8 Top Things To Do In Guangzhou! (2026 Local’s Guide)

As a Chinese person, these are the 8 best things I recommend doing if you are a first time visitor to Guangzhou.

Please don’t just follow AI advice - it misses out several important places.

1. Canton Tower广州塔

Why I find it special: An aesthetic icon. World’s 2nd tallest tower. It’s nearly twice as high as the Eiffel Tower!

What is less known is the observation decks and the bubble tram. You can get a 360 view of Guangzhou.

How to get there: Line 3, Canton Tower, Exit A

👉 Book your tickets for Canton Tower here

2. Zhujiang skyline and Huacheng Square 花城广场

Why I find it special: One of the world’s most epic skylines. This area has the largest number of supertall skyscrapers in the world.

Check it out at night! It has a splendid park in the centre of it!

How to get there: Line 3, Zhujiang New Town, Exit B1/D

3. Cantonese Food Tour

Why I find it special: The food paradise of China. It must be mentioned. Perhaps, you had it on your list already.

But it’s not done in 2 meals. There’s incredible variety. Check out my 80 Cantonese Dishes To Try

Where to eat: I recommend 点都德 and 陶陶居 for dim sum and roasted meats.

Check out the street along the south entrance of Dafo Temple (大佛寺), area around Ximenkou station (西门口), and Xihua Lu (西华路)

👉 Check out my article 80 Cantonese Dishes To Try for more details.

4. Dafo Temple 大佛寺

Why I find it special: An enlightening experience. Located right next to the city’s busiest pedestrian street, yet it’s peaceful. I highly recommend going at night to see the temple lit up.

How to get there: Line 6, Beijing Lu, Exit B

You could save money by:

👉 Comparing flight prices to Guangzhou HERE

👉 Comparing hotel rates in Guangzhou HERE

5. Liurong Temple (Six Banyan Trees) 六榕寺

Why I find it special: It has a stunning 9-storey pagoda which is intricately decorated. Well worth seeing. Only open during the daytime.

How to get there: Line 1/2, Gongyuanqian, Exit I2

6. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall 中山纪念堂

Why I find it special: This is really a picturesque building. It’s an octagonal shape! You can get fabulous shots from different angles.

How to get there: Line 2, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Exit C

7. Pearl River promenade walk + Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street 北京路步行街

Why I find it special: Very underrated in my opinion. A lot of eye-catching buildings along the river. A nice break away from the bustle of the city.

How to get there: Get off at Line 6/8, Cultural Park, Exit A/B. Head south towards the River and walk east along the promenade.

You see a lot of fancy architecture and two bridges along the way. Walk for 30 minutes until you get to Beijing Road.

Here, you can soak in the street atmosphere and grab lots of delicious food.