Guangzhou is a city in the south of the People’s Republic of China, capital of the province of Guangdong.

It has an international airport and communicates with Hong Kong (at a distance of 120 km) by trains, buses and a ferry service.

Easily accessible if you fly to Shenzhen or Hong Kong since it has trains every 15-20 minutes and it takes about 30-40 minutes from Shenzhen and about 1 hour from Hong Kong

What to see in this overcrowded city?

Although almost all cities in China look similar except for large cities, Guangzhou has its peculiarity. Likewise, I would not recommend staying more than 4 days unless you’re visiting the surroundings. A good area to choose hotel is the Kecun area, since it is central and moving around is not very expensive via taxi or didi

1. Canton Tower

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YsLkzyGPgbLKUJ6K6

If you have chosen the Kecun area to spend your nights, Canton Tower is just few minutes walking distance away. Recommended to visit during night time since this tower is the emblem of the city

2. Nightlife at Party Pier Plaza

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gvgRdF4Ro244foLm7

Both for nightlife and for enjoying its views or for a walk, this area is highly recommended. Great views of the city from the bars entrance area next to the taxi stops

3. Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vvf9A15bwKtBzb7M9

Soaring 1888 Catholic cathedral, one of only a few in the world constructed completely of granite.

Open from 8.30-11.30 and 14.30-1700 on Tue-Fri. 8.30-17.00 on Sat-Sun. Monday closed

4. Visit the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dKfo15h2yQFxHVPP6

A few minutes walking distance from the cathedral is this temple. Recommended to stop by!

Open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm

Entry fees: 5RMB

5. Visit the Guangxiao Temple

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7ifdUPGCkNyi5Bwq7

Ancient Buddhist temple complex known for its numerous iron towers, statues, gardens & bodhi tree

Also just a few minutes walking distance from the temple mentioned above is this temple. Perfect for families!

Entry fees: 5RMB

6. Stroll at Xiaozhou Ancient Village 霞洲村

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cNevxeRTM9umwJwR9

This ancient town is located on the outskirts of the city about 40 minutes by car. Highly recommended to spend half a day and enjoy of its traditional alleys and complexes.

To locate this site once arrived to the area, simply enter the market area or follow the signs. It is also easy to find since the difference between modern and old streets is obvious

7. Explore the Huangpu Village 黄埔村

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/P7QMfHuMq5TuG7kX9

One of the most beautiful traditional villages of Guangzhou. Perfect to spend a day among its alleys. Full of markets, restaurants, temples, shops … and is not very popular yet!

The town is located on the outskirts but easily accessible by car. Taxis in Canton are not relatively expensive and will save us a lot of time that could be used to visit new sites

8. Stroll at TIT Creative Industry Zone

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BMaCK8GJody53hCC8

Industrial zone transformed into business, coffee shops and art. Perfect place to walk, relax, have breakfast, night photography…

9. Walk by Zhujiang River Promenade

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/u9a2tGph6NrrrAmC6

Great promenade that goes along the river with views of the city. The end of this promenade leads to the party area

10. Hike up to Baiyunshan

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZxkbDgbzNth7suKa9

This mountain has several entrances and routes. The roads are usually through the road, so there is no difficulty at all. Within the area there are food stalls and restaurants. The views from the top are decent but unfortunately the pollution usually covers the views a bit.

Along the way there are several points of interest, such as temples and monuments