Guangzhou, often referred to as the “City of Flowers,” is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. As one of China’s most vibrant and historic cities, Guangzhou offers travelers a unique experience, where you can explore ancient temples, indulge in world-renowned Cantonese cuisine, and marvel at the city’s futuristic skyline. Whether you’re wandering through bustling markets or enjoying a peaceful moment by the Pearl River, Guangzhou is sure to leave a lasting impression on your journey through China.
Your Gateway to Guangzhou: A Train Ride from Hong Kong
We began our journey into mainland China by taking a train from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou East. The ride takes just under two hours, though you can opt for a 50-minute trip to Guangzhou South Station if that’s more convenient. Keep in mind that these two stations are on opposite sides of the city, so be sure to choose the one that aligns best with your plans.
Two second-class tickets on the G6546 train cost approximately $67 USD. For those planning ahead, you can find the full train schedule on the official China Railway ticket booking website. Tickets can be booked 15 days in advance, but if you want to secure your seats even earlier, Trip.com offers a reliable alternative.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to go through customs when traveling from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. The process is quite fascinating—you’ll exit Hong Kong and enter mainland China within just a few minutes, making it a unique experience. Before you reach China’s customs officers, be sure to fill out a customs form, similar to what you would do when entering any other country.
Accommodation Tips
When staying in Guangzhou, it’s essential to choose accommodations that are authorized to host foreign guests, as not all properties are licensed for this purpose. To avoid any inconveniences upon arrival, it’s important to confirm in advance whether your chosen hotel can accommodate international travelers. Hotels in China are required to register your stay and report it to the local police, much like the procedures in the European Union. If you decide to rent an apartment, be aware that you’ll need to manage the registration process yourself. You can register online through this link. Taking care of this step is essential for ensuring a smooth and hassle-free stay in the city.
Since Airbnb ceased operations in China in 2022, travelers can explore alternatives like Tujia. However, we found that Booking.com and Trip.com offer excellent and affordable options, which saved us the hassle of navigating unfamiliar platforms.
During our stay in Guangzhou, we chose the Paco Hotel Zoo Metro, which offered spacious rooms, a convenient free laundry room, and exceptional staff service.
Must-See Attractions
You could easily spend a week in Guangzhou and still have more to discover. Known historically as Canton, Guangzhou was influenced by both English and French colonial presence during the First Opium War, but its history stretches back over 1,800 years to its founding in 214 BC. This rich blend of Asian and European influences makes Guangzhou a unique cultural hub.
Here are some must-see places in Guangzhou:
1. Canton Tower
The symbol of Guangzhou, Canton Tower, is the third tallest TV tower in the world. You can enjoy views of the tower from the park along the Pearl River or get an admission ticket to the sky deck for a panoramic city view. There’s also the Canton Tower bubble tram with transparent walls, offering 360-degree views, and the world’s highest sky drop.
2. Shamian Island
Stroll around Shamian Island, where English and French heritage meet. This small island was divided between France and England in the 1800s, and you can see the European-style buildings as you walk around. There are many local shops and nice cafes to grab a coffee. You’ll even find an iconic Starbucks in a French colonial-style building on one of the main streets, but honestly, the coffee there isn’t worth it. Instead, try one of the many small coffee roasteries with much nicer drinks.
3. Pearl River
Take a stroll along the ‘Scenery Corridor’ by the Pearl River, the third longest river in China. From here, you can enjoy views of the Canton Tower as well as the historic Shamian Island. The walk is 23 kilometers long, offering plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy.
4. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
For just 10 yuan, visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall to admire its stunning wooden and stone carvings and a variety of folk art.
5. Baiyun Mountain Park
The must-see attraction in Guangzhou is Baiyun Mountain or White Cloud Mountain. The park is vast, offering many hiking routes for those who enjoy easy walks. There’s also a cable car, but walking around the park is more enjoyable as there’s a lot to see.
There are three routes available, which you can find at the park entrance:
- Route A (about 7.2 kilometers): South Gate – Luhu Lake – Yuntai Garden – Mingchun Valley – Moxing Summit – Mingzhu House – West Gate
- Route B (about 2 kilometers): South Gate – Yuntai Garden – Mingchun Valley – South Gate
- Route C (about 3 kilometers): Jinzhong Gate – Yunxi Ecological Park – Moxing Summit
We chose Route A, which covers most of the park. Be sure to arrive early in the morning, as it can become very hot by midday. We visited in October, and the temperature was quite high during the day.
6. Temple of the Six Banyan Trees and Flower Pagoda
Located in downtown Guangzhou, this temple showcases a blend of Indian and Chinese architectural culture. The Flower Pagoda is one of the oldest structures in the city, and the temple itself has a 1,500-year history. It’s within walking distance from People’s Park, making it a worthwhile visit.
7. Huacheng Square
Walk around this huge square with beautiful ponds and enjoy the stunning Guangzhou skyline with Canton Tower. There is a large mall underneath the square, as well as numerous coffee shops where you can enjoy nice drinks.
8. Guangdong Museum
If you enjoy museums, be sure to visit the Guangdong Museum near Huacheng Square. It features an extensive collection of Cantonese art exhibitions, offering a deep insight into the rich culture and history of Guangzhou.
9. Liede Bridge
Guangzhou boasts many impressive bridges, but in our opinion, Liede Bridge is the most iconic. It crosses the Pearl River and beautifully complements the city’s skyline.
In conclusion, Guangzhou is not only a convenient hub to start exploring China but also a vibrant city with much to see. Its mix of futuristic buildings, colonial heritage, Cantonese cuisine, and rich culture make Guangzhou a fascinating destination to visit.
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