Guangzhou is the largest city in the world’s largest conurbation (the Pearl River Delta: pop. 65 million). A leading commercial and industrial city, it has 11 districts under its jurisdiction with a total area of 7,434 square km (2,870 sq mi). At the end of 2019, the population of the city's administrative area was estimated at 15,300,000.
Guǎngzhōu (广州), once better known internationally as Canton, has been China's busiest trading centre for centuries. Despite breakneck redevelopment up to and after the 2010 Asian Games, much of the metropolis still hums along at a pleasantly sedate pace, where narrow, leafy streets conceal temples and mosques, pockets of colonial-era heritage, traditional dim-sum eateries, distinctive qílóu shophouses and Lǐngnán architecture. Equally, you can embrace modernity via the 21st-century architectural landmarks of the showpiece Zhūjiāng New Town, such as the late Zaha Hadid's Opera House and the slim-waisted Canton Tower, rising up over the Pearl River, which cuts a lazy swathe through the city.

 

 

What to Do in Guangzhou

 

  Pearl River Night Cruise / 珠江夜游
Pearl River Night Cruise goes through the heart of the city in 2 hours, depending on the route and if dinner is included. Routes usually pass Shamian Island and return through Renmin Bridge and Haizhu Bridge before winding up at the Guangzhou suspension bridge. Options include a light show at Bai-e-Tan.
Useful Information
Address: Liwan District, Guangzhou
More Info: Cruises depart from several wharves, the most known are Tianzi Wharf and Dashatou Wharf.
Opening hours: 6h30 - 21h30

 

Guangzhou Opera House / 广州大剧院
The Opera House in Guangzhou does not only host spectacular international music acts and theatre performances (in both English and Chinese), but is also an eye-catching sight due to its interesting architectural composition. Whether or not you're a theatre-goer, the structure makes for a worthwhile visit.
Useful Information
Address: Zhujiang West Road 1, Guangzhou
Phone: +86 20 3839 2888
Website: en.gzdjy.org/index.html

 

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees / 六榕寺
Not far from Huaisheng Mosque lies Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. This temple was originally built in AD 537 and has been rebuilt several times. It is one of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou. The sight is well worth a visit because of its vast collection of cultural-relics and the 57-meter-high pagoda garden that dates back to the 3rd century.
Useful Information
Address: No.87 Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Opening hours: 8h - 17h
Public Transport: Subway Line 1 or 2 to Gongyuanqian Station Exit B

 

Chimelong Safari Park / 长隆野生动物世界
Chimelong Safari Park is the biggest wild animal theme park in Asia and home to over 500 species and 20,000 rare animals such as pandas and white tigers. The park/zoo features safari on wheels where visitors are allowed to drive their cars inside the stock area. This is a large-scale park where you can have an intimate experience with animals, and you can surely spend a wonderful time here with your family.
Useful Information
Address: Dashi Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou
Opening hours: 9h30 - 18h
Phone: +86 20 8478 3333

 

Canton Tower / 广州塔
The landmark of Guangzhou, also known as the Guangzhou TV & Sightseeing Tower and is one of the world's most remarkable new buildings. It serves not only as a popular tourist destination but also as an intensive facility for radio and television transmission. The tower is 450-meter-high and have an amazing Bubble Tram (spherical cabins) that allows you to experience the beautiful panoramic views of Guangzhou.
Useful Information
Address: No.222 Yuexiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou Opening hours: 9h - 23h

 

Chimelong Paradise / 长隆欢乐世界
If you are seeking thrilling rides, Chimelong Paradise is the place to go. It houses over 70 rides including a 10-looped roller coaster, the quickest motorbike roller coaster and the first Skating roller coaster of Asia. For kids, there are plenty of rides for them as well. Besides, the park also offers all sorts of performances such as magic tricks, songs and dances, acrobatics and fancy car parades.
Useful Information
Address: Yingbin Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou
Opening hours: 9h30 - 18h
Phone: +86 20 3993 2888