What Are the Best Things to Do in Guangzhou? 15 Local Picks for 2027

Guangzhou is a city that reveals itself in layers. At first glance, you may come for the glittering skyline, the Canton Tower, or a cruise along the Pearl River. But spend a little more time here, and you will discover a very different side of the city — morning tea shared around a busy table, centuries-old temples hidden between modern streets, quiet walks through historic neighborhoods, and traditions that continue to shape everyday local life.

So, what are the best things to do in Guangzhou? The answer depends on how you want to experience the city. Guangzhou is home to some of southern China's most famous landmarks, but its real charm often lies beyond the major sightseeing spots. One moment you can be looking out over a futuristic skyline in Zhujiang New Town; the next, you can be wandering beneath the arcades of an old Xiguan neighborhood or sipping tea the way generations of Cantonese locals have done.

From iconic landmarks and ancient history to Cantonese morning tea and local tea markets, here are our 15 local picks for experiencing the best of Guangzhou in 2027.

At a Glance: 15 Best Things to Do in Guangzhou in 2027

Whether you are visiting Guangzhou for a quick stopover or planning a few days to explore, this list offers a mix of famous landmarks, cultural treasures, local food experiences, historic neighborhoods, and lesser-known discoveries.

The best way to enjoy Guangzhou is not necessarily to rush from one attraction to another. Some of the most memorable experiences happen when you slow down—over a long Cantonese breakfast, during an unplanned walk through an old neighborhood, or while learning about a local tradition from someone who still practices it today.

If you are visiting for the first time, you may want to start with a few of the city's classic Guangzhou must-visit landmarks and then balance them with experiences that feel more personal and local. With that in mind, here are 15 of the best things to do in Guangzhou in 2027.

1. Can You Really See All of Guangzhou from the Canton Tower?

If it is your first time in the city, the Canton Tower is one of the most recognizable Guangzhou attractions and a natural place to begin. Rising above the Pearl River, its distinctive twisting shape has become a symbol of modern Guangzhou and offers a completely different perspective on the city's scale.

From the observation decks, you can look across the Pearl River toward the skyscrapers of Zhujiang New Town and the surrounding districts. On a clear day, the view stretches far beyond the central skyline, revealing just how quickly Guangzhou has grown into one of southern China's largest and most dynamic cities.

What to Experience at Canton Tower

Take your time rather than treating the tower as a quick photo stop. The best experience depends on how much time you have and what you want to see:

Local Tip: If your schedule allows, make the Canton Tower part of a relaxed evening — start with a walk through Zhujiang New Town, head toward the riverside as daylight fades, enjoy the illuminated tower, and finish with a Pearl River Night Cruise for a completely different perspective from the water.

2. What Can You See on a Pearl River Night Cruise?

After seeing Guangzhou from above, experience the city from a completely different perspective — on the water. A Pearl River Night Cruise is one of the best things to do in Guangzhou after sunset, especially for first-time visitors who want to see the city's modern skyline at its most impressive.

As the boat moves along the river, Guangzhou gradually reveals its nighttime character. The Canton Tower rises above the skyline, bridges glow over the water, and the modern buildings along both banks reflect the city's energy and rapid development. From the river, you can appreciate how closely Guangzhou's identity has always been connected to the water.

The experience is less about reaching a particular destination and more about slowing down and enjoying the changing views. Sitting back on the deck with the city lights all around you offers a welcome contrast to a busy day of walking through temples, museums, and historic neighborhoods.

What to Expect on a Pearl River Night Cruise

Most cruises take place in the evening, when Guangzhou's landmarks and bridges are illuminated. While the exact route and duration vary, a typical cruise offers the following:

For visitors who only have a short time in the city, a Pearl River Night Cruise is an easy way to experience several parts of Guangzhou's skyline in one evening. It also makes a relaxed ending to a day of sightseeing.

Make It Part of a Guangzhou Evening

A Pearl River Night Cruise works best when it is part of a larger evening rather than a standalone activity. You might begin with dinner in the city, take a walk around Huacheng Square or Zhujiang New Town as the lights begin to come on, and then head to the river for your cruise.

If you have already visited the Canton Tower during the day, seeing it again from the water creates a completely different impression. From the river, its illuminated silhouette becomes part of a much wider panorama, surrounded by bridges, skyscrapers, and reflections on the Pearl River.

Local Tip: Choose a departure time after dark if seeing the illuminated skyline is your priority. Guangzhou's night scenery is best enjoyed at a slower pace — take a walk, enjoy dinner, and let the cruise become the relaxed finale to your day.

3. Why Is the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall a Must-See in Guangzhou?

To understand Guangzhou beyond its modern skyline, step into the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. Built in the late 19th century, this remarkable complex was originally created as a place for members of the Chen family from across Guangdong to stay, study, and prepare for the imperial examinations. Today, it is one of the best places to discover the craftsmanship, traditions, and visual language of Lingnan culture.

At first glance, the scale and detail of the architecture are what immediately stand out. Look closely, however, and you will begin to notice something new at almost every turn. The roofs, halls, doors, walls, and courtyards are richly decorated with intricate wood carvings, stone carvings, brick carvings, pottery, and colorful sculptures.

This attention to detail is what makes the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall more than simply another historic building. It is almost like walking through a three-dimensional introduction to traditional Lingnan art. For travelers interested in architecture, photography, Chinese culture, or local history, it is one of the Guangzhou must-visit attractions that deserves more than a quick stop.

Take Your Time and Look Beyond the Main Halls

The best way to experience the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is to slow down. Rather than rushing through the complex, take time to look upward at the elaborate roof decorations and closer at the carvings surrounding the halls and courtyards. Some of the finest details are easy to miss if you only focus on the main buildings.

A knowledgeable guide can also add another layer to the experience by explaining the symbolism behind the artwork and how the architecture reflects the values and traditions of the time. Stories of family, education, prosperity, and social status are woven into many of the decorative details, giving the building a deeper meaning beyond its visual beauty.

Why It Is One of the Best Guangzhou Attractions for Culture Lovers

Many of Guangzhou's historic sites tell their stories through written records and artifacts. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is different—it tells its story through architecture itself.

Local Tip: Try to visit earlier in the day, especially if you enjoy photography or prefer a quieter experience. Combine the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall with nearby neighborhoods in Liwan or Xiguan for a more complete cultural journey.

4. What Is Cantonese Morning Tea Really Like in Guangzhou?

In Guangzhou, one of the best ways to understand the city is to sit down at a busy restaurant, order a pot of tea, and spend time over a table filled with small dishes. Known locally as Yum Cha, or "drinking tea," the Cantonese morning tea tradition is far more than a meal. It is a daily ritual, a social occasion, and one of the most authentic ways to experience local life.

For generations, Guangzhou residents have gathered with family, friends, and colleagues to drink tea and share dim sum. On weekends, it is common to see several generations sitting around the same table, talking for hours while dishes arrive one after another.

Of course, the food is a major part of the experience. Steamed shrimp dumplings, siu mai, barbecue pork buns, rice noodle rolls, steamed ribs, and delicate pastries may all find their way onto the table. Different restaurants have their own specialties, and part of the fun is sharing several dishes rather than ordering a single main course for each person.

How to Experience Cantonese Morning Tea Like a Local

The key is to slow down. Instead of treating morning tea as a quick breakfast before rushing to the next attraction, allow yourself enough time to enjoy the experience properly. Order a pot of tea, choose a selection of dim sum to share, and take in the lively atmosphere around you.

You may notice that a traditional tea restaurant is filled with people of all ages. Elderly friends meet for their regular morning conversations, families gather for weekend meals, and groups linger long after they have finished their first round of dishes. This is one of the reasons morning tea is such an important part of Guangzhou culture—it offers a glimpse into the city's everyday rhythm.

If you are visiting Guangzhou for the first time, this is also an easy introduction to Cantonese cuisine. The flavors are often delicate rather than heavily spiced, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and a wide variety of textures.

What to Order

1. Har Gow — delicate steamed shrimp dumplings with a translucent wrapper

2. Siu Mai — open-topped dumplings, traditionally filled with pork and shrimp

3. Char Siu Bao — soft steamed buns filled with sweet and savory barbecue pork

4. Cheung Fun — silky rice noodle rolls served with a light soy-based sauce

5. Steamed Ribs — a classic savory small dish often served with black beans or garlic

6. Egg Tarts — a sweet finish to the meal

The best approach is to share a variety of dishes and order more as you go. This way, the meal becomes an experience of discovery rather than simply choosing one or two familiar items.

Local Tip: Try to have Cantonese morning tea at least once during your stay — and do not be surprised if it takes longer than you expect. In Guangzhou, lingering over tea is part of the experience.

5. What Can You Discover on Historic Shamian Island?

After the energy of Guangzhou's busy streets and lively tea houses, Shamian Island offers a completely different pace. With its tree-lined avenues, quiet corners, and elegant historic buildings, this small riverside area feels noticeably calmer than much of the city around it.

Located in the Liwan District, Shamian Island was once an important foreign concession during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its history can still be seen in the European-style buildings, historic churches, former consulates, and banyan-lined streets that create the peaceful atmosphere.

Take a Slow Walk and Let the Neighborhood Set the Pace

Shamian Island is not a place that needs a strict sightseeing checklist. The best way to experience it is simply to walk.

Follow the quiet streets, look up at the architectural details, pause beneath the old trees, and explore the small lanes that connect the island's historic buildings. The atmosphere changes throughout the day, with softer light in the morning and a more relaxed mood toward the late afternoon.

For photographers, the combination of historic architecture, leafy streets, and riverside scenery makes Shamian one of the more photogenic areas in Guangzhou. It is also a welcome break from the crowds at some of the city's larger attractions.

More Than Just European-Style Architecture

While the architecture is what first catches most visitors' attention, Shamian's real appeal lies in its atmosphere. It is a place to slow down and imagine a different era of Guangzhou.

The old buildings tell stories of trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, while the surrounding streets show how these layers of history have become part of the modern city. Rather than viewing Shamian as an isolated historic attraction, it is worth seeing it as one piece of Guangzhou's much larger story—a city shaped by centuries of movement, commerce, and connections across cultures.

Local Tip: Shamian Island works particularly well as part of a relaxed half-day exploration of old Guangzhou. There is no need to rush through it in 30 minutes — give yourself time to wander before continuing to nearby areas in Liwan.

Among the many Guangzhou attractions, Shamian Island stands out not because it is filled with activities, but because it gives you permission to do something simple: slow down and let the city reveal itself one street at a time.

6. Why Should You Explore Yongqing Fang in Guangzhou?

If you want to see how Guangzhou is preserving its past while creating space for modern life, Yongqing Fang is a fascinating place to explore. Located in the historic Liwan District, this revitalized neighborhood brings together traditional Xiguan architecture, narrow lanes, local businesses, cafés, creative spaces, and contemporary cultural experiences.

What makes Yongqing Fang special is the way old and new exist side by side. Behind its restored facades and lively streets, you can still find traces of the traditional neighborhoods that once defined this part of Guangzhou. Walk a little farther, and the atmosphere changes again—young locals meet friends at cafés, independent shops occupy renovated historic buildings, and cultural venues introduce new ways of experiencing Lingnan heritage.

Rather than being a single attraction, Yongqing Fang is best understood as a neighborhood to explore at your own pace.

Walk Through the Historic Streets

One of the pleasures of visiting Yongqing Fang is simply wandering without a strict plan. Follow the lanes, look for traditional architectural details, and pay attention to the smaller elements that are easy to miss when moving quickly.

You may come across traditional Xiguan-style houses, decorative facades, old doorways, and narrow residential lanes that reveal how people once lived in this part of Guangzhou. At the same time, renovated buildings and creative businesses show how these historic spaces have been adapted for contemporary life.

This combination makes Yongqing Fang particularly interesting for travelers who want something beyond the city's major landmarks. Instead of simply looking at Guangzhou's history behind museum glass, you can experience how that history continues to shape the city's streets today.

Make It a Local Experience

Yongqing Fang becomes even more rewarding when you combine sightseeing with a small local experience. Instead of simply walking through the neighborhood, consider adding one of these simple ways to experience it:

This is also a good place to appreciate one of the defining characteristics of Guangzhou: the city does not always separate its past from its present. Historic neighborhoods can remain part of everyday life, while new businesses and younger generations give them a different rhythm.

Local Tip: Avoid treating Yongqing Fang as a quick photo stop. Allow at least an hour or two to explore the surrounding lanes and nearby historic areas. If you have more time, combine it with Shamian Island and other parts of Liwan for a fuller introduction to old Guangzhou.

For travelers asking what to do in Guangzhou beyond the standard sightseeing list, Yongqing Fang is an easy choice. It offers architecture, local atmosphere, culture, food, and contemporary city life in one walkable area—and gives you a chance to see Guangzhou as a living city rather than simply a collection of attractions.

7. What Can a 2,000-Year-Old Tomb Tell You About Guangzhou?

Long before Guangzhou became the modern metropolis you see today, this region was already an important center of trade, culture, and political life in southern China. The Museum of the Nanyue King offers a chance to step back more than 2,000 years and discover the ancient history beneath the modern city.

The museum is centered around the tomb of Zhao Mo, the second ruler of the Nanyue Kingdom, which existed in southern China during the Western Han period. Discovered in the 1980s, the tomb and its collection of artifacts provide an extraordinary glimpse into the life, beliefs, craftsmanship, and cultural exchanges of ancient southern China.

For history lovers, this is one of the most rewarding Guangzhou attractions because it adds an important dimension to the city. Guangzhou is often introduced through its food, skyline, shopping streets, and Cantonese culture, but its story began much earlier.

Discover the Tomb and Its Treasures

One of the highlights is the original burial site, where visitors can see the archaeological remains and learn how the tomb was constructed. The surrounding museum displays thousands of artifacts discovered during the excavation:

But these objects are valuable for more than their age or appearance. Together, they tell the story of a kingdom located at a crossroads between different cultures. The artifacts reveal connections between the Nanyue Kingdom, the wider Chinese world, and regions farther south, providing evidence of the long history of cultural exchange in this part of China.

Local Tip: The museum is particularly worthwhile if you enjoy archaeology, ancient history, Chinese culture, or museums that provide context rather than simply displaying beautiful objects.

It is also a useful option on a hot or rainy day when you want to balance outdoor sightseeing with a more immersive cultural experience. Allow enough time to explore the exhibits without rushing, especially if you want to understand the stories behind the artifacts rather than simply admire them.

For travelers looking for Guangzhou must-visit sites with genuine historical depth, this museum is easy to overlook compared with the city's more famous landmarks, but it can be one of the most rewarding stops for understanding where Guangzhou came from.

8. What Lies Beneath Guangzhou's Famous Beijing Road?

Beijing Road is one of the busiest commercial areas in central Guangzhou, filled with shops, restaurants, cafés, and people throughout the day. But beneath its modern shopping streets lies a much older story. Archaeological discoveries here have revealed layers of roads and urban remains dating back centuries, making Beijing Road a fascinating place to see how Guangzhou has developed over time.

For visitors, this creates an unusual experience: you can be walking through a modern pedestrian shopping street one moment and looking down at preserved sections of an ancient road the next. The contrast between today's Guangzhou and the city of centuries ago is what makes Beijing Road more interesting than an ordinary shopping district.

See Ancient Guangzhou Beneath the Modern City

The archaeological remains along Beijing Road are one of its most distinctive features. Sections of historic roads have been preserved beneath glass viewing areas, allowing visitors to see traces of earlier periods of Guangzhou's urban development.

These remains are a reminder that the city has not simply grown outward—it has also built upward and developed layer upon layer over its long history. The busy street above represents modern Guangzhou, while the preserved remains below reveal how people moved, traded, and lived in earlier generations.

For travelers who have just visited the Museum of the Nanyue King, Beijing Road provides an interesting continuation of the story. Instead of seeing ancient history inside a museum, you can see physical traces of the city's past embedded directly within its modern commercial center.

How to Experience Beijing Road

Rather than planning a dedicated shopping trip, use Beijing Road as an opportunity to experience the rhythm of central Guangzhou:

Local Tip: Do not judge Beijing Road purely by its shopping malls. Look down as you walk, explore the side streets, and pay attention to the historic details around you. The most interesting part of Beijing Road is the contrast between what you can see immediately and what lies beneath the surface.

9. Where Can You Slow Down and Experience Local Life in Guangzhou?

Guangzhou can feel energetic and fast-paced, but you do not have to leave the city to find a quieter rhythm. Yuexiu Park, one of the city's best-known urban green spaces, offers a chance to step away from busy streets and experience a more relaxed side of Guangzhou.

Spread across a series of hills in the heart of the city, the park combines greenery, lakes, historic landmarks, and walking paths. It is also closely connected with the city's identity through the famous Five Rams Sculpture, a symbol associated with Guangzhou and the local legend behind the city's nickname, the "City of Five Rams."

See Guangzhou's Everyday Rhythm

Visit Yuexiu Park in the morning and you may find people exercising, walking, practicing tai chi, dancing, chatting with friends, or simply enjoying the fresh air. These ordinary moments offer a different perspective on Guangzhou than you get from its museums and major attractions.

Local Tip: Morning is one of the best times to visit if you want to see the park at its most local. Arrive early, take a leisurely walk, and observe the different activities happening around you.

10. Why Is Guangxiao Temple Worth Visiting in Guangzhou?

Hidden within the busy heart of central Guangzhou, Guangxiao Temple offers a peaceful change of pace from the city's crowded shopping streets and modern skyscrapers. With a history stretching back more than a millennium, it is one of the city's most significant Buddhist temples and an important part of Guangzhou's religious and cultural heritage.

The traditional buildings, courtyards, ancient trees, incense, and quiet rhythm of daily temple life create a very different experience from the busy streets just outside its gates.

Local Tip: Dress respectfully when visiting Guangxiao Temple, as it remains an active religious site. Keep your voice low in worship areas and allow yourself enough time to simply sit or walk quietly rather than trying to rush through every hall.

11. Where Can You See the Modern Side of Guangzhou?

After exploring Guangzhou's ancient temples, historic neighborhoods, and traditional culture, it is time to see the city from another perspective. Zhujiang New Town is the heart of modern Guangzhou — a striking business and cultural district where glass skyscrapers, contemporary architecture, public spaces, and the Pearl River come together.

The contrast with old Guangzhou is immediate. Instead of narrow lanes and traditional residences, you will find wide boulevards, impressive towers, landscaped plazas, and some of the city's most recognizable contemporary buildings.

Walk Through Guangzhou's Modern City Center

Huacheng Square forms the center of the area and provides a broad open space surrounded by some of Guangzhou's most important modern landmarks. The Guangzhou Opera House, Guangdong Museum, Guangzhou Library, and other contemporary buildings are all within the wider area, making it easy to explore several highlights on foot.

Local Tip: Zhujiang New Town pairs naturally with the Canton Tower and Pearl River Night Cruise. This creates a full modern-Guangzhou experience, from contemporary architecture and public spaces to panoramic river views after dark.

12. Where Can You Discover the Soul of Old Guangzhou?

Liwan and Xiguan are among the best places to experience Guangzhou beyond its major tourist attractions. Rather than visiting one isolated landmark, you can explore the neighborhood slowly and discover how architecture, food, community life, and modern development come together.

The real charm of Liwan and Xiguan is that you do not need to follow a strict sightseeing route. Take your time, look beyond the major landmarks, try something local, and let the neighborhood reveal itself through its streets, food, and people.

Local Tip: The best way to explore Liwan and Xiguan is on foot, preferably with plenty of time and no overly strict schedule. Morning is a particularly good time to see local life at its most active, while late afternoon offers softer light and a more relaxed atmosphere.

13. What Traditional Cantonese Desserts Should You Try in Guangzhou?

Cantonese cuisine is famous around the world for dim sum and seafood, but Guangzhou's food culture has another side that deserves attention: traditional Cantonese desserts and sweet soups. Known locally as tong sui, meaning "sweet water," these desserts are deeply woven into everyday Cantonese life.

What Should First-Time Visitors Try?

Local Tip: For a more authentic experience, look for traditional dessert shops in older neighborhoods rather than choosing only modern chains. Areas such as Liwan and Xiguan are particularly suitable for combining dessert with a walk through historic streets.

14. What Can You Discover at Guangzhou's Famous Fangcun Tea Market?

Tea is woven into everyday life in Guangzhou, from the pot served during Cantonese morning tea to the tea shops found throughout the city's older neighborhoods. To see this culture from a different perspective, head to Fangcun Tea Market, one of the places where Guangzhou's long relationship with tea becomes particularly visible.

Rather than being a conventional tourist attraction, Fangcun is a working tea district. Shops and tea merchants trade different varieties from across China, and the atmosphere is much closer to a local commercial market than a curated cultural exhibition.

Local Tip: Fangcun is best explored with an open mind rather than a strict shopping list. Take time to browse, ask questions, compare aromas, and observe how local tea businesses operate. A local host or guide can make the experience much more approachable.

15. How Can You Experience Guangzhou Beyond the Usual Tourist Attractions?

The best travel experiences are not always the ones you can photograph. Sometimes, they are the moments when you stop observing and start participating.

Guangzhou is the cultural heart of Lingnan, a region with its own distinctive food, architecture, traditions, performing arts, and everyday customs. After visiting the city's major attractions, consider setting aside time for a hands-on cultural experience that allows you to connect with this heritage in a more personal way.

Depending on your interests, you might learn about traditional Cantonese herbal tea, try making a classic local dessert, discover the art of Cantonese tea, or explore the traditions of Lingnan performing arts.

Local Tip: Choose an experience that matches your interests rather than trying to fit everything into one day. The most memorable experiences are often small and personal — a conversation with a local host, learning a traditional technique, or sharing a cup of tea can stay with you long after the major landmarks have faded from memory.

After all, traveling like a local is not about seeing fewer attractions. It is about understanding the city through the people, traditions, flavors, and everyday experiences that give those attractions meaning.