Population
18.7 million
Province
Guangdong
Region
South China
Best Time
Oct - Mar
Language
Mandarin Chinese
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
The capital of Guangdong Province and the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou is a sprawling southern metropolis with over 2,200 years of history. Famous for its dim sum culture, the Canton Tower, and bustling trade fairs, it serves as the gateway to southern China and Hong Kong.
The tallest structure in Guangzhou at 604 metres, offering an observation deck, a sky-walk, and the world's highest Ferris wheel. After dark, its LED lighting display turns the Pearl River skyline into a light show.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is one of Guangzhou's most celebrated attractions, drawing visitors from across China and around the world. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage and makes a rewarding stop on any Guangzhou itinerary.
A tranquil, tree-lined island showcasing beautifully preserved European colonial architecture from the 19th century. Once a foreign concession, it now offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city with its cafes, parks, and photogenic streets.
Baiyun Mountain is one of Guangzhou's most celebrated attractions, drawing visitors from across China and around the world. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage and makes a rewarding stop on any Guangzhou itinerary.
A scenic evening boat ride along the Pearl River, offering illuminated views of Guangzhou's most iconic buildings including Canton Tower and the Haixinsha Bridge. An unmissable experience for photographers.
Guangzhou enjoys excellent transport links to Shenzhen. High-speed rail is usually the most comfortable and time-efficient option for distances under 1,000 km, while domestic flights serve longer routes with frequent, affordable schedules. Booking through Trip.com or the 12306 app is recommended for train tickets.
| Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Rail | 30-50 minutes | $10-$20 |
| Intercity Train | 1-1.5 hours | $5-$10 |
| Bus | 2-3 hours | $8-$12 |
Budget: Hostels and budget hotels from $15-40/night
Mid-Range: 3-4 star hotels from $50-120/night
Luxury: 5-star hotels and resorts from $150+/night
Compare prices and book your stay in Guangzhou with trusted partners.
Guangzhou is the heartland of Cantonese cuisine, celebrated for delicate dim sum, roast meats, and an emphasis on fresh ingredients and subtle seasoning.
snack$$A Cantonese culinary tradition of small bite-sized dishes served in bamboo steamer baskets, typically enjoyed with tea during brunch. Dim sum encompasses hundreds of varieties including dumplings, buns, rolls, and pastries. The social ritual of yum cha, or drinking tea with dim sum, is a cornerstone of southern Chinese food culture.
main-dish$$A Cantonese barbecue classic, char siu features strips of pork marinated in a mixture of honey, five-spice powder, fermented tofu, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce, then roasted until the exterior develops a signature glossy, caramelized red coating. Served over rice, in noodle soups, or stuffed inside fluffy steamed buns, it is quintessential Cantonese comfort food.
snack$Crispy golden cylinders filled with a mixture of julienned vegetables, sometimes with pork or shrimp, wrapped in a thin wheat or rice flour wrapper and deep-fried until perfectly crunchy. Traditionally eaten during the Spring Festival to celebrate the arrival of spring, these popular appetizers come in countless regional variations across China.
main-dish$$Bite-sized pieces of pork are coated in a light batter, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a vibrant sweet and tangy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and pineapple. Originating from Cantonese cuisine, this dish showcases the Chinese culinary principle of balancing contrasting flavors in perfect harmony.
soup$Silky parcels of seasoned pork and shrimp wrapped in paper-thin dough, floating in a clear, aromatic broth often made from pork bones and dried shrimp. Cantonese-style wontons are prized for their delicate wrapping and fresh shrimp-forward filling. Served as a light meal or snack, wonton soup is one of China's most comforting and elegant simple dishes.
teahotThe most widely consumed tea in China, green tea is prized for its fresh, grassy flavor and numerous health benefits. Famous varieties include Longjing (Dragon Well) from Hangzhou, Biluochun from Suzhou, and Huangshan Maofeng from Anhui. Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation, preserving its delicate flavor and bright green color. It has been a cornerstone of Chinese culture for over 3,000 years.
teahotA partially oxidized tea that falls between green and black tea, oolong offers a complex spectrum of flavors from floral and creamy to roasted and woody. Tieguanyin from Fujian and Da Hong Pao from the Wuyi Mountains are among the most celebrated oolongs. The traditional gongfu tea ceremony, especially popular in Fujian and Guangdong, is built around the careful preparation of oolong tea.
teahotA unique fermented tea from Yunnan Province that improves with age, much like fine wine. Pu-erh undergoes a microbial fermentation process that gives it a deep, earthy, and smooth flavor. Aged pu-erh cakes can command thousands of dollars and are prized by collectors. It is traditionally valued for its digestive benefits and is often served after heavy meals.
October through March is the ideal window for South China travel, avoiding the intense summer heat and the April-to-June rainy season. Winters are mild and pleasant, making it a great escape from colder northern regions. The dry season also offers the clearest views of Guilin's karst mountains.
Oct - Mar
Peak season
Higher prices and crowds, but the best weather and conditions for sightseeing.
Off season
Lower prices and fewer tourists, but weather may be less favourable for outdoor activities.
South ChinaOnce a small fishing village, Shenzhen has transformed into one of China's most dynamic and innovative cities in just four decades. As China's first Special Economic Zone, it is now a global technology hub, home to companies like Huawei and Tencent, and borders Hong Kong to the south.
South ChinaGuilin's landscape of karst limestone peaks rising from emerald-green rice paddies is among the most iconic scenery in all of China, famously depicted on the 20 yuan banknote. A cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo reveals some of the most breathtaking natural beauty on earth, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Southwest ChinaBuilt dramatically across steep hills at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is one of China's most visually striking cities. Famous for its mouth-numbing hot pot, neon-lit night skyline, and serving as the starting point for Yangtze River cruises through the Three Gorges, this mountainous megacity offers an unforgettable urban experience unlike anywhere else in China.
Find hotels, activities, and travel tips for Guangzhou in China.