2024 Guangzhou Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Deck the Malls: Christmas at Tianhe Mall in Guangzhou

#holidayseason When it comes to Christmas in Guangzhou, Tianhe Mall doesn’t just celebrate—it dazzles! This shopping haven transforms into a holiday wonderland that would make Santa trade in his sleigh for a Guangzhou metro pass. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by an explosion of twinkling lights, massive Christmas trees, and decorations so extravagant they could make the North Pole jealous. Whether it’s a life-sized snow globe or interactive holiday installations, every corner of Tianhe Mall is designed for that perfect festive selfie. Don’t forget to strike a pose—after all, the only thing brighter than the Christmas lights might just be your camera flash! As you explore, the festive music wafting through the air adds an extra sprinkle of holiday magic. Feeling hungry? The mall’s restaurants offer special Christmas menus featuring a mix of international classics and Cantonese delights. Picture yourself munching on roast turkey dumplings or sipping hot chocolate with a hint of local spices—this is fusion food at its festive best. No Christmas celebration is complete without some retail therapy, and Tianhe Mall delivers. With holiday sales galore, it’s the perfect place to tick off every item on your gift list—and maybe grab a little something for yourself too. Whether you’re here to shop, eat, or simply soak up the Christmas vibes, Tianhe Mall proves that Guangzhou knows how to bring the holiday cheer. So, deck the halls and hit the mall—it’s Christmas, Guangzhou style!

Famous Street in Guangzhou

#urbanwanderings Yong Qing Fang is always the recommended place to visit whenever anyone travel to Guangzhou, we followed the recommendation and came by. This small area gave us WOW factor as we did not expect it to be so lively and beautiful. There are shops all around the corner, selling things related to art, fridge magnet, keychain, toys and even there are food & beverages available. I now strongly recommend you to visit here!

Smell of China

#urbanwanderings As we were walking around one of the famous streets in Guangzhou - Yong Qing Fang, we stumble upon this unique shop without knowing what is it at first. The moment we step in, we smell flowery, fruity and even woody fragrance all around the shop. We got to know that this shop is only available for sale in physical shop but not available online, bought one small bottle with a hint of wood as a souvenir for myself!

Guangzhou Family Trip | Take your kids to a pink Miyazaki fairy tale.

| Take your kids to a pink Miyazaki fairy tale. Take your kids out for the weekend! I didn't expect Huadu to have its own "Little Disney." Stepping into Lantian Zilin Resort is like entering a natural pink fairy tale. About the park 🎠 🔸 The pink train travels through the entire park, passing through the sea of flowers, with beautiful scenery along the way. 🌸 🔸 A variety of rides are suitable for both adults and children, such as roller coasters, rafting boats, pirate ships, and air buses. 🚌 The kids are super excited! 🔸 Spacewalk, walk freely in the air with your kids, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains from afar. The beautiful scenery of the park is in full view. About food 🍽️ There is a tropical rainforest snack street and an agricultural science museum in the park, where a variety of delicacies are provided. The water bar and cafe are great for taking photos! ⚠️ Some rides in the park have height restrictions. 🚫 Children under 1.1 meters need to be accompanied by an adult for some rides. 🚗 Transportation: Self-driving is recommended. 🅿️ There are plenty of parking spaces. 📍 Guangzhou Lantian Zilin Resort

Guangzhou, you never fail to impress! Even a random park is so beautiful!

As expected of Guangzhou! Even a random free park is so beautiful! . In early winter, Liwan Lake Park in Guangzhou has already become a sea of flowers! Enter from the east gate of the park - we recommend visiting at around 4 pm! The sunlight glistens on the lake... Lingnan-style architecture and colorful flowers complement each other! It's like being in a beautiful painting ❤️❤️ . Nearby attractions include Lychee Bay and Yongqing Fang. There are many local delicacies along the way! \ 📍East Gate of Liwan Lake Park 🚇Take Metro Line 5 to Zhongshanba Station, then walk for about 10 minutes. . 🚶‍♀️‍➡️City walk route Liwan Lake Park → Lychee Bay → Yongqing Fang → Shangxiajiu

Guangzhou's "Mini Great Wall" is a 30-minute hike to the top. Who hasn't been there yet?

This is called the "Mini Great Wall" of Guangzhou. It is the Niutou Mountain Mini Great Wall. It is located in Tianluhu Forest Park. It is a relatively niche and relaxing hiking route with zero difficulty. Follow the mountain road up. It takes 30 minutes to reach the city wall. Because of the 100-meter city wall at both ends of the mountain top, and the visual effect of the mountains in the distance, at first glance, it looks a little like the Great Wall. Continue along the ridge. Hike about 6 kilometers. You can go to the Flying Jungle Adventure in Tianluhu Park. 🌲 🧭 Navigate to: China Artists Village, Huangpu District 🅿️ Free parking at the entrance Travel tips 1️⃣ There are many pavilions, fitness facilities, self-service water vending machines, and toilets 🚻 along the way. 2️⃣ Bring food. 3️⃣ Remember to wear a pair of non-slip and comfortable sneakers 👟 for outdoor hiking.

Guangzhou City My Love 🎉

#urbanwanderings The Canton Tower is the tallest building in Guangzhou. I also thought that it has got very unique spiral shape that make it even more eye catching even from a far, let alone if come to closer look at it. There are garden surrounding the area, we travelled to Hai Xin Sha station and walk all the way in. If you wish to go closer to it, there is a APM Line direct go to Guangzhou Tower Station!

Dongshankou, a trendy neighborhood in Guangzhou.

Dongshankou is a charming and convenient area for young people, with a great vibe and not far from the city center. It is a popular spot for teenagers, featuring many chic and beautiful corners. There are Chinese fashion brand stores, designer shops, and several men's clothing stores. Prices are moderate to high. The area also has cafes, tea shops, and art for sale. It's a historical area with old buildings that have been converted into clothing stores, while the upper floors are still inhabited by locals. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll and taking photos, with many young people dressed to impress. Photography enthusiasts will love the atmosphere. How to get there: Take the Metro to Dongshankou Station, Exit E.

So far, this is my favorite hot spring resort to visit with kids.

It's getting cold, and you don't know where to take your kids? Don't worry! Go to Forest Sea Hot Spring ♨️! This is my third visit this year. Every time we go, both adults and children have a great time! We just arrived today and found the Christmas 🎄 atmosphere is already in full swing! We were greeted by a big-eyed 👀 tree and a cute mermaid 🧜🏻‍♀️ at the entrance. The park is full of cute and dreamy themes. 🛖 We chose to stay in the treehouse at Forest Sea again! It's like a fairytale castle hidden in the forest. 🏰 You can slide and climb 🎢 in the room, and the fun begins as soon as you enter. No wonder the kids always miss it. ♨️ Both adults and children love the hot spring pool on the balcony. The view is beautiful, and you can enjoy the real hot spring while looking at the Tianyang Lake and mountains ⛰️ in the distance. The natural hot spring has a strong sulfur smell, and your skin will be smooth after soaking. 🔹 The room is designed with two floors, clean and comfortable. The parent-child washbasin, toothbrushes, slippers, and other amenities are complete and thoughtful. It is indeed a top ☝🏻 parent-child 🏨. 🔹 The treehouse is located between the "Coconut Beach" and "Forest Hot Spring", and it takes only 2 minutes to walk downstairs to play. Highly recommended for families with kids. These two are must-visit spots, so staying in a treehouse is very convenient, and you can go back to your room to rest anytime when you are tired! 🧜🏻‍♀️ Other travel tips 🔹 Coconut Beach 🌴 is indeed the Maldives of Guangzhou, fun and beautiful, the first choice for taking kids! You can take great photos easily. 🔹 Ancient Ocean Kingdom!! Newly upgraded and open!! The huge fantasy ark 🏴‍☠️, wave pool 🌊, slides, and other water activities are more fun! There is also a clown 🤡 interaction. 🔹 Tianyang Lake Cruise 🚢, unlimited playtime, worth experiencing, children can also steer the boat, and there are small fish in the lake. 🔹 Forest Hot Spring, 48 unique pools hidden in the forest, rose 🌹, bubble pool 🫧, bird's nest 🪹 shape, etc. You can't help but sigh that soaking in a hot spring in autumn and winter is the right thing to do. · 🎄 There are many activities recently, so let's save them first! ❄️ Double Christmas Snow Festival: November 30 to December 25 and January 1 (every weekend and holiday), you can see snow in Guangdong. 🔥 There is a bonfire party at 19:30 on weekends and holidays, which is very lively. This New Year's Day, there will be a fireworks show at 9 pm. Looking forward to it!! If you want to watch the fireworks together and feel the romance, you can plan early!

Trip to Guangzhou, China 🇨🇳

It was a trip to Guangzhou, China with family. For our second trip to Guangzhou, we sought out quieter, less crowded destinations perfect for photography 📸 These hidden gems offered a more intimate glimpse into the city’s culture and charm ✨ We visited Yuntai Garden early in the morning ☀️ when the flowers 💐 were in full bloom, and the crowds were minimal. This tranquil garden is a photographer’s haven with vibrant floral displays, stone pathways, and a peaceful atmosphere. We recommend arriving right after opening hours to capture the serene beauty 🙌 📍Baiyun Mountain South Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou Then we explored Xiguan Antique Street felt like stepping back in time. This lesser-known area offers traditional Lingnan-style houses 🏘️ antique shops, and old tea 🍵 houses. The quiet streets are perfect for candid shots and architectural details. Visiting in the afternoon ensures softer light for photos 📸 📍No. 109 Enning Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou We also strolled through Haizhu Lake Park, a peaceful retreat away from the city’s bustle. The shimmering lake and lantern-lit pathways provided stunning reflections and a calm ambiance. It’s an excellent spot for capturing Guangzhou’s natural beauty 🙌 📍Haizhu District, Guangzhou Baomo Garden, located outside the city center, was a highlight of our trip ✨ We arrived in the morning to enjoy the tranquil koi ponds, elegant pavilions, and intricate carvings without the crowds. The garden’s blend of nature and traditional architecture makes it a top spot for photographers seeking unique perspectives 📸 📍Zini Village, Shawan Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou We also explored Ersha Island in the afternoon, a quiet haven known for its art museums, scenic river views, and green spaces 🌱 It’s a great spot for minimalist photos with clean lines and a calm backdrop of the Pearl River. The late afternoon light adds a warm glow to your shots 📸 📍Ersha Island, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou Lastly, we ended our day at a quiet viewpoint near Liede Bridge. This spot offered unobstructed views of the bridge and the Pearl River, illuminated by city lights. It’s less crowded compared to other city viewpoints, making it perfect for long-exposure photography 😍😍 📍Near Liede Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou Enjoy a tranquil escape in Guangzhou while capturing its quieter, photogenic treasures 🙌🙌🙌 #chinatrip #Vacation #travel

🗿 The Sand Face

#urbanwanderings This place is named after The Face of Sand in Chinese. It is a small area within Guangzhou city. I guess we took about 25mins taxi journey to come over. I would say can just spend about 1-2hours here as this area is full of nice building for photo but mot so much for stopping by for coffee or even shopping. However, it is still worth to come just to experience the vibe here as it is consider youthful.

🫖 Guangzhou Must-have Morning Tea

#urbanwanderings Guangzhou is famous for morning tea, this is an old tradition past down many decades and people are still enjoying it until today. This Tao Tao Ju has got a lot of outlets across entire Guangzhou, you can easily find it in those famous area in the city. We order quite a number of dishes, one of the one that worth the try is the wok fried egg plant with stink bean, full of flavours!

100 great places to visit around Guangzhou, free guide to Sihai Equestrian.

🎫Free🆓 👔: Clothing suggestion: You can wear a pure white dress, which matches the woods in the park ⚠️Transportation: 🚇Subway: Take Metro Line 4 to Xinzhao Station, Exit A1, and then take a taxi for about 3 km to Sihai Equestrian Park. Direct navigation: Sihai Equestrian Hanshe Farm, you can see the robot 🤖️ when you get off 🚗Self-driving: Navigate to "Sihai Equestrian Parking Lot", vehicles can drive into the park 📷Photo spots: There are old red cars, Transformers, giant whale specimens (already removed), dinosaur skeletons, etc. in the park ☔️Suitable for taking photos; come here on a rainy day, the movie atmosphere is full. 📖Park facilities and activities * Tour guide map: As soon as you enter the park, you can see the tour guide map at the entrance, which marks the various facilities and activity locations in the park * Equestrian experience: Those who like horse riding can try it. * Outdoor photography: The lawn, swan swing, etc. in the park are good places for outdoor photography. * Tea house and farm restaurant: There are tea house and farm restaurant in the park, which are open from 10:00-18:00 and 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00 respectively * Han and Tang Tea House: A small glass house by the lake, which is also very beautiful for taking photos * Hanshe Farm Restaurant: Self-raised chickens and self-grown vegetables, the set meal is okay ⚠️Notes * Mosquito repellent: Since there are many mosquitoes in the park, it is recommended to bring mosquito repellent or essential balm to prevent bites. * ps: Pay attention to safety when taking photos, especially the ground may be slippery after rain.

A place in Guangzhou where you can spend a whole day for free...

📍Address: White Swan Bay Area Art Center 🚉Transportation: Fangcun Station, Line 1, Exit B1, 7-minute walk Time: 9:00–17:00 (closed on Mondays, last entry at 16:30) 🎫: Free, reservation required There are 3 venues: Guangdong Museum of Art, Guangdong Literature Museum, and Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum. The content is very rich. I spent an entire afternoon in the art museum and still didn't see everything... There are many interactive installations, and the process of appreciating the exhibits is very immersive. There are also documentaries and video art works, which you can watch while sitting and resting. Tips Remember to bring your physical ID card! You can only enter with an ID card.

White cloud airport ✈️

#urbanwanderings Literately translate from its chinese name - White Cloud Airport is the only airport in Guangzhou. I would say this airport is huge and spacious, and I thought that it is modern as well. This airport offers different Food and Beverages for tourist who are in transit or waiting for plane / train. We nearly got lost inside as their way of organising the structure is different floor offer different transportation.

Pop mart craze!!

#urbanwanderings Pop Mart swamp into the toy market with huge popularity recently. One of the reasons is that they offer huge range of toys from small figurine, merchandise like tote bags, keychain and a lot more! This one here in Guangzhou is infused inside an old building, creating a very unique environment that nowhere else could offer. If you wish to look for some local toys, can consider to come to this outlet!

Finally, it's my turn to take photos at this spot! Fewer people, better photos!

/ Take photos at the painless CBD spot of Baiyun Mountain⛰ Difficulty level: 0⭐️ Newbies, go for it‼️ ． Use the cave as a frame and the Canton Tower as a background The photos are amazing📷 The view here is unbeatable You can clearly see the whole Guangzhou CBD🏙 / ✅Painless hiking guide🧗🏻‍♀️: Enter Baiyun Mountain (South Gate), take the sightseeing bus for 20💰 to the top square, walk to Jiulong Spring, and head towards the Stele Forest, about 10 minutes ✅Special forces hiking guide🧗🏻‍♀️: Baiyun Mountain (South Gate) → Pugu → Top Square (rest) → Stele Forest → Jiulong Spring → Xiting → Return the same way, this route allows you to visit more attractions, the scenery along the way is beautiful, the whole journey takes about 3.5 hours ． 📷Photo spots: 1️⃣Stele Forest Caveman spot, use the cave🕳 as a frame, the Canton Tower as a background, great photos 2️⃣Xiting A large lawn for running🏃🏻‍♂️, you can take photos of embracing the city 3️⃣Bungee Jumping Viewing Platform Sunset🌅 spot, 20 minutes walk, a spot for many photography enthusiasts 4️⃣Top Square Take the sightseeing bus from the South Gate, 20💰 to reach, painless Canton Tower photos ． 🔶Photo tips: 1️⃣It is recommended to climb the mountain after 3 pm, remember to stay until the evening, the night view is more stunning 2️⃣The cave stones are staggered, there are three irregular photo spots, try different angles for better photos 3️⃣Be sure to choose a sunny day, high visibility, to clearly capture the Canton Tower / ‼️Personal tips: 🔶It is recommended to bring your own water and food, attractions are more expensive than outside 🔶The whole hiking route is easy, all cement roads, suitable for the elderly and children 🔶Take mosquito and sun protection measures, wear comfortable sports shoes / 📍Location: Baiyun Mountain, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 🚇Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, there is a parking lot Bus to Keziling Paifang Station - -  ——————— 🎨Color grading: LR, PS 📷Equipment: snoy Tamron 28200 ‍🧑🏻‍💻Welcome photography enthusiasts to exchange and learn together~

Winter has arrived in Guangzhou! Let it snow!

The bougainvillea on the overpass in Guangzhou is already stunning in winter, and the beautiful kapok trees are in full bloom these days, like white (pink) snow hanging on the branches, which directly elevates the beauty of Guangzhou's autumn to a higher level. Here are some kapok tree check-in points for you: 1️⃣ South China Normal University Shipai Campus The focus of the whole scene is the white kapok tree by the pond! The blue sky sets off the pure white flowers, as if you are watching a grand snow scene. Other pink kapok trees on campus are also beautiful, with dense and brilliant flowers, and large patches of flowers. 🚗 Transportation: South China Normal University Station, Guangzhou Metro Line 3 🌺 Flower viewing point: Concentrated in "Biological Park" and "Xiya Xing'an Life Supermarket" 🏫 Reservation guide: Use the "I am a visitor" function in the mini program "SCNU Pass", click "Make a reservation", select a date, and no need to specify a time slot. 2️⃣ Tram Pazhou Bridge, Huizhan East Road Station Under the Pazhou Bridge, you can take a photo of the tram, kapok tree, and Canton Tower in the same frame. The city is covered by a sea of pink flowers, and I saw a world that looks like an animated movie! You can take a walk by the river and enjoy the sun, waiting for the tram to come out of the sea of pink flowers, and take a picture of your life. 🚗 Transportation: Pazhou Bridge South Station, Huizhan East Road Station, Haizhu Tram 3️⃣ Guangzhou Software Institute With more than 400 kapok trees, it is the largest kapok tree viewing spot in Guangzhou. The 300-meter-long riverbank is full of blooming pink kapok trees, and the flowers are instantly visualized at this moment! Some of the flowers are pressed very low, giving a sense of pink snow about to fall on your shoulders! 🚗 Transportation: Taiping Station, Guangzhou Metro Line 14 🏫 Admission: The 12th "Silk Kapok Festival" and Alumni Homecoming Day of Guangzhou Software Institute will be held on November 30, 2024. Alumni with alumni cards. When returning to school, show your alumni card (including physical card or electronic card) and ID card at the gate for on-site verification (including accompanying persons) before entering the school. In addition, there are also these: Canton Tower, Guangdong Customs, Tram, Guangzhou Cultural Center New Hall, Liede Bridge, Haixin Bridge, Guangzhou East Tower & Guangzhou West Tower, Fengyunling Forest Park

📚 Guangzhou Book of Wonder

#chinatrip Little do I know there is such bookstore available in Guangzhou. This bookstore is located in the middle of busy street, not easily spotted, so had to follow google map to arrive here. If you come by this area, you will notice also there are many shops surrounding it, such as local food and beverages, toy store and even some local shops. Would strongly recommend to visit here, it worths your time to get to a feel of the bookstore and also it is within an old building!

🍽️🌱 Vegetarian Look Here!

#chinatrip This is one of the best vegan restaurants we have tried by far. From the outlook, interior to food presentation, I would score all at least 8/10 and above. This restaurant has got presence is many places around China, this was the first time we try it and its in Guangzhou. The price was acceptable for its food presentation and taste. I personally love the steam yam starter!

🧇 Cross Belgium - China Snacks

#chinatrip We have been listening to friends and even searched from internet to look for a place to buy nice snacks, ended up we came to this Waffles Daily that caught our attention. I would say this cafe is very photogenic and a nice place to sit down and chill. I tried matcha redbean waffle and thought that it could be better if the butter taste can be stronger. However, I still will recommend you to come as taste is usually very subjective.

🙆🏻‍♂️ Knowledge Transfer Centre

#chinatrip Guangzhou Library is one of the places to visit for tourist! By the outlook of the library, is it attractive enough for people to come by for visit. This library is actually nearby Guangzhou museum where it is just about 5mins walking distance. If you would ask me, I suggest to bring umbrella along! This place is huge and full of books and even some are in CD form, for those who like books can drop by here!

🙏🏼 Turn into Monk for a night

#chinatrip Introducing The Big Buddha Temple in Guangzhou! This is a must visit place here for every tourist! It took us 15mins to be able to capture nice photo without much people photo boom us 🫣 Please prepare your camera and wallet when you come over, to snap a lot of nice breathtaking photo and also shop inside the temple for souvenir! We easily spend 2hours here exploring in and outside of the temple.

Haiyaaaaaaa! 🤘🏼✋🏼🤛🏼🤜🏼

#chinatrip The master Bruce Lee is well-known for his real kungfu and also movies that he produced. His popularity sustained since last time until now. And there is his residence model in Guangzhou, free entrance open for the public to view. The house has got Bruce Lee’s family tree, his history and some movie short films to make the entire experience more informative and fun.

I love winter in Guangzhou, with pink kapok flowers all over the mountains.

🥳 The silk floss trees in Conghua Fengyunling Pingdi Park are in full bloom. 🥳 Green lawns and pink flower fields meet the azure sky. 🌸 Conghua Fengyunling Forest Park 🌸 ✖ No open flames ✔ Toilets available 🚗 Transportation: Drive or take Metro Line 14 to Conghua Coach Station (Exit A), then take a taxi for about 6 minutes. 📍 Conghua District Fengyunling Forest Park 🚇 Conghua Coach Station Subway Station, 3 minutes by taxi 🚗 Drive to Castona Kindergarten to reach the Pingdi Park parking lot. 🌸 This pink forest is so romantic! It's the season for silk floss trees, and the flowers are in full bloom. Camping under the pink flowers is like being in a comic book, so dreamy! There are also large lawns where you can fish, cycle, and fly kites.

If you have the chance to visit Guangzhou, don't forget to visit Nansha Tianhou Temple to pray to the Goddess of the Sea for good health and success in your career. It's very convenient to get there. Take Metro Line 4 and get off at Nansha Passenger Port Station (exit B). You'll find tricycles that charge 5 yuan per person to take you to the entrance. Walk straight ahead, and you'll see a large sign for the temple. The place and the statue of the goddess are beautiful and sacred. Highly recommended! If you plan to visit, make sure to allocate a full day for the round trip.

Life advice: Guangzhou is really beautiful in November.

You should visit the beautiful Shuiboyuan Scenic Area, which is not crowded and worth visiting. Navigation: Guangzhou Shuiboyuan, located in the city center Parking: CNY 2.5 per hour, which is very cheap for the city center Navigation: Take Metro Line 4 to Wanshengwei Station, transfer to the beautiful tram along the river, and get off at Pazhou Bridge South Station, then walk 50 meters

Food street is a must in every country 🥨

#chinatrip Located in Guangzhou, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is a famous street full of the restaurants with local foods, snacks, breads, milk tea and desserts. If you are a food lover, this is where you must visit or spend time for at least 1-2 days. Highly recommend to stay at the hotel nearby as well as you can just walk down from the hotel and hunt your breakfast, lunch and dinner here!! Overall experience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Back to the ancient time ⏰⏱️

#chinatrip This is a place inside the Fashion Tianhe Commercial Square in Guangzhou that really caught my attention. The entire place are ancient-building design that allows people to take picture at every nook and corner. Other than that, there are many stalls selling foods, milk tea, herbal tea, portrait drawing, and you can ever get the fortune teller to read your fortune at a good price. Highly recommend to have a visit👍🏻

2-storey top toy 🧸🚂🪁

#urbanwanderings Top Toy is dedicated to becoming the world largest collectible toy factory. Ever since its launch, it has been facilitating the young adult to interact through the toys. Products: - Blind boxes - PVC figure - Gunpla - dolls - Art toy Visiting to the Beijing Road that located in Guangzhou, do not miss out this 2-storey flagship store and you will definitely get something to buy if you like collecting toys. Kuromi series are also available in dolls and blind boxes to cater young women wants !!