China travel: 15 things to do in Guangzhou
Guangzhou has a myriad of exciting attractions you can access
Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located in southern China. It is the capital of Guangdong Province and one of the largest cities in China. With a rich history spanning 2,200 years, it has been an important centre of trade and commerce since ancient times.
The city is known for its delicious Cantonese cuisine, unique architecture, and bustling street markets. Guangzhou is also a modern metropolis with impressive skyscrapers, world-class museums, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It is a popular destination for both business and leisure travellers and is easily accessible by air, train, and bus. You can even take a ferry from Hong Kong and Macau!
If China is on your travel bucket list, check out these 15 things to do in Guangzhou.
1. Visit the Canton Tower
Canton Tower, also known as Guangzhou Tower, is a skyscraper standing at 600 meters tall. It was the tallest structure in China until the completion of the Shanghai Tower in 2015, and it's known for unique design, impressive observation deck, and world-class facilities.
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2. Wander through Yuexiu Park
Yuexiu Park is a large public park that covers an area of 860,000 square meters. It is known for its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy scenic lakes, gardens, pagodas, museums, and the iconic Five Ram Statue, which is a symbol of the city.
3. Check out the Guangdong Museum
This state-of-the-art museum showcases the history and culture of Guangdong province through a collection of over 160,000 artefacts, including ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and sculptures. It also features interactive exhibits, a large auditorium, and a library. Admission is free.
4. Visit the Guangzhou Opera House
Guangzhou Opera House is a stunning contemporary landmark designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. The building's unique design features two curved shells that appear to float on a water surface. The opera house hosts a variety of performances, including operas, concerts, and ballets, and has become a popular cultural attraction in the city.
5. Have fun at the Chimelong Paradise
Chimelong Paradise is a large amusement park with a wide range of attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and live shows. The park is known for its thrilling rides, beautiful landscaping, and family-friendly atmosphere. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
6. Hop over to Chimelong Water Park, Safari Park, and Bird Park
Located near the Chimelong Paradise are the Chimelong Water Park, Chimelong Safari Park and Chimelong Bird Park. You can definitely spend a good two to three days exploring this fun-filled area. Check out some deals we've shortlisted below!
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7. Catch a performance at Chimelong International Circus
Also in the vicinity is the world-renowned circus Chimelong International Circus. It features a variety of acrobatic performances, including aerial acts, animal performances, and comedic skits. The circus is known for its high production value, talented performers, and state-of-the-art technology.
8. Shop at the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
This bustling shopping district is known for its traditional Chinese architecture and wide range of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and street food vendors. It is one of the oldest and most famous commercial streets in the city.
9. Visit the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
A historic monument, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built in 1931 to commemorate the founding father of the Republic of China, Sun Yat-sen. The hall is an impressive example of Chinese architecture and features a large auditorium, exhibition rooms, and a statue of Sun Yat-sen. It is a popular cultural venue for performances and exhibitions.
10. Explore the Baiyun Mountain
Baiyun Mountain, or White Cloud Mountain, is a scenic area and a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. It covers an area of over 28 square kilometres and is known for its lush vegetation, clear streams, and amazing views. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a cable car to the peak to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
11. Taste Cantonese cuisine
Guangzhou is known for its delicious Cantonese food, which includes dim sum, roast duck, wonton noodles, and classic desserts.
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12. Explore the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the Chen Clan Academy, is a historic site that features beautiful architecture. Built in the late 19th century, it was a school for students from the Chen clan to prepare for imperial examinations. Today, it is a museum showcasing traditional Chinese art and crafts, including wood carvings, pottery, and calligraphy.
13. Visit the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, also known as Liurong Temple, is a Buddhist temple known for its impressive pagoda, historical artefacts, and beautiful gardens. It was originally built in AD 537 during the Liang dynasty and has since undergone multiple renovations and restorations.
14. Take a day trip to Qingyuan Gulongxia
Qingyuan Gulongxia, also known as Gulong Gorge, is a scenic area located northwest of Guangzhou. It is known for its impressive canyons, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, rafting, and other outdoor activities while taking in the natural beauty of the area. The gorge is a popular weekend getaway destination for locals and tourists.
15. Go skiing at Guangzhou Sunac Snow Park
Guangzhou Sunac Snow Park is an indoor winter wonderland, one of the largest indoor snow parks in the world that covers an area of 75,000 square meters. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and other winter activities in a controlled environment, regardless of the weather outside.
Guangzhou Sunac Snow Park Admission Ticket from S$38.25
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