Top 12 Best Things to Do in Guangzhou:Hiking, Eating, Cruise, etc.

Guangzhou has a pleasant climate all year round, making it an ideal place for a family trip, a family vacation or a relaxing vacation. As one of the top ten tourist destinations in China, Guangzhou is a great place to have fun. In addition to the must-see popular attractions, we have also listed the top 12 fun things to do, along with more exciting activities and outdoor adventures that are definitely worth experiencing.If you're looking to customize your Guangzhou trip, please feel free to contact us!

Top 1: Experience the iconic Canton Tower

• Type: Sights & Landmarks
• Fun things : Ride the High-Altitude Ferris Wheel, Explore the Skywalk, Sky Drop; Capture Stunning Night Views.

If you come to Guangzhou and don't visit the Canton Tower, it means you haven't truly been to Guangzhou. Canton Tower is an iconic tower that offers panoramic views of Guangzhou city. The tower's unique shape, with a broad base and a slender waist, has earned it the nickname "Little Waist." When the rainbow lights on the entire tower are on, it looks like a giant colorful floor lamp illuminating the Pearl River and Zhujiang New Town at night.

You can take a high-speed elevator to the observation platform for a panoramic view of the entire city of Guangzhou. You can also experience the high-altitude Ferris wheel, enjoy the thrilling sky roller coaster, Explore the Skywalk, Sky Drop, for adrenaline lovers, try the Sky Drop, the world's highest free-fall ride, located at the top of the tower, and more.

Top 2: Explore the fascinating Chimelong Resort

• Type: Sights & Natural, Education
• Fun things : seeing rare animals, watching circus performances, and enjoying entertainment activities.

Chimelong Tourist Resort is one of the most popular destinations for families with children visiting Guangzhou, with 99% of them choosing this destination. Experience a unique adventure by exploring Chimelong Safari Park, where kids can observe over 500 species and more than 20,000 rare animals from around the world in a natural setting. Here, without traveling to Sichuan, you can see China’s national treasure, the giant panda—12 of them in total—as well as 57 koalas from Australia. During showtime, enjoy the world’s largest professional circus performance and participate in a wide range of entertainment activities. It's the perfect place where education meets fun.

Chimelong Tourist Resort is China's largest and most comprehensive theme park resort, boasting the highest number of theme parks and attractions. The resort includes the Chimelong Safari Park, Chimelong Happy World, International Circus, Water Park, Bird Park, and a range of themed hotels.

Top 3: Admire the exquisite Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

• Type: History Museums and Art Cantonese architecture
• Fun things : admiring the architecture, exploring intricate wood and ivory carvings, and learning about Cantonese culture.

A historic temple and one of the best examples of traditional southern Chinese architecture，the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a must-visit cultural landmark in Guangzhou. It was originally constructed as a place of worship to honor the ancestors of the Chen family，was built in the late 19th century. Even if you don’t fully understand Chinese traditions, you can still appreciate its unique Cantonese architecture and craftsmanship. The hall is renowned for its intricate wood carvings, ceramic sculptures, and exquisite decorative elements, all of which showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Top 4: Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral

• Type: Gothic Stone Churches and Art architecture
• Fun things : admiring the architecture, exploring the intricate stained-glass windows and stone carvings, learning about the cathedral's history and significance.

Standing in the heart of Guangzhou, the Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of the four major Gothic stone churches in the world. The cathedral blends Chinese and Western styles, appearing as though it is wearing a Western-style 'coat,' yet this 'coat' incorporates many traditional Chinese elements. When you visit, you will see that Chinese tung oil and glutinous rice paste were used to bind the stones. A stone from Jerusalem and soil from Rome lie beneath the foundation, with engraved stones marking 'Jerusalem 1863' and 'Rome 1863.' The roof’s water outlets are shaped like Chinese lions, and the locally sourced floor tiles are designed for moisture resistance. The grand wooden doors are adorned with intricate Cantonese-style carvings.

Top 5: Visit the Iconic Statue of the Five Goats

• Type: Iconic Landmark & Nature
• Fun things : admiring the iconic Statue of the Five Goats and learning about the legend of Guangzhou.

Visit the Statue of Five Goats in Yuexiu Park, one of Guangzhou's most iconic landmarks. This famous statue, symbolizing the city’s legend of the Five Immortals who brought prosperity to the region, stands proudly in the heart of Yuexiu Park.

Legend has it that five immortals rode five goats, each with an ear of rice in its mouth, and flew to Guangzhou. They left the rice ears for the people of Guangzhou, wishing that the city would never suffer from famine. Afterward, they departed, and the five goats turned into stone, staying in Guangzhou forever. From then on, Guangzhou became a prosperous place and was named 'Yangcheng' (Goat City). The five goats, intricately sculpted in bronze, are a testament to Guangzhou's rich cultural heritage and history. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the park and offers a glimpse into the city’s ancient myths and traditions.

Top 6: Experience the rich culture of Guangdong's morning tea (yum cha)

• Type: Cultural & Food
• Fun things : experience culture of Canton breakfast, Tasting Cantonese breakfast items such as shrimp dumplings (虾饺), steamed dumplings (烧麦), BBQ pork buns (叉烧包), and chicken feet (凤爪).

Across all of China, only Guangdong has elevated breakfast into a cultural experience, and as the capital of Guangdong, Guangzhou offers an unmissable morning tea experience. Known locally as 'Yue-style morning tea' or 'yum cha,' it is an essential part of daily life for locals. Enjoy a wide variety of dim sum, from delicate steamed dumplings to crispy spring rolls, all served with fragrant Chinese tea. In this rapidly developing region, morning tea is more than just a meal; it is a cultural ritual where friends and family gather to savor delicious flavors, chat, and enjoy a leisurely moment of relaxation.

Top 7: Hiking Baiyun Mountain Park

• Type: Nature sight & Mountain
• Fun things : hiking to Baiyun Peak, watching the sunrise and sea of clouds at Yuhuang Peak, seeing the Jiulong Waterfall, visiting Baiyun Lake, and exploring Luhua Valley.

Hiking at Baiyun Mountain Park offers a refreshing escape into nature, with scenic trails, lush greenery, and panoramic views of Guangzhou city. As one of the city's most popular outdoor destinations, the park provides you with a chance to explore its winding paths, towering peaks, and peaceful surroundings. Whether you're seeking a challenging climb or a leisurely stroll, Baiyun Mountain has something for every nature lover.

Top 8: Experience the local culture at the Museum of the Nanyue King's Mausoleum

• Type: Historical and Heritage Site
• Fun things : Explore the rich cultural history of Nanyue King's, admire Nanyue King's "silk-thread jade burial suit.

Explore the rich cultural history of Guangzhou with a visit to this museum, which is dedicated to the Nanyue King's Mausoleum, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the city. The museum showcases the tomb of the Nanyue Kingdom's second king, Zhao Mo, and features over 1,000 exquisite artifacts, including Nanyue King's "silk-thread jade burial suit," gold jewelry, and pottery. You can learn about the rich history and culture of the ancient Nanyue Kingdom, which thrived over 2,000 years ago.

Top 9: Go shopping at the Beijing Road Pedestrian

• Type: Shopping & Specialty Shops
• Fun things : Shopping, photos. While shopping on Beijing Road, you can also visit the nearby Dafo Temple. Don’t miss out on local delicacies such as clay pot rice cakes (钵仔糕), Bazhen pan-fried dumplings (八珍煎饺), and Chen Tian Ji’s famous fish skin (陈添记鱼皮).

Guangzhou has long been a key economic hub, both historically and today, serving as a major center for trade where a wide variety of goods can be found. Go shopping at Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, Browse the many shops, street vendors, and malls along this busy shopping street and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Guangzhou's retail scene. In the heart of the city, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street plays a vital role in this bustling commercial district. making it the perfect place to experience the city's dynamic shopping culture.

Top 10: Visit the Six Banyan Temple & Flower Pagoda

• Type: Places of Worship, Historic Sites and Architectural Buildings
• Fun things : Admiring the stunning architecture of the Flower Pagoda, Learning about the temple’s rich history and cultural significance, Exploring the peaceful courtyards surrounded by banyan trees.

A Buddhist temple complex with a distinctive, nine-storied tower that is one of Guangzhou's most recognizable landmarks. Visit the Six Banyan Temple, this ancient Buddhist temple dates back to the 6th century and is renowned for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere. The Flower Pagoda, with its nine visible levels and eight hidden internal layers, features a total of seventeen levels. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a symbol of the temple's deep cultural and spiritual significance. With its rich cultural heritage and serene surroundings, the Six Banyan Temple is a must-see destination for those interested in Guangzhou’s history and spirituality.

Top 11: Take a river cruise on the Pearl River

• Type: Cruise, Boat sightseeing
• Fun things : Enjoying breathtaking views of the Pearl River and Guangzhou's skyline. Admiring the iconic Canton Tower illuminated at night.

Enjoy scenic views of Guangzhou from the river, including the Canton Tower and other iconic buildings. Experience the spirit and charm of Guangzhou, a national central city and a thousand-year-old commercial capital. Take a river cruise on the Pearl River, one of Guangzhou's most scenic and relaxing experiences. The cruise offers a unique perspective of the city. As you glide along the river, you can enjoy the stunning views of both traditional and contemporary structures, making it the perfect way to admire the city’s vibrant charm, especially at night when the lights create a dazzling display.

Top 12: Visit Lingnan water town

• Type: Cultural Village, Historical Water Town
• Fun things : Visiting Jian Clan Ancestral Hall, exploring traditional Lingnan-style architecture, walking across the scenic Hanmo Bridge, exploring the unique Oyster Shell Houses, Tasting authentic local delicacies and snacks unique to the area.

In a bustling metropolis like Guangzhou, is it all just towering skyscrapers? Not at all. Guangzhou is not only home to thriving economic development but also rich in historical landmarks. If you're tired of the modern cityscape and want to experience an ancient village, a visit to Xiaozhou Village is a great choice. Xiaozhou Village is an ancient village full of Lingnan water town charm. Founded in the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty.

More Fun Things to Do

Join a cooking class: Guangdong is known for its delicious food, particularly Cantonese cuisine. Join a cooking class to learn how to make dim sum, roast duck, shrimp dumplings and other Cantonese traditional dishes.

Experience the Lion Dance: The lion dance is a vibrant and energetic traditional performance often seen during Chinese New Year, festivals, and other special occasions. It involves two performers, one in the front controlling the head and the other in the rear controlling the tail, who mimic the movements of a lion. The dance is accompanied by lively drumming, cymbals, and gongs, creating an exciting atmosphere. Join a class to learn the basic moves, including the lion's characteristic head movements, playful motions, and high jumps. You can even try on a lion dance costume, which is heavy yet full of energy, and experience the thrill of bringing the lion to life. It’s a fun and immersive way to connect with Chinese culture and tradition, and you may even get a chance to perform in a small group at a local event

Cantonese opera: Cantonese opera is a traditional form of Chinese theater that has been popular for over 400 years. Attend a performance or join a workshop to learn about the music, costumes, and makeup.

Guangzhou embroidery: Guangzhou embroidery is a traditional craft that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. Take a workshop to learn how to embroider a traditional design onto fabric.

Guangzhou sculpture: Guangzhou sculpture is a traditional craft that has been practiced for over 1,000 years. Take a workshop to learn how to make a traditional clay sculpture.

Outdoor Adventures to Explore

Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, visiting scenic spots such as the Huacheng Square, Shamian Island and the Pearl River. Cycling in Bai Shui Zhai，the loop ride from Bai Shui Zhai to Bei Yin Village is about 20 kilometers in total. The road conditions are good, with most of the route being greenways and rural roads, offering a pleasant cycling experience.

Kayaking: Rent a Kayak and paddle board along the Pearl River, enjoying the refreshing breeze and the stunning views of Guangzhou’s skyline. As you glide through the water, you'll get a unique perspective of the city's famous landmarks, including the Canton Tower and the modern skyline. The peaceful river offers a perfect contrast to the bustling city, and you'll have the chance to spot both traditional and modern architecture along the way. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or a beginner, it's a fun and memorable way to explore Guangzhou from a different angle.

Rock Climbing: There are several indoor rock climbing gyms in Guangzhou, offering a fun and challenging workout.

Zip-lining: Visit the Guangdong Flying Adventure Park to soar through the air on a zip-line.

Customize Your Unique Guangzhou Tour

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