Tourist Attractions in Guangzhou

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Guangzhou

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Guangzhou

Guangzhou’s ancient Chinese heritage is much more evident than in other big cities of the Celestial Empire. For example, some temples have become museums but retain their atmosphere, and old neighbourhoods are in no hurry to be rebuilt. Even the not-so-typical Qingping Market has not been closed down, honouring the old ways. The juxtaposition of natural and man-made beauties is the highlight of the city’s iconic places.

Guangzhou has been influenced by Europeans in the past, and still bears evidence of that era. When planning new constructions, reliance on tradition remains a key factor. For example, when building the round Guangzhou Yuan skyscraper, it was important that it was successfully reflected in the water. Thanks to this it turns out to be “8”, which in Chinese superstition is lucky.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Guangzhou

Guangzhou TV Tower

 4.5/5

61 reviews

It has a height of 610 metres, making it the second highest in the world. Construction was completed shortly before the Asian Games in 2010. Mark Hemel won an international competition to realise his project. The structure, for all its power, looks sleek. The surface is netted and curls slightly upwards. In addition to the TV studio, the building has office space and an observation deck.

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Huacheng Square

 4.5/5

338 reviews

The largest of the city’s squares. It was presented to the public in its present splendour in 2010 on the eve of the Asian Games. Since 2011, it has hosted the annual Festival of Lights. The spacious pedestrianised area is lit up at night as it is during the day. There are various attractions around, including an opera house and a new library. There are many tunnels and passages linking metro stations and shopping centres.

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Shamiandao Island

 4.7/5

32 reviews

For a long time it was under the influence of colonisers. It was conventionally divided between England and France. The Europeans built villas, cobbled streets, shops, restaurants and hotels. At the same time, the neighbourhoods are immersed in greenery. Nowadays the island, separated from the mainland by a narrow strait, is a collection of architectural and cultural monuments. There are hiking trails all over the island.

CPC Beijing Road Commercial Pedestrian Street Branch Committee

 4/5

1 reviews

Exists for more than 700 years in different species. Currently important for economy and tourism. Some of the buildings have European features due to the history. In the past, people from England and France lived here and worked in manufactories. While exploring the architecture, tourists can hardly resist buying something in one of the several hundred shops. Trade is brisk and Peking Street is always crowded.

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Guangzhouyuan Mansion

 4.1/5

16 reviews

The tallest round building in the world, built in 2013. It is similar in appearance to a wheel. It is 138 metres high and has a void in the centre. Reflected in the water, the building acquires a “continuation” and becomes similar to the number 8, which in Chinese superstition is a symbol of happiness. The architect is Giuseppe di Pasquali. Although the literal translation of the name is “Guangzhou Circle”, it is popularly called “golden doughnut”.

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广州大剧院

 4.6/5

158 reviews

One of the city’s modern and futuristic buildings was inaugurated in 2010. The project was created by Zaha Hadid. The location was not chosen by chance: the architect was inspired by its nature, especially she liked the Pearl River Delta. The view of the construction is inscribed in the landscape: it looks like rocks washed by the waters of the river. There are 2 halls inside: the first one is made of steel and the second one is made of glass. They pass from one to the other.

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Guangzhou Library

 4.5/5

90 reviews

Located in Tianhe district. Close to a museum and an opera house. It opened its doors to visitors in 2013. The area is 100 thousand m². More than 4 million copies of books are collected here. The library has become not just a repository of printed matter, but also a public and educational institution. There are 4000 seats in the reading rooms. About 500 computers have been installed for information retrieval and work.

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Guangdong Museum

 4.1/5

167 reviews

It was opened in the 1950s. Its task is to collect materials and iconic objects telling about the culture, history and traditions of the province. The collection of 160,000 exhibits had grown too large, and the old building was not enough for the museum. When designing the new building, the Chinese box became the prototype. The museum moved here in 2010. Of the 40,000 m² of space, about half is dedicated to exhibitions.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

 4.4/5

543 reviews

It has existed since the XIX century. According to the designers’ plan, 6 courtyards united 19 rooms. The temple was called an academy because numerous members of the Cheng family were trained here. The temple complex is now transformed into a museum, where samples of local folk art and crafts are presented, and also the genealogical tree of Cheng is mentioned. In 1988, the site was given the status of a national cultural monument.

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Nanyue King Wen's Mausoleum

 4.4/5

116 reviews

The mausoleum is over 2,000 years old. It was discovered accidentally underground during construction work in 1983. The tomb was dug up and restored. It resembles a Chinese palace. After the work was completed, a museum was opened here. Its collection includes unique artefacts from different centuries. Especially valuable are the jade collection and the first golden seal of the emperors belonging to the Han Dynasty.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Dr.Sun Yat-Sen's Memorial Hall

 0/5

It was built in traditional Chinese style in 1931 on a 7 hectare site. The building was modernised in 1998. There is a museum inside. Dedicated to the early life, work and achievements of the revolutionary Sun Yat-sen, who became the first head of Communist China. A statue of him stands in front of the entrance, with a guard on duty around it. The memorial hall also has conference facilities for about 1,000 people.

石室圣心大教堂

 4.3/5

222 reviews

The largest Christian temple in China. It is built in the Gothic style of granite slabs. The cathedral was laid in 1861. Because of the need to bring materials and details from other cities and countries, the construction took a quarter of a century. For example, stained glass windows were delivered directly from France. The towers rise more than 50 metres. The western one is decorated with a clock, and the eastern one has bells.

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Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

 4.4/5

504 reviews

Built in 537, the temple complex acquired its present name 500 years later, when a poem in its honour was written with the same name. A banyan tree grew nearby, creating a curious landscape. The current trees are smaller. On the territory found a place for pavilions, pavilions, grottoes and statues. The Pagoda of Flowers is part of the composition. It is one of the tallest in the Celestial Empire, rising 57 metres.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Guangxiao Temple

 4.5/5

268 reviews

The first religious buildings appeared on this site in the 4th century. However, they were often rebuilt, and the present temple differs from its prototype. It dates back to the 19th century. The main hall is decorated with a statue of a ten-metre Buddha. A special place is also given to the image of Guanyin, the goddess of compassion. The temple has a good reputation and is known in China primarily as the alma mater of the 6th patriarch of Zen Buddhism, Huineng.

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怀圣寺光塔

 4.6/5

85 reviews

One of the oldest Muslim buildings in the world. The mosque was erected about 1300 years ago, as traders from the East came to the city and they tried to create comfortable conditions for them. Of all the buildings of the complex, only the minaret has a classical look, the rest are in the Chinese style. The architectural ensemble includes: the Imam’s Hall, the gallery, the Wanyue attic, the Tower of Light, the manuscript storage and the pavilion of stone steles.

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Qingping Chinese medicinal herbs market

 4.5/5

13 reviews

Perhaps the most controversial and debated attraction in the city. This market was the first where peasants were allowed to trade freely. Economically, Xiaoping’s initiative was beneficial. However, nowadays the market is almost savage. The fact is that here you can buy an animal, kill it without leaving the counter, and give it to the chef for cooking dinner. Dried insects and animal skins are sold nearby.

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Yuexiu Park

 4.5/5

683 reviews

The largest park in the city has an area of approximately 200 hectares. It is famous for its 3 lakes and 7 hills. One of the main attractions is a sculptural composition depicting goats. It was unveiled in 1959. The statue is connected with the legend about saving the neighbourhood from hunger. In addition, the fragments of a dozen cannons and the Zhenhai Tower are worth seeing in the park. Or visit local restaurants and stroll along the graceful bridges.

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Baomo Garden

 4.6/5

46 reviews

The location is a suburb of Guangzhou. It is not very large in size, but it is one of the masterpieces of Chinese garden art. The lakes and ponds here are connected to each other in a variety of man-made ways. Among the park’s non-natural beauties, the wall painting “Monkeys Desolate the Heavenly Palace” and the large sculpture “Blossoming of Enchantment” are also noteworthy.

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South China Botanical Garden

 4.4/5

88 reviews

Located 8 kilometres from the city. The largest and oldest tropical botanical garden in South Asia. It was established in 1929 due to the need to study plant evolution and ecology. At the moment the area of 741 hectares contains about 2400 species of plants. The territory is divided into three zones: research, reserve and exposition. The latter has a special segment for children.

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Lotus Mountain

 0/5

The name refers to the appearance of one of the uplands, which resembles a Lotus flower. The old name “Stone Lion’s Head” was given for the same reason. Although the beauty here is natural, it is not without human influence. For several centuries in the past, stone was quarried here for building purposes. For this reason, a quarry was formed. There is no forest on its slopes for a long time, but it does not spoil the overall picture.

Guanyin Shengjing

 4.4/5

12 reviews

One of the newest and most popular attractions in the Lotus Mountains. Nearby you can find the remains of the city and a pagoda. The statue was installed in the 90s of the XX century. Its weight is more than 100 tonnes and its height is about 40 metres. From the top of the mountain Buddha looks towards the sea. In the light, the statue shimmers in a special way. The reason lies in the 10kg of gold with which the bronze base is covered.

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Baiyunshan

 0/5

A popular resort located in the Baiyun Mountains. Their peaks are shrouded in fog, which gave rise to the name translated as “white clouds”. Botanical garden and the Tslulong spring are among the sights. The mountains attract extreme athletes: dozens of attractions have been created for them. Tourists are taken to the main peak by electric car or funicular. The Butterfly Park and the Pigeon Park leave vivid impressions.

长隆野生动物世界

 4.4/5

585 reviews

Spread over 130 hectares since 1997. The total number of animals is about 10 thousand. They represent 300 species. Special conditions have been created for each population, as close to the habitat as possible. The most popular destinations are elephant and tiger sightings. There are also pets unique for southern latitudes. For example, the polar bear. The cooling system gives him no reason to think that he is far from his native lands.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Chimelong Paradise

 4.4/5

324 reviews

The largest of China’s amusement parks. It was built in 2006. There are about a hundred rides on the territory of more than a million square metres. Some of them can tickle the nerves of even avid fans of extreme sports. The water park here is unrivalled in Asia. In the safari park there are thousands of animals representing several hundred species. There is also a crocodile nursery, a circus, a golf course and numerous restaurants.

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珠江

 4.5/5

29 reviews

In China it ranks 3rd in length and 2nd in fullness. There is no exact data on the reasons for the name. Perhaps it is connected with a valuable pearl lost here by merchants or with a rock that became like a pearl due to hundreds of years of grinding by water. Thanks to the river, Guangzhou has a picturesque cityscape and additional tourist attractions like boat rides.