10 Best Things to Do When You're Visiting Guangzhou

When I first touched down in Guangzhou, I expected another big Chinese city—busy, modern, maybe a little overwhelming. But as a Malaysian traveller, I was pleasantly surprised. There’s a familiar Southeast Asian warmth here, tucked beneath layers of Cantonese culture. The tree-lined boulevards reminded me a bit of KL’s colonial streets, but here they’re framed by soaring towers and age-old temples. Guangzhou weather in autumn was just right—cool enough to explore comfortably, yet warm enough for street food crawls and river cruises. And the food? Let’s just say, if you love dim sum, you’ll feel right at home.

From budget-friendly shopping streets to riverside walks, herbal markets, and charming heritage districts, Guangzhou is perfect for Malaysians who enjoy food-hunting, sightseeing, and the occasional retail therapy. Plus, dining and shopping here feels affordable—your Ringgit goes a lot further than you'd expect. Whether you're looking for iconic landmarks or hidden neighbourhood gems, there are plenty of great places to stay in Guangzhou to suit every travel style. So if you're planning a trip soon, here’s what to do in Guangzhou.

1. Marvel at the Canton Tower

Standing at the base of Canton Tower, I felt tiny staring up at this architectural giant twisting toward the clouds. At night, it sparkles like a rainbow beacon, casting reflections over the Pearl River. I took the high-speed elevator up to the Sky Drop—one of the world’s highest thrill rides—and the view was surreal. Below, Guangzhou stretched endlessly, lights flickering like stars. It’s equal parts awe-inspiring and adrenaline-pumping.

📖 About Canton Tower

At 600 meters, this is China’s second-tallest structure and a symbol of modern Guangzhou. Visitors can enjoy observation decks, glass-floor walks, and panoramic skyline views.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Evening, just before sunset, to catch both day and night views.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Families can skip the thrill rides and enjoy the observation levels or the café.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✔️ Go on a weekday to avoid queues
• ✔️ Bring a camera with wide-angle lens for skyline shots
• ✔️ Book tickets online to skip the long line

2. Step Back in Time at Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

As I stepped through the grand stone entrance of the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, I was immediately surrounded by intricate carvings, colorful glazed tiles, and fierce stone lions guarding the courtyard. The scent of incense lingered in the air, mingling with the soft chatter of tourists admiring the museum’s folk art collection. Every beam, wall, and panel seemed to tell a story—from heroic dragons to scholars and flowers carved with astonishing detail. It felt like a sacred space where craftsmanship and heritage met.

📖 About Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Built in the late Qing Dynasty, this ornate complex once served as a study hall for scholars. Today, it houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum and is one of the finest examples of Lingnan architecture.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Mid-morning or late afternoon for soft lighting and fewer tour groups.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes, with shaded courtyards and lots of visual details to keep all ages interested.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✔️ Don’t miss the miniature carvings hidden in the rooftop beams
• ✔️ Perfect spot for architecture and photography lovers
• ✔️ Combine with a visit to nearby Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

3. Wander the Peaceful Streets of Shamian Island

Crossing the small bridge onto Shamian Island felt like stepping into another continent. The air grew quieter, the streets wider, and colonial-era buildings stood gracefully beneath canopies of ancient banyan trees. I strolled past pastel-hued villas, baroque churches, and bronze statues of children playing, all while sipping a latte from a cozy riverside café. It was the calmest part of Guangzhou I’d seen—elegant, laid-back, and picture-perfect.

📖 About Shamian Island

Once a foreign concession in the 19th century, Shamian Island is now a charming, walkable enclave famous for its colonial architecture, riverside promenade, and relaxed atmosphere.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Late morning or just before sunset when the lighting is soft and the vibe is peaceful.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Absolutely. Flat paths make it stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and kids love the statues scattered around.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✔️ Perfect for a relaxing morning walk or evening date
• ✔️ Bring a camera—this place is full of European-style photo ops
• ✔️ Grab lunch at one of the historic buildings turned restaurants

4. Wake Up to Morning Dim Sum at a Traditional Teahouse

There’s nothing like starting the day with steaming baskets of dim sum in Guangzhou. I walked into a decades-old teahouse in Liwan, where the clatter of porcelain, the aroma of shrimp dumplings, and the murmur of early risers filled the air. Servers pushed trolleys stacked with goodies—siu mai, cheong fun, egg tarts—and I just pointed at whatever looked good (which was everything). Locals read newspapers, debated over tea, and sipped chrysanthemum from tiny cups. It wasn’t just breakfast—it was culture, served in bamboo steamers.

📖 What Makes This Experience Special?

Guangzhou is the birthplace of Cantonese dim sum culture. A morning at a traditional teahouse is not just about the food—it’s a social ritual that dates back generations.

📅 Best Time to Do It

7:00 AM – 10:00 AM for the freshest dim sum and the full local vibe.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Great for all ages. Kids love the variety, and elders appreciate the traditional setting.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✔️ Go early to beat the crowds and get the freshest dishes
• ✔️ Bring cash—some older teahouses may not accept cards
• ✔️ Ask for "lao cha" (traditional tea) to pair like a local

5. Get Lost in Xiguan’s Historic Old Houses

Wandering through the quiet alleys of Xiguan, I felt like I had stumbled into another era. The wide wooden gates, red brick walls, and carved stone arches whispered stories of wealthy merchant families from centuries past. Some of the homes are still lived in, while others have been transformed into museums or cultural centers. I peeked into open courtyards where laundry fluttered between bonsai plants, and paused to admire the bamboo-framed windows—classic Lingnan style. It was peaceful, unfiltered, and completely off the tourist radar.

📖 What Makes This Experience Special?

Xiguan Mansions reflect the old-world charm of Guangzhou’s wealthy merchant past. These homes are tucked within the Liwan district and showcase authentic Lingnan architecture and neighborhood life that still thrives today.

📅 Best Time to Do It

Late afternoon when the sun casts warm light on the facades, and the locals are most active.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes, but better for older kids and adults who enjoy walking and cultural discovery.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✔️ Look for Liang Clan House or Xiguan Folk Custom Museum for a deeper dive
• ✔️ Wear comfortable shoes—the stone-paved alleys can be uneven
• ✔️ Pair the visit with a snack stop at nearby Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

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6. Cruise the Pearl River at Night

As the boat pulled away from the dock, the glittering skyline of Guangzhou came alive around me. The Canton Tower beamed in a kaleidoscope of colors, while bridges lit up one by one, casting reflections on the water like shimmering threads. The breeze was cool, the city felt quiet yet grand from the river, and soft music played in the background. I sipped tea on the upper deck, watching as historic buildings and modern skyscrapers slid by—it was the most relaxing hour of my trip, with the best views in town.

📖 What Makes This Experience Special?

The Pearl River is Guangzhou’s lifeline, and cruising it at night offers a front-row seat to the city’s spectacular skyline. It’s the perfect way to experience Guangzhou’s blend of old and new.

📅 Best Time to Do It

Evenings (7 PM – 9 PM) when the city lights are at their brightest and most beautiful.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Calm waters and open decks make this cruise suitable for all ages.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✔️ Book online or through your hotel for guaranteed seats
• ✔️ Arrive 20–30 minutes early to secure the best upper-deck spots
• ✔️ Bring a light jacket—it can get breezy on the river

7.Watch Cantonese Opera in a Neighborhood Teahouse

I ducked into a small teahouse tucked away in Liwan, where elderly patrons sipped chrysanthemum tea and tapped along to the twang of the erhu. On the modest stage, performers in dazzling embroidered robes and ornate headdresses delivered powerful vocals in Cantonese opera style. No flashy lights, no fancy theater—just raw, traditional storytelling passed down through generations. Even though I couldn’t understand every word, the emotion in the singing and gestures spoke volumes. It felt like discovering a living, breathing part of Guangzhou’s cultural soul.

📖 What Makes This Experience Special?

Cantonese opera is a cornerstone of southern Chinese culture, and watching it in a teahouse setting gives a rare, intimate look at local traditions. It’s a dying art form—and seeing it live is like stepping back in time.

📅 Best Time to Do It

Evenings on weekends, when most performances are scheduled.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes for older kids and adults. It’s a quieter experience best suited for those who appreciate live performance and culture.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✔️ Call ahead or ask your hotel to confirm performance nights
• ✔️ Sip tea during the show—it’s part of the experience
• ✔️ Sit near the front for a closer look at the makeup and costumes

8. Hike or Cable Up Baiyun Mountain

The morning air was fresh as I made my way up Baiyun Mountain, or "White Cloud Mountain" as the locals call it. Birds chirped above, the scent of pine trees hung in the air, and I passed families, retirees doing tai chi, and couples enjoying a peaceful stroll. I chose to hike a scenic trail, but for those less keen on walking, there’s a cable car that glides gently over the treetops. From the top, I gazed out over the city—the perfect blend of green serenity and urban sprawl below.

📖 What Makes This Activity Special?

Baiyun Mountain is the green lung of Guangzhou, offering escape from the city's buzz. With temples, gardens, and panoramic viewpoints, it’s the go-to nature spot for locals and visitors alike.

📅 Best Time to Do It

Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and enjoy softer light.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Multiple routes cater to all fitness levels, and the cable car is great for kids and seniors.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✔️ Wear good walking shoes—some trails have steps and slopes
• ✔️ Bring water and snacks if you plan to hike up
• ✔️ Don’t miss Moxing Summit, the highest viewpoint on the mountain

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9. Sip Cocktails with a Skyline View at Roof Top Bar, LN Hotel Five

As I stepped onto the terrace of LN Hotel Five’s rooftop bar, the entire Guangzhou skyline stretched before me—Canton Tower lit up like a rainbow, and the Pearl River shimmered below. The vibe was intimate and upscale, with soft jazz playing in the background. I ordered their signature lychee martini and settled into a cozy corner seat. The city buzzed far below, but up here, everything felt relaxed and refined. It was the perfect end to a day of exploring.

📖 What Makes This Spot Special?

This boutique hotel rooftop bar is a hidden gem known for its riverfront views, creative cocktails, and peaceful ambiance. It's less crowded than bigger hotel chains—ideal for a chill night out.

📅 Best Time to Go

Just before sunset for golden hour views and cooler weather.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

No, this one's for adults—better suited for couples or friends looking for a relaxing evening.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✔️ Reserve ahead if you want front-row river views
• ✔️ Ask for seasonal cocktails—they rotate often and are beautifully crafted
• ✔️ Great spot for celebrating a special occasion without the crowds

10. Shop and Snack Your Way Through Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

The moment I stepped onto Beijing Road, it was full sensory overload in the best way—LED screens glowing overhead, street food sizzling on open grills, and crowds weaving through shops and snack stalls. Beneath my feet, transparent panels revealed ancient stone roads from centuries past, while above, fashion boutiques and electronics stores buzzed with activity. I munched on grilled squid skewers between browsing for souvenirs and trendy clothes. It’s touristy, sure—but it’s also alive with energy and flavour.

📖 What Makes This Spot Special?

Beijing Road blends history, modern retail, and street food into one of Guangzhou’s busiest shopping areas. You can shop, snack, and stroll over ancient roads in a single afternoon.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon to early evening for cooler weather and the full night market vibe.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! There’s something for everyone—from kids’ toy shops to historical ruins and snack stalls.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✔️ Don’t miss the underground ruins near the central plaza
• ✔️ Bring small cash for street snacks—some vendors don’t take cards
• ✔️ Bargaining is welcome at smaller stalls but not chain stores

Explore Guangzhou Now!

What makes Guangzhou truly special is its seamless blend of old and new—the buzzing street markets tucked beneath glittering skyscrapers, the centuries-old temples just a stone’s throw from trendy cafes. It’s a city that lingers in your memory long after you leave. Sure, it can get a little humid (okay, very humid), but trust me, it’s all part of the experience—and totally worth it for the incredible food alone. There’s this electric, ever-changing energy in Guangzhou that keeps things exciting, whether it’s a late-night dim sum run or stumbling upon a hidden art gallery. If you're eyeing a trip, now’s a great time to plan—there are amazing discounts on flights to Guangzhou and some great deals on hotels in Guangzhou too. Check out the latest travel promotions for Guangzhou—you might just find the perfect deal. Safe travels, and enjoy every bite and moment!

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