Haixinsha Island, and Shamian Island.
One of the best ways to experience the Pearl River is by taking a night cruise. During the cruise, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s skyline and the colorful lights of the buildings along the river.
For details on how to book a Pearl River Night Cruise, here’s how you can book your tour.
Shamian Island
Shamian Island is a small beautiful island located in the Liwan District of the city. It was once a foreign concession area during the 19th century and was primarily occupied by British and French merchants. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination in Guangzhou and a place where you can experience a mix of Chinese and European cultures.
The island is known for its colonial architecture, tree-lined streets, and relaxed atmosphere. You’ll notice how buildings on the island are well-preserved, and many have been converted into museums, art galleries, and boutique hotels. Some of the notable landmarks on the island include the French Catholic Church, the British Protestant Church, and the Shamian Park.
Strolling through the island you’ll also find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and street vendors selling local cuisine, along with souvenirs, handmade crafts, and antique shops.
Memory Tea & Dessert Shop
A very cute and aesthetically pleasing tea house hidden on Shamian Island. The tea house is located all the way toward the end of the main street of the main pedestrian street and to the right. Surrounding the area are other tea and coffee shops, an outdoor fitness area, and space for children to play.
The tea house has a delicious selection of herbal and fruit teas to choose from, as well as sweets to complement the tea. I ordered a peach mochi and it went perfectly with my tea.
Huaisheng Mosque
The Huaisheng Mosque is historically known to be the oldest mosque in China, built over 1300 years ago. The mosque was first built in 627 AD during the Tang Dynasty and has undergone several renovations and expansions since then.
The mosque is also known as the Lighthouse Mosque or the Great Mosque of Canton. It is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese architecture with very unique features, such as the prayer hall which is covered by a large dome supported by sixteen pillars, and a towering minaret that stands over 30 meters tall.
When I first visited in 2019, I had the chance to pray Jummah (Friday prayer) at this mosque and it was one of the most memorable and beautiful experiences I’ve had in China. The entire mosque and courtyard were packed with worshippers. It was quite the sight.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of the oldest and largest Roman Catholic churches in the country. It is a neo-Gothic building built in the late 19th century by a French architect.
The cathedral is an important religious site for Catholics in Guangzhou and the surrounding areas. Masses are held regularly in several languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. Religious events and ceremonies are also hosted throughout the year, such as Christmas and Easter celebrations.
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is a wonderful place for all things shopping. It is one of the oldest commercial areas in the city, with a history dating back over a thousand years.
The pedestrian street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, and is a popular destination for all who visit Guangzhou. You can find lots of sales for clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and traditional Chinese crafts. There are also several large department stores and malls along the street, including the popular Grandview Mall.
In addition to shopping, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is also known for its lively atmosphere and street performances. You’ll find traditional Chinese music and dance performances, as well as modern street performances by local artists.
You can easily access the pedestrian street via public transportation, with several metro stations located nearby. It is also within walking distance of popular attractions like the Guangzhou City Hall, the People’s Park, and the Pearl River.
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
Similar to the Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is one of the busiest commercial areas in the city and is known for its traditional architecture, cultural significance, and diverse range of shops and restaurants.
Walking down the long street, you’ll notice how the architecture of the buildings is a blend of traditional Chinese and Western styles, reflecting the city’s unique cultural heritage. You’ll also find many historical landmarks and attractions like the Chen Clan Academy, Liwan Museum, and the Hualin Temple.
I’d recommend Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street over Beijing Pedestrian Street, particularly for the local atmosphere you get from this street and shops.
Canton Tower
The Canton Tower, also known as Guangzhou Tower, is currently the highest tower in China and the third-highest tower in the world.
The tower was completed in 2010 and was designed by Dutch architect Mark Hemel and Chinese architect Liang Wei. It’s 600 meters tall, with an observation deck at a height of 450 meters.
If you plan to go up the tower, you can take a high-speed elevator to the observation deck, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline, the river, and the surrounding mountains. There are also several other attractions inside the tower, including a revolving restaurant, a 4D cinema, and a skywalk.
Tickets can be purchased upon arrival from 9:30 am to 10 pm.
Guangzhou is a city you cannot miss when visiting China or when deciding on your next city adventure. Although I’ve visited the city twice, I’ve yet to see and learn more about everything it has to offer. From the cuisine, culture, history, and overall human geography – the wanderlust never really ceases.
If my city guide has assisted your journey in exploring Guangzhou, I’m greatly delighted and hope you continue to find more gems on my blog.
As always, happy travels!
