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Eight classic one-day tour routes for your enjoyment in Guangzhou

By the time you read this, the eight-day holiday for National Day and the Mid-autumn Festival is about to end. Haven’t yet decided where to spend the last one or two days of the holiday? Worrying that you might be bored if you stay in Guangzhou? Don’t worry, with the following one-day tour routes, even staying in Guangzhou can be a blast. The following one day itineraries are prepared on eight different themes, so take your pick.

No. 1 Cultural Tour

This tour route takes you to experience some of the city’s cultural landmarks.

1. Yuexiu Park (越秀公园)

While Guangzhou was still a walled city, Yuexiu Park served as a natural defense point in the northern part of Guangzhou together with Baiyun Mountain. Within the Park you can still find a good-sized stretch of the Ming city wall, and the five story Ming structure known as Zhen Hai Lou which now houses the small but intriguing Guangzhou museum. The park marks the most northern point of Guangzhou’s Traditional Central Axis. Yuexiu Park consists of seven peaks with the main peak being the Yuejing Peak, and three artificial lakes—Beixiu Lake, Nanxiu Lake, and Dongxiu Lake. If you are in Guangzhou, why not spend some time here?

Admission: Free

Opening Hours: 6:00 – 22:00

Nearby metro station: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Yuexiu Park Station (越秀公园).

2. Chen Clan Academy (陈家祠)

Chen Clan Academy (or Chen Jia Ci) or the Ancestral Hall of the Chen’s in Guangzhou, was built by 72 different Chen families for their juniors’ accommodation and preparation for the imperial exams in 1894 in the late Qing Dynasty. Later it was changed to be an Industrial College, and finally a middle school. Currently the building houses a folk art museum which does feature some examples of traditional artwork from the province, but be warned that the shopping here is a little ‘touristy’ and overpriced. The main attraction, however, is the stunning architecture of the complex iteself, featuring incredibly detailed brick and tile reliefs which are hallmarks of the ‘Lingnan school’ and a lovely collection of bonsai trees in the courtyards.

Admission: RMB 10 per ticket

Opening Hours: 7:30 – 17:30

Nearby metro station: Take Metro Line 1 and get off at Chen Clan Academy Station (陈家祠), exit D.

3. Pazhou Tower (琶洲塔)

The Pagoda at Pazhou, along with that at Chigang (situated nearby the Canton tower) were once icons, for sailors arriving from Europe. Being at that time, amongst the tallest structures of the Qing city.

Nearby metro station: Pazhou Station (琶洲), Line 8

4. Huangpu Ancient Port (黄埔古港)

Located in eastern Haizhu District of Guangzhou, Huangpu Village enjoys a profound history as it came into being as early as the Northern Song Dynasty(960-1127). A number of historical homes and temples with Lingnan architectural styling have been preserved in Huangpu Village: their brick carving, wood carving, clay sculptures, wok ear roofs can be seen throughout, as you wander the flagstone-paved roads.

Admission: Free

Nearby metro station: Wanshengwei Station (万胜围), Line 4 or 8


No. 2 Romantic Tour

Walking amidst the European styled buildings from the Republic of China period, enjoying the autumnal breeze, watching the sun dim and evening lights begin to twinkle, this is a romantic tour specially for couples in Guangzhou.

1. Sacred Heart Cathedral (石室圣心大教堂)

The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a magnificent stone built Catholic church. It’s Neo-Gothic stylings would not be out of place in the British or French countryside. The church is not only a place for locals to take mass but also a quiet haven where any visitor can pause for thought, away from the bustle of the lively old heart of Guangzhou.

Admission: Free

Sunday Mass: 15:30 (English)

Add.: Yide Zhong Road, Yuexiu District (越秀区一德中路)

Bus: Line No.8, 40, 58, 61, 82, 194. Near the Yide Road Stop.

Nearby metro station: Haizhu Square Station (海珠广场), Line 2/6,

2. Shamian (沙面)

Shamian Island is an island in the city of Guangzhou, cut off from the mainland by a canal, can accessed by several historic bridges. The streets are lined with stately, mature Banyan trees and the island is dotted with various historical buildings. It is a good place to enjoy colonial-style architecture, since the island served as an important port for foreign trade from the Song through the Qing Dynasties, and many firms built their headquarters here.

Nearby metro station: Huangsha Station (黄沙), Line 6

3. Taigucang Wharf (太古仓)

Taigucang Wharf, a place full of charm, creativity, nostalgia and modernity. Located in Haizhu District, it was built during 1904 - 1908 by a British firm for the Taigucang steamship company. Now, Taigucang Wharf retains the old wharf, a unique warehouse cinema, and many original restaurants. It is a nice place to meet with friends, a date and enjoy the bustling nightlife on the banks of the Pearl River.

Add.: No. 124 Gexin Road, Haizhu District (广州市海珠区革新路124号)

Nearby bus station: Taigucang station, Bus No. 963

Nearby metro station: Exit A, Shayuan Station (沙园), Line 8


No. 3 Gastronomic Tour

Guangzhou, China’s food capital, attracts foodies from all over the country. So how can you miss out on some fine food while on holiday? Take this tour to savor authentic local food all day long.

1. Baohua Road (宝华路)

This district of Guangzhou is alive with some of the best the city has to offer in the way of street food and snack shops. The myriad tree lined roads provide ample opportunity for exploration to sate your curiosity as well as your appetite.

Nearby metro station: Changshou Lu Station (长寿路), Line 1

2. Xihua Road (西华路)

Along Xihua Road, you can find the most authentic local delicacies, including porridge, steamed rice rolls, noodles, desserts and snacks. This is definitely the most low-key, down-to-earth local food street in Guangzhou. The restaurants and food shops on Xihua Road attract a local crowd. It is said that with only 50 yuan you can enjoy a good number of tasty snacks along the street.

Nearby metro station: Chen Clan Academy (陈家祠) or Ximenkou Stations (西门口), Line 1

3. Beijing Road (北京路)

Dive into the hustle and bustle of this shopping street. A great place to enjoy an evening out eating where the locals eat and shopping with locals on the ever popular Beijing Road Pedestrian Street. If you‘re new to Guangzhou then make sure to check out the preserved sections of ancient paving dating back to the Song Dynasty, and if you are a seasoned Guangzhou veteran then why not dive deeper into some of the alleyways and side streets for a glimpse of the faded glory of Qing era Guangzhou.

Nearby metro station: Gongyuanqian Station (公元前), Line 1 or 2, or Beijing Lu Station (北京路), Line 6

4. Jianshe Sixth Road (建设六马路)

Before the construction of Zhujiang New Town, Taojin once represented the city at its most ‘westernized‘ and now could boast to be one of the cities most culturally diverse destinations, whilst still retaining a down to earth vibe that the steel and glass edifices of Zhujiang new town lacks.

Nearby metro station: Taojin Station (淘金), Line 6


No. 4 Pearl River Tour

Along the Pearl River, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the urban landscape, bridges, Canton Tower, and so on. Or you can take a walk on its islets to be exposed to music and art in Xinghai Concert Hall and Guangdong Museum of Art.

1.Huangsha (黄沙)

Nearby metro station: Huangsha Station (黃沙), Line 1 or 6

Be sure to check out the lively seafood market and the tree-lined banks of Shamian Island before walking eastward along the riverbank towards Haizhu Bridge.

2.Haizhu Bridge (海珠桥)

Nearby metro station: Haizhu Square Station (海珠广场), Line 2 or 6

The riverbank between Haizhu Square and Huangsha (Shamian Island) is Guangzhou’s mini-Bund. Lining the road are a number of colonial era buildings, and the pedestrian thoroughfare is wide and abuzz with lights and colour after dark, with a friendly and relaxing atmosphere.

3. Ersha Island (二沙岛)

Ersha Island is an island in the middle of the Pearl River. Encircled by the Pearl River, the island enjoys a great deal of open grassy spaces quite different from other public areas downtown. If you fancy cycling, having a picnic or playing sport this is an ideal destination very much away from the hustle and bustle.

The island is also home to the Xinghai Concert Hall and Guangdong Museum of Art.

Admission: Free

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Bus: No.57, No. 12

4. Haixinsha Island (海心沙)

Nearby metro station: Haixinsha Station (海心沙), APM Line

This tiny island was once almost entirely covered with military barracks, but since the Asia games, the majority of this Island has been taken up by the impressive stadium designed to represent a boat under sail. Walking around this island affords a wonderful aspect on the imposing architecture of Huacheng Square and plentiful photo opportunities of the modern face of Guangzhou.

5. Canton Tower (广州塔)

With its unique shape and design, Canton Tower has become synonymous with Guangzhou. Whether you view the tower from below, bathed in mesmerizing coloured light, or you ride the lift to the viewing decks and take in the panoramic cityscape, it is somewhere that anyone living in Guangzhou must visit once.

Admission: RMB 150 per ticket

Opening Hours: 9:30 – 22:30

Bus: Take Bus No. 121, 121A, 204, Bus No. 42(Night), or Tourism Bus No. 2 and get off at Chigang Pagoda;

Nearby metro station: Take Metro Line 3 and get off at Canton Tower Station (广州塔), then go out at Exit B.


No. 5 Shopping Tour

Guangzhou is also a paradise for shopaholics. Check out some of the best and hottest shopping malls!

1. TaiKoo Hui (太古汇)

TaiKoo Hui is located in the heart of Tianhe central business district (CBD). A beautifully designed mall, it is home to over 180 brands, including internationally acclaimed designers, sophisticated lifestyle boutiques, home products and exquisite cafes and restaurants, 70% of which are from overseas. Several acclaimed brands set up their flagship stores or concept stores at TaiKoo Hui.

Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm

Add.: No. 383 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou

Nearby metro station: Shipaiqiao Station (石牌桥), Line 3

2. Tee Mall (天河城)

Tee Mall is a large-scale and multi-function modern shopping mall hailed as the “greatest emporium in China”, offering shopping, restaurants, recreation, entertainment and business facilities and featuring over 300 brands.

Business hours: 10:00am—10:00pm

Add.: No. 208 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou

Nearby metro station: Tiyu Xilu Station(体育西路), Line 1 or 3

3. Wende Road Art Street (文德路)

Radiating out from Wende Road are a multitude of small shops and galleries carrying paints, brushes and the so-called ‘four treasures of the study‘, all the traditional items required for brush and ink painting or calligraphy. This is a wonderful place to pick up artwork for a reasonable price, and to talk with shop and gallery owners, learning more about the processes behind the paintings. The styles on offer also range to oil painted copies of European masters for devilishly low prices.

Nearby metro station: Gongyuanqian Station (公元前), Line 1 or 2, or Beijing Lu Station (北京路), Line 6

4. Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (上下九步行街)

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street in Guangzhou is one of the busiest commercial pedestrian streets in China. Lined with more than 300 shops, the 1,218-meter-long street is a riot of sound and colour, and a wonderful place to enjoy Cantonese snacks and deserts late into the evening.

Nearby metro station: Changshou Lu Station (长寿路), Line 1


No. 6 Nostalgic Tour

Old streets, arcades, Xiguan Mansion, it is like traveling back to old times. This tour shows you the nostalgic charm of Guangzhou.

1. Enning Road (恩宁路)

Walking along Enning Road, you will be enchanted by the arcades on this over 1500-meter street. These arcades were mainly built in the 1920s and 1930s and are well preserved. Due to its intact arcades, Enning Road is hailed as one of the most beautiful old streets in Guangzhou. So if you are looking for nostalgic tour of Guangzhou, Enning Road is your best choice.

Nearby metro station: Huangsha Station (黄沙) or Ruyifang Station (如意坊), Line 6

2. Fengyuan North Street (逢源北街)

Fengyuan North Street is where you can find lots of traditional architectures in historic styles, especially the well preserved Xiguan mansions. From these old homes, you will get a fascinating glimpse to see how Cantonese people lived.

Nearby metro station: Changshou Lu Station (长寿路), Line 1

3. Litchi Bay (荔枝湾涌)

Litchi Bay, or Lizhiwan, is a famous tourist attraction in southern China's Guangzhou known for its long history as a center of culture, art, and learning. There are many historical relics and historical buildings around Litchi Bay, including the Wenta Pavillion and Xiguan Houses built in a characteristic regional style. The area is also well-known for its many traditional foods. It can be said that Litchi Bay is one of the birthplaces of Cantonese culture.

Admission: Free

Add.: Around No148, Longjin West Road, Liwan, Guangzhou

Nearby metro station: Ruyifang Station (如意坊), Line 6 


No. 7 Thrilling Tour

Instead of walking, shopping or eating, this tour route takes you to a different, exciting world. Be prepared for fun and excitement, and getting closer to wildlife.

1. Chimelong Paradise (长隆欢乐世界)

Chimelong Paradise is a world-class amusement park which features amusement rides, stunt shows, parades and performances, ecological leisure, special catering and specialty shops. It is the largest amusement park in China with 70 rides most of which have been imported from Europe. It boasts eight world record-holding rides including the Dive Coaster, Ten Inversion Rollercoaster, Motorbike Launch Coaster, Young Star Roller Coaster, Half Pipe, Splash Battle, Stunt Show, Giant Frisbee and the world’s most advanced 4D Theater. There are only two Dive Coasters and two Ten Inversion rollercoasters in the world, and Chimelong Paradise has one of each! Thrill seekers, this is the right place for you!

Admission: Adult (RMB 250 per ticket); Senior or child (RMB 175 per ticket)

Opening Hours: 9:30–19:00 (weekdays); 9:30–21:00 (weekends)

Metro: Take Metro Line 3 and get off at Hanxi Changlong Station (汉溪长隆), go out at Exit E, then take the free shuttle bus or walk toward Chimelong Paradise (3-5 minutes).

2. Chimelong Safari Park (香江野生动物园)

Chimelong Safari Park is known for being the best in China, and is the largest safari park housing the most species in the world, and home to over 20,000 rare animals of over 500 different species, including 12 giant pandas, over 50 koalas, nearly 200 white tigers and many other endangered species. Chimelong Safari Park is the first park in China to have introduced a self-drive tour. The self-drive tour allows guests to view the animals while driving their own car around the park.

Admission: Adult (RMB 250 per ticket); Senior or child (RMB 175 per ticket)

Opening Hours: 9:30 – 18:00

Metro: Take Metro Line 3 and get off at Hanxi Changlong Station (汉溪长隆), go out at Exit E, then take the free shuttle bus to get there (3-5 minutes).

3. Big Hippo Water World (大河马水上世界)

Located in Nanhu National Holiday Resort with attractive scenery, Dahema (Big Hippo) Water World is a novel and playful wonderland within Guangzhou. Inside this fairyland you can find backwash bay, surfing yachts, a children’s pool, a standard swimming pool, drifting river and other exciting water facilities.

Admission: 100 yuan per ticket for adult, 50 yuan per ticket for children under 1.4 meter

Opening Hours: 8:00 - 18:30 (April 28 - October 7)

Bus: Take Bus No. 862A, 864, 804, 179, 126, 833, 509, 832 and get off at Big Hippo Water World Station or Guangdong Provincial Tourism School Station.


No. 8 Ecological Tour

How about getting closer nature with family and friends during the holiday? There is fresh air, natural scenery, birdsong and fragrant flowers to enjoy.

1. Haizhu Wetland (海珠湿地)

Haizhu Wetland is a great destination for people to spend their leisure time and get in touch with nature. The wetland park is located along the migration route of many bird species and offers an important habitat for them.

Haizhu Lake and two phases of conservation zones of the Haizhu Wetland project are now open for free. To help protect and conserve this fragile natural habitat, visitors are required to book their tickets in advance by following “Haizhu Wetland (海珠湿地)” on WeChat or dialing 020-62380066. Only 1,000 reservations are accepted each day.

Free Admission

Time: 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (visitors need to enter the park before noon)

Metro: Line 3, Da Tang Station (大塘), Exit B

Bus: No.264, No.761, No.779 to Ju De Xi Road

2. Xiaozhou Village (小洲村)

Xiaozhou Village was built at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, more than 370 years ago and now stands on the southern outskirts of the city. It is characterized by its narrow waterways, charming old houses and art and crafts shops. Old trees can be seen dotting the whole of Xiaozhou Village, providing shade and shelter for visitors to keep cool.

Free Admission

Bus: No. 252, No. 468 to Xiaozhou Bus Stop (小洲站)

3. Shuimo Garden (水墨园)

Shuimo Garden truly embraces all the beauty of Lingnan garden. All the trees, lakes, pavilions and corridors have been landscaped with fine attention to detail. With picturesque scenery everywhere, this is a great place to meditate, stroll, or cycle.

Add.: Guangzhou International Bio Island, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (广州市海珠区广州国际生物岛)

(By Monica Liu & Simon Haywood)

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