From cultural hotspots to wholesale shopping havens, here are 15 (and more) reasons why you should consider Guangzhou!
If you’re craving an adventure that doesn’t involve the usual suspects, Guangzhou deserves a spot on your 2025 list. China’s southern capital of cool is one of those places that surprises you in the best way — think futuristic skyscrapers standing right next to centuries-old temples, bubble trams floating above the Pearl River, and infinite food options that you’d wish you had a bottomless pit for a stomach.
It’s also perfect for short trips. A quick hop from Singapore, Guangzhou has better weather than you’d expect, is incredibly easy to navigate, and serves up a mix of culture, shopping, and eats that’ll keep every type of traveller happy.
Read on for our guide on the 15 best things to do when you’re here! 👇
💜 Stay Up To Date:
– OCBC Multi-Currency Account Guide: OCBC Global Savings Account (2025)
– Shinkansen Tokyo To Osaka Guide: Fares, Trains, Tickets, Alternatives (2025)
– Money Changer Near Me: 14 Best Money Changers In Singapore (2025)
📚 Table of Contents:
- Why Visit Guangzhou?
- How Many Days Should You Spend In Guangzhou?
- Guangzhou Weather & Best Time To Visit
- Top 15 Places To Visit
- The Bubble Tram
- Canton Tower
- Tianhe District
- Beijing Street & Dafo Temple
- Yong Qing Fang
- Dongshan Kou
- Chimelong Safari Park
- Baiyun Mountain
- Yuexiu Park
- Shawan Ancient Town
- No. 9 Spa
- Liwan District
- Hongshan Village Steam Train
- Millennium Yao Village
- Gulong Gorge Glass Bridge & Yingde Caves
- BONUS: Wholesale Shopping In Guangzhou
- Sample Itinerary: What To Do In Guangzhou For 2 Days
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Visit Guangzhou?
With so many cities to choose from, it’s easy to sleep on Guangzhou. It’s cosmopolitan yet inviting, and historic without feeling like a museum:
- It’s a foodie heaven: You’re at the birthplace of Cantonese dim sum, so you can expect to find charming teahouses and Michelin-level restaurants peppered around the city.
- It’s super cultural: From Qing-dynasty temples to Lingnan-style architecture, there’s history at just about any and every corner.
- It’s modern: Mega malls, skyscrapers, bubble trams…the city doesn’t stop reinventing itself.
- …and it’s oh-so-accessible: Just 4 hours from Singapore by flight. And if you’re travelling from Hong Kong, it’s just a short high-speed train ride away.
How Many Days Should You Spend In Guangzhou?
Image Credits: Brisbane Airport
2 days is enough to cover Guangzhou’s highlights: a mix of skyline views, temple visits, and market hopping. But if you’ve got 4-5 days, the city rewards you with side trips to ancient towns, glass bridges, and mountain escapes.
What we love about Guangzhou is that it works for both a quick getaway and a longer, more immersive trip.
Guangzhou Weather & Best Time To Visit
Similar to Hong Kong, Guangzhou has a subtropical climate, which means mild winters, hot summers, and a lot of sunshine in between (a pretty good break from the perpetual summer here in Singapore, if you ask us).
- 🌸 Spring (March–May): Warm and breezy, the city’s flowers are in full bloom. It’s festival season, and you’ll also find outdoor cafés buzzing with life.
- 🍉 Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with bursts of heavy rain. Pack light, breathable clothing and be ready for indoor mall-hopping.
- 🍁 Autumn (September–November): The sweet spot. Cool air, clear skies… It’s probably the best time to visit, IMO.
- ☃️ Winter (December–February): Mild, around 10–20°C. Perfect for travellers who want cooler weather without freezing or packing too many pieces of winter wear.
What to Do in Guangzhou: Top 15 Places To Visit
1. Ride the Bubble Tram
Image credits: Canton Tower
This isn’t your average “city view” Ferris wheel situation. The Bubble Tram sits right on top of the Canton Tower, so it’s basically a fishbowl in the sky. The glass pods inch around the rim of the tower and make you feel like you’re floating above the entire city. Go at sunset for the most picture-perfect moment: golden skies melting into neon city lights.
👉 Travel smart: WeChat Pay For Foreigners In China Guide
2. Visit the Canton Tower at Night
Image credits: Canton Tower
By day, the tower is impressive. By night, it’s a full-on rainbow disco stick. The Canton Tower glows in shifting technicolour, visible from almost anywhere in the city. Best move? Grab a snack, sit by the Pearl River, and let the reflections do their thing. It’s free entertainment — unless you get tempted to go up the tower again for the night view.
👉 Travel tip: Alipay For Foreigners: How To Use Alipay In China (2025)
3. Explore Tianhe District
Image credits: Tripadvisor
If Orchard Road and Shibuya had a baby, Tianhe would be it. Endless malls, food courts, and cafés for every aesthetic. It’s perfect for when Guangzhou’s humidity slaps you in the face and you just want to hide inside somewhere with air conditioning and bubble tea.
👉 Also read: How to Use DiDi in China (2025): Full Guide for Foreigners
4. Walk Beijing Street & Visit Dafo Temple
Image credits: Trip.com
Beijing Street is wild because you’re literally walking over history. Glass panels on the ground reveal ruins from dynasties that go back thousands of years — while you’re surrounded by H&M and milk tea shops. And just off the chaos sits Dafo Temple, with its incense smoke and giant golden Buddhas that look even more breathtaking at night.
👉 Read next: Can YouTrip Be Used in China?
5. Stroll along Yong Qing Fang
Image credits: Guangzhou Insider
Part heritage lane, part hipster hangout. Yong Qing Fang is the kind of place where you can sip oat lattes in a chic café, then stumble onto a Cantonese opera performance in a courtyard. Shops here aren’t tacky souvenir dumps either — think cute enamel pins, indie crafts, and actually stylish tees.
If you like slow wandering, cobbled streets, and spending the whole afternoon in one neighbourhood, this is your spot.
👉 Discover 20 Best Things To Do In Chengdu, China (2025)
6. Dongshan Kou
Image credits: @minsxiora on Lemon8
Think of this neighbourhood as Guangzhou’s version of Brooklyn. Old villas and colonial-era buildings now house indie boutiques, art galleries, and impossibly aesthetic cafés. It’s the sort of place where you pop in for coffee and end up deep in a thrift shop, trying on jackets you didn’t know you needed. Everyone says it’s the city’s hippest pocket — and they’re not wrong.
👉 Check out: The Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Guide 2025
7. Chimelong Safari Park
Image credits: Klook
Theme parks aren’t everyone’s thing, but Chimelong’s scale is jaw-dropping. The safari park is home to white tigers, giant pandas, and the rare golden monkey. Unlike some zoos, the enclosures here are designed to feel more like open plains. Perfect if you’re travelling with kids.
👉 Heading to Guangzhou in winter? Check out 14 Best Places To Buy, Rent & Save On Winter Clothes (2025)
8. Baiyun Mountain
Image credits: GZ SHOPPER
Guangzhou isn’t just skyscrapers and noodle shops — it has a giant green lung right in the city. Baiyun Mountain is where locals go for morning hikes, tai chi sessions, or just fresh air. The views aren’t exactly alpine-level, but on a clear day, you’ll see the whole city spread out below.
Bonus: it’s also one of the most romantic spots for sunset.
👉 Discover: 10 Best Things To Do In Beijing (2025 Edition)
9. Yuexiu Park
Image credits: Visit Our China
This is where history, culture, and greenery all collide. Yuexiu Park is Guangzhou’s biggest urban park — complete with lakes, sculptures, and locals playing mahjong under the trees. Don’t miss the Zhenhai Tower inside the park, now a museum that walks you through Guangzhou’s centuries-old story. It’s a good breather if you want a slice of calm that still feels very “local.”
👉 Discover: 31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions & Local Food
10. Shawan Ancient Town
Image credits: Klook
Step out of modern Guangzhou and into cobbled alleys, grey-brick clan houses, and opera stages. Shawan Ancient Town is about 20 km from downtown, making it an easy half-day trip. It’s famous for its traditional Lingnan architecture and heritage snacks — don’t leave without trying Shawan milk pudding, a sweet local speciality that tastes like nostalgia in a bowl.
👉 Travel tip: Beijing Subway Guide: Lines, Key Stops, Ticket Prices
11. No. 9 Spa
Image credits: @tanjustina on Instagram
Guangzhou takes the idea of a spa day and dials it up to 100%. No. 9 Spa is open 24/7 and feels more like a resort crossed with an arcade. Massages? That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here, you can expect to find movie rooms, VR sets, ping pong tables, nap pods, and even professional ear-cleaning (yes, really).
Locals spend entire weekends here — eating, napping, gaming, and soaking. It’s chaotic in the best way.
👉 Money matters: Best SGD to CNY Rate in Singapore (2025 Guide)
12. Liwan District
Image credits: Minube
If Tianhe is sleek and modern, Liwan is the old-school cousin. Think narrow streets, jade markets, dim sum joints, and historic buildings that showcase Cantonese culture. This is also where you’ll find Michelin Bib Gourmand favourites like Panxi Restaurant, a legendary eatery that’s been serving dim sum since forever. Come hungry.
👉 Read before you pack: China Power Plug & Socket Guide (2025): Types, Voltage, Adapters & Tips
13. Hongshan Village Steam Train
Image credits: Guangzhou International
This one’s a bit of a trek (around 1.5 hours out of Guangzhou), but totally worth it for the vibes. Picture this: a mini steam train chugging through lotus fields, villagers waving as you pass. It’s kitschy and wholesome — like a Studio Ghibli dream come to life. Great if you’ve ticked off the city sights and want something more low-key and outdoorsy.
👉 Explore next: Nagano Travel Guide 2025: Things To Do, Weather, Ski Resorts & More
14. Millennium Yaozhai Village
Image credits: @reglhy on Lemon8
Roughly two hours outside Guangzhou, this ancient village is home to the Yao ethnic minority. It’s slower, quieter, and worlds away from the bustle. Traditional wooden houses, cultural performances, and trails that lead into pine forests — it’s the sort of side trip that makes you rethink what China means beyond megacities.
👉 Also read: 40 Best Things To Do In Osaka (2025): Attractions, Activities, Day Trips
15. Gulong Gorge Glass Bridge & Yingde Caves
Image credits: Tripadvisor
Want a thrill? Head to Gulong Gorge for its sky-high glass bridge (yes, the see-through kind that makes your legs jelly). Pair it with a detour to the Yingde Karst Caves — dripping stalactites, eerie chambers, and river boat rides underground. It’s very much a day trip adventure, so save it for when you’ve got time to escape the city.
👉 Next up: Okinawa, Japan Travel Guide 2025: Best Things to Do, Itinerary & Tips
⭐️ BONUS: Wholesale Shopping In Guangzhou
Image credits: LIUHUAMALL
While you can shop till you drop at the many megamalls around Guangzhou, it’d be remiss if you don’t go shopping at wholesale malls instead. After all, who doesn’t want to step into a real-life Taobao?
Around Guangzhou Railway Station, wholesale malls tower over the streets — each building stacked floor after floor with all kinds of fashion. It’s chaotic, it’s overwhelming, and it’s exactly why you’ll love it.
1. APM Shi Dao Guo Ji
Eight whole floors of trendy threads. Expect everything from Korean-style streetwear to racks of children’s clothing.
2. U:US
Another eight-storey behemoth, but with an even sharper focus on Korean-inspired looks. Think oversized blazers, the trendiest trousers, mini bags, and claw clips you never knew you needed.
3. New China Plaza (Xin Zhong Guo Da Sha)
Seven levels of clothing in every style imaginable. Perfect for those travelling in big groups with diverse fashion sense.
4. Yima Garment Market
Is your other half complaining that shopping isn’t for him? Bring him here. Six levels of menswear and two floors dedicated to women’s fashion. A solid spot for anyone in need of a wardrobe refresh without breaking the bank.
5. Baima Fashion Market
You’ll find more mature and modest styles here, along with activewear and plenty of accessories. Perfect if you want timeless staples that won’t look out of place at work back in Singapore.
👉 Europe-bound? Read Dolomites, Italy Beginners Guide (2025): Where to Go, Stay, and Explore
Sample Itinerary: What To Do In Guangzhou For 2 Days
Image credits: PlanetofHotels.com
Day 1:
- Morning: Kick things off with Canton Tower. Ride the Bubble Tram for panoramic views, and get to know the city from afar.
- Afternoon: Shop and snack your way through Tianhe District’s megamalls, and visit all the different cafes and restaurants along the way.
- Evening: Head to Beijing Street. Wander through Dafo Temple, peek at the excavated ancient roads, and wrap up with a Cantonese feast in Liwan District.
Day 2:
- Morning: Hike or cable-car your way up Baiyun Mountain for the best views of the city.
- Afternoon: Choose your vibe: Yong Qing Fang for heritage charm, or Dongshan Kou for cafés and indie shops!
- Evening: End your trip with the ultimate unwind at No. 9 Spa — foot massage, karaoke, VR games, even nap pods if you need a recharge before heading home.
Got more time? Add a side trip to Shawan Ancient Town or feel the adrenaline course through your veins at the Gulong Gorge Glass Bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Guangzhou famous for?
Dim sum, heritage sites, wholesale shopping, and being one of China’s most vibrant southern cities. It’s the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, so you’ll never go hungry.
Q: When’s the best time to visit Guangzhou?
Autumn (Sep–Nov) is our favourite season, as you can expect cool, clear days and fewer rain showers. Winter (Dec–Feb) is also pleasant, with mild weather that’s perfect for walking around without breaking a sweat.
Q: Is Guangzhou family-friendly?
Definitely! Chimelong Safari Park is a hit with kids, while Baiyun Mountain offers outdoor fun for all ages. Even the wholesale malls can be fun, because who doesn’t love a little retail therapy?
Q: How far is Guangzhou from Singapore?
Just a four-hour direct flight. You’ll spend more time in the Causeway jam than getting to Guangzhou.
Q: Is Guangzhou expensive?
Not at all. Meals and hotels are often cheaper than in Beijing or Shanghai, and there’s something for every budget, whether you want dim sum at a low-key joint or a full-on Michelin spread.
Ready To Explore Guangzhou Like A Local?
From bubble trams and temples to wholesale malls with no end in sight, Guangzhou has a way of surprising you at every turn. Whether you’re here for food, shopping, culture, or just a quick getaway, the city proves you don’t always need to travel far for a quick getaway.
And before you go, don’t forget to link your YouTrip card to Alipay or WeChat Pay for the best CNY rates all day with zero fees!
Not a YouTrooper yet? Singapore’s go-to multi-currency wallet helps you save with great FX rates and zero fees. Skip the money changer and get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>.
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Happy travels!
Related Articles
Best Travel Insurance Singapore 2025: Top Plans Compared
15 Best Things To Do In Taipei (2025): Food, Attractions, Activities
Singapore Public Holiday 2026: How To Turn 11 Holidays Into 39 Vacation Days
