Best Places to Visit in Guangzhou: Yuexiu, Liwan,Haizhu,etc

Guangzhou is a city where modernity and historical sites coexist. And boasts abundant numerous iconic landmarks, architectural wonders and rich tourism resources. With each area offering its unique attractions. Where to visit in Guangzhou? We’d like to introduce some of the best places to visit in Guangzhou to help you explore this bustling and dynamic city. You’ll discover the charm that lies between Modern skyscrapers and retro alley.

There are a total of 11 districts in Guangzhou. Haizhu District is Trading Center and Modern Cityscape, Liwan and Yuexiu old city with Rich History and Culture, Haizhu as a heart of the Guangzhou with famous supper Mall, Panyu District including World-famous theme park，Hometown of Folk Arts, Seek the Local Flavor of Guangzhou in retro alley. Besides, Baiyun Mountain and Lingnan Ancient Villages are also fantastic destinations to explore.

Top 1: Haizhu District- Trading Center and Modern Cityscape

Haizhu District is one of the four old districts of Guangzhou and is known as the global textile trading center. With the development of the economy, it now houses the world-class Canton Fair Complex, and the Pazhou International Exhibition Center, the largest exhibition complex in the world. The district is crisscrossed with rivers, making it an important waterway in the city. Guangzhou Tower, the tallest in China and the third tallest in the world, also stands proudly in Haizhu District. You can relax while enjoying the scenery at Haizhu Lake Park and Haizhu National Wetland Park. Visit the Taicang Ancient Wharf to watch the sunset, feel the sea breeze, and savor Guangzhou's delicious cuisine for a leisurely and comfortable experience.

Haizhu District is a blend of modern cityscape and historical landmarks, such as the 400-year-old Chigang Tower and Pazhou Tower, which witness the historical changes of the surrounding area. The district is also home to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, the Huangpu Ancient Port Site, which recalls the prosperity of the "Maritime Silk Road," and the Deng Shichang Memorial Hall. Notable sites include the Lunseng Baigong Ancestral Hall, a provincial cultural heritage site, and Xiaozhou Village, a well-preserved Lingnan ancient village. With its traditional Lingnan-style architecture, small bridges, ancient streets, and old trees, Xiaozhou Village is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and return to a simpler, more tranquil life.

Top 2: Yuexiu District-Old City with Rich History and Culture

Yuexiu District is the old city of Guangzhou and the birthplace of Guangzhou's Cantonese history and culture. It has rich historical and cultural heritage and tourist attractions. As the city’s largest district, it is home to some of Guangzhou’s most famous landmarks, including the iconic Zhenhai Tower and the Six Banyan Temple. Yuexiu is also known for its beautiful Yuexiu Park, which houses the famous Five Rams Sculpture, a symbol of the city. This district offers a blend of history and modernity, with ancient sites like the Temple of the Five Immortals and the Guangzhou Museum, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Museum of the Nanyue King, alongside bustling Beijing Road Pedestrian savor a variety of Guangzhou's cuisine and specialties.

Its combination of scenic parks, historic buildings, and cultural attractions makes Yuexiu a must-visit area for those exploring Guangzhou’s past and present.

Top 3: Liwan District-Historical and Lingnan-style Houses

Liwan District, located in the heart of Guangzhou, is also home to the famous "Shisan Hang" (Thirteen Hongs), the historic center of Guangzhou's thriving trade during the Qing Dynasty. It is a historic and culturally rich area with many iconic landmarks. Attractions including, Shamian Island, a former foreign concession area, showcases well-preserved colonial-era architecture and lush streetscapes. Yongqingfang is a charming historical area with traditional Lingnan-style houses, offering a glimpse into the city's old-world charm. The Chen Clan Academy, a stunning example of traditional Cantonese architecture, houses a museum of folk art and cultural relics. If you like to shopping, head to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, is a bustling shopping area famous for its historic architecture and diverse range of goods. Julong Ancient Village and Liwan Lake Park offer tranquil spaces with scenic views, adding a touch of nature to the district's vibrant urban life.

Top 4: Tianhe District- As the Heart of the City

Tianhe District, known as the heart of the city, is the economic hub of Guangzhou—a place that gathers innovation and vitality, home to a cluster of tech enterprises. It boasts the popular Tianhe City Mall and Huacheng Square, often referred to as the 'city’s living room.' It is not only the largest square in Guangzhou, but also a central landmark of Zhujiang New Town and one of the best spots to view Canton Tower. The South China Botanical Garden, the largest subtropical botanical garden in China, adds a natural charm to the district. other highlights including the Guangzhou Opera House and Guangdong Museum, and Haixinsha. Tianhe’s picturesque landscape, characterized by a harmonious blend of mountains and water, provides a stunning natural backdrop to the district's modern architecture.

Top 5: Panyu District- World-famous theme park，Hometown of Folk Arts, Seek the Local Flavor of Guangzhou

Panyu District, an important starting point of maritime routes, is renowned for its rich traditions in Cantonese opera, lion dancing, and other folk arts. In this district, you can also explore the world-famous Chimelong Tourist Resort, opportunity to observe rare animals up close in a natural setting, feed them, watch world's largest professional circus performance, and participate in a wide range of entertainment activities. Visit Shawan Ancient Town, and Baomo Garden. Daling Ancient Village in Panyu District is truly a hidden gem within the city, a village still retaining its traditional oyster shell walls. Panyu is also a food lover's paradise, offering many authentic Cantonese dishes. Although Panyu District may not have developed as quickly as other districts, it has its own unique charm that attracts countless visitors.

Top 6: Baiyun Mountian- Natural Resources

Baiyun Mountain is rich in natural resources and hosts a variety of rare flora and fauna. Key attractions include the Luhu Lake Scenic Area, the Santailing Scenic Area, and the Mingchun Valley Scenic Area. Other notable sites include Moshan Ridge and Nengren Temple, which draw a large number of visitors each year. Baiyun Mountain is a renowned tourist destination that integrates natural beauty, historical culture, and recreational activities, making it a must-visit spot for tourists. Visitors can explore the area on foot or take the cable car. You can enjoy the views of the sunrise, sunset, or even the clouds. It’s wonderful to visit these places.

Top 7: Ancient Town-Lingnan-style Architecture

Guangzhou, while a bustling metropolis, is also a historic city with a 2,200-year history. It not only boasts world-class skyscrapers but also features beautiful Lingnan-style towns. Such as Xitou Village, Huashan Town, Julong Ancient Village, Shawan Ancient Town, Daling Ancient Village, Xiaozhou Village.

Julong Ancient Village (Liwan District), with well-preserved Qing Dynasty architecture, is a historic village with a history of over 140 years. The village features large buildings made of blue bricks, with the walls supported by solid granite at the base, and the window frames adorned with grey carvings depicting symbols of wealth and good fortune. In the narrow alleys, you can also find a few "oyster shell houses," where blue bricks are used for the columns, and the walls are constructed using oyster shells.

Shawan Ancient Town (Panyu District), a historic Lingnan cultural town with a history of over 800 years, has preserved around 400 ancient buildings from the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods. The town retains its traditional appearance, with local characteristics and folk customs still visible, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Here, you can also experience a Lion Dance class.

Daling Ancient Village (Panyu District) in Panyu District is truly a hidden gem within the city, The village is named Daling Village, as it is built on the slopes of Daling Mountain. The ancient houses in the village, including the cultural tower, ancestral halls, courtyards, and oyster shell houses, represent typical examples of historical architecture from the Pearl River Delta region.

Xiaozhou Village (Haizhu District) is an ancient village with distinct Lingnan water town characteristics, with its layout centered around the water system, which is its most notable feature.

Huashan Town (Haizhu District), located 30 kilometers from the city center in Huadu District, have a rich history dating back nearly 300 years. The group of watchtowers in the area showcases the unique history of the overseas Chinese community, making the town a distinctive cultural atmosphere that attracts visitors eager to explore its heritage

Xitou Village (Conghua District)，located in the northeastern part of Liangkou Town, it has endured over 450 years of history, traditional Lingnan wooden architecture, famous for handcrafted bamboo products and Sanhua Plum Fruit.

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