Make the most of your June holidays with our guide to eight of the best things to do in Guangzhou! Get insider tips on the city’s hidden gems, must-see attractions, and where to find the best food in the City of Flowers.
Ready for some travel inspiration for your upcoming June holidays? Time to pack your bags and head over to Guangzhou, a vibrant city in China known for its tempting Yue cuisine, gorgeous natural landscapes situated in a developed metropolis, and local Cantonese culture. Being the most important port on the Pearl River after Hong Kong, Guangzhou boasts convenient ferry rides to Hong Kong and Macau — making it an attractive destination for a day trip from the mainland or as a holiday on its own.
With Scoot progressively increasing its flights to China for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, now is the perfect time to book your seats on a return trip to the City of Flowers in June. For those who love a good discount, check out YouTrip’s Perks to get up to 15% off on all accommodation bookings with Agoda, Klook, or Booking.com!
And of course, no trip will ever be complete without an itinerary. From mouth-watering dim sum to scenic boat rides, Guangzhou is a Cantonese cultural hub for modern artists and nature lovers alike. Don’t miss out on the ultimate experience — read on for the eight best things to do in the City of Flowers!
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1. Visit The Canton Tower
Image credits: cantontower.com
It goes without saying that when you’re in Paris, you must visit the Eiffel Tower. Similarly, when you’re in Guangzhou, you have to visit the Canton Tower — an iconic structure that is certified to be the tallest TV tower in China (and third tallest in the world). Standing at 600 meters, the tower is an architectural darling, famous for its ‘Slim Waist’ and was reputed to have withstood 7.8-magnitude earthquakes.
From its observation deck, you can catch a bird’s-eye view of the entire city below and marvel at the stunning beauty of the light show at night. For our adrenaline junkies, there are a few activities that you can partake in including riding the world’s highest Ferris wheel, experiencing the world’s highest sky drop ride, or having a meal in the tower’s revolving restaurant which turns every 100 minutes so that diners can have a peek at the scenery outside as they enjoy their meals.
Operating Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Address: No. 222 Yuejiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
Price: ¥150 – ¥398 per ticket (S$29.07 – S$77.13)
Best Things To Do In Guangzhou, China 2023: Find out more here
2. Have A Traditional Dim Sum Brunch At Tao Tao Ju (陶陶居)
Image credits: Tao Ju Ju
While most might not consider Guangzhou to be a food destination, it is actually the birthplace of dim sum and yum cha. Established in 1880, Tao Tao Ju was originally a teahouse frequented by famous poets, novelists, and playwrights in the late Qing dynasty, serving only tea and a small selection of dim sum.
Now, the century-old restaurant has been transformed into a fine dining establishment serving the best of old-school dim sum, including shrimp dumplings (Har Gow), barbecued pork buns (Char Siu Bao), and custard buns (Nai Huang Bao). You can even enjoy its Signature Roasted Goose, which puts the world-renowned Hong Kong chain Yung Kee to shame.
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
Address: No. 22 DiShiFu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou
Price: Starting from ¥50 for dim sum (S$9.68)
Best Things To Do In Guangzhou, China 2023: Find out more here
3. Visit The Guangzhou Opera House
Image credits: Lonely Planet
Nestled in the heart of Guangzhou, the Guangzhou Opera House is a true architectural marvel that’s definitely worth a visit. Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, this stunning theatre is an embodiment of the city’s modern and dynamic spirit. The opera house features two main theatres designed to meet the highest acoustic and technical standards, and are equipped with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment. Renowned for its magnificent chandelier, the hall consists of more than 3000 crystal balls that shimmer and sparkle in the light.
Aside from hosting world-class performances by Chinese and international artists (you can check out its website for all upcoming shows!), the Guangzhou Opera House also offers guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into the building’s design and construction. For those who are culturally inclined, be sure to check out the other cultural attractions in the area such as the Guangdong Museum of Art, the Guangzhou Library, and the Guangzhou Children’s Palace!
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Address: 1 Zhujiang W Rd, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510623
Price: ¥30 per pax (¥200 for an English interpreter) for a guided tour (S$5.81 – S$38.72)
Best Things To Do In Guangzhou, China 2023: Find out more here
4. Savour Guangzhou Roast Goose At Bing Sheng Pin Wei Restaurant
Image credits: TripAdvisor
Belonging to the brand of Bingsheng Group, Bing Sheng Pin Wei restaurant is featured with the values of being ‘original’, ‘fresh’, and ‘innovative’. With five outlets sprawled throughout the city, the chain has kept the essence of traditional Cantonese food while bringing diners a luxurious experience with its meticulously designed spaces.
As one of the best restaurants in Guangzhou serving Roasted Goose, Bing Shen Pin Wei star dish features succulent juicy tender meat underneath a layer of crispy skin roasted to a beautiful golden brown. The secret is often in the marinade, which features a blend of herbs and spices before the bird is slow-roasted over an open fire. Diners should also try the restaurant’s highly-prided ‘four beauties’ — Crispy Pork Belly, Soy-marinated Pork Trotters, Pork Tripe, and Goose Intestines. Large parties should also try their Pineapple Buns, to be ordered by the half dozen.
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM
Address: No.2, Xicun Road, Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou
Price: ¥150 – ¥180 per pax (S$29.04 – S$34.84)
Best Things To Do In Guangzhou, China 2023: Find out more here
5. Experience The Chimelong Paradise (长隆欢乐世界)
Image credits: KKday
If you’re a thrill-seeker searching for adventure, look no further than Chimelong Paradise in Guangzhou. This amusement park is one of the largest and most popular in China, offering visitors a dizzying array of rides and attractions that will leave your heart racing and your palms sweaty. Thrill-seekers will want to check out the park’s signature ride, the Dive Coaster, which features a stomach-churning 90-degree drop. For something a bit more soothing, families with young kids can take a spin on the classic Ferris Wheel or enjoy a leisurely boat ride through the park’s lush gardens.
However, Chimelong Paradise isn’t just about the rides. The park is also home to a number of attractions that offer a glimpse into Chinese culture and history. Don’t miss the stunning outdoor acrobatics show, which features dancers and contortionists displaying their skills on an elaborate stage. For a more educational experience, head to the park’s themed areas, which showcase different aspects of Chinese culture from the Tang dynasty to the modern day.
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 7 PM
Address: Changlong Tourist Resort, Yingbin Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511430 China
Price: Up to ¥300 per adult (S$58.07) and ¥210 per child (S$40.65)
Best Things To Do In Guangzhou, China 2023: Find out more here
6. Stroll Through Yuexiu Park
Image credits: planetofhotels.com
Located in Yuexiu District, Yuexiu Park is a sprawling green oasis that offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a history dating back more than 2000 years, this park is not only a beautiful natural attraction but also an important cultural landmark. The park is the largest in downtown Guangzhou, covering a whopping 860,000 square meters (212.5 acres) and containing three artificial lakes and seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain.
One of the most iconic features of the park is the Five Rams Statue, which has become a citywide symbol for the locals. According to legend, the city was a barren land with people suffering from famine. One day, five immortals in five-colour garments came riding on five rams, bringing grain to the people and giving their blessings to the city. The rams then turned to stone once the immortals left and the city became a rich and populous place. Aside from the statue, visitors can also visit Guangzhou Museum to learn about the city’s history, rent a boat and paddle in one of the lakes, or explore the ancient city walls that once surrounded Guangzhou.
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
Address: No. 998 Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
Best Things To Do In Guangzhou, China 2023: Find out more here
7. Enjoy Classic Cantonese Dessert At Baihua Dessert Store
Image credits: China Discovery
Located in a quaint old neighbourhood, Baihua Dessert Store has been serving locals delicious classic Cantonese treats since the 1950s. With a charming and cosy interior, the store is the perfect place to escape the bustling city life and indulge in some Eastern sweets. The store’s signature is its Sweet Soup, made with a variety of ingredients including lotus seeds, red beans, and sweet potato. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savoury with a creamy texture, made for those who aren’t a fan of straight-up sugar.
With over 100 different options for customers to pick up, Baihua Dessert store has everything for people from all walks of life. Try their Phoenix Golden Milk Paste for a melt-in-your-mouth custard sweetness, or their Snowflake Desserts for a shaved ice treat topped with fresh fruit and sweet toppings in the summer.
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 12 AM
Address: No. 210, Wenming Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Price: Starting from ¥15 (S$2.90)
Best Things To Do In Guangzhou, China 2023: Find out more here
8. Pay Your Respects At The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Image credits: China Discovery
Built during the Qing Dynasty, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall has been beautifully preserved and restored and is now a must-visit attraction for tourists interested in the city’s rich cultural heritage. Praised as the pearl of Lignan architectural art, the ancestral hall is the most complete, largest and most magnificently decorated hall in Guangzhou.
As you step through the gates, you’ll be transported back in time to a world of intricate wood carvings, ornate stone sculptures, and exquisitely painted murals. The ancestral hall was originally built as a place for the Chen family to worship their ancestors but over time, it was refurbished into a museum to exhibit a variety of folk arts and crafts. As a cultural relic of national importance, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall will provide visitors with a ticket to a peek at the insides of the biggest family in Guangzhou during the 17th century.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: No.34, En Long Li, Zhongshan 7 Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province
Prices: ¥10 per ticket (S$1.94)
Best Things To Do In Guangzhou, China 2023: Find out more here
Ready To Venture Into The Wondrous City Of Flowers?
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Guangzhou, you’re ready to venture out into the City of Flowers! But amidst the excitement of more flights being added to China, don’t forget to book your flight tickets and accommodations with your YouTrip card via YouTrip Perks for extra cashback and discounts!
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