Guangzhou Food and Attractions Guide

Food Recommendations

1. Dim Sum

• Recommended restaurants: Tao Tao Ju, Lin Heung Tea House
• Features: Steamed shrimp dumplings, char siu bao, rice noodle rolls
• Average price: 30-80 RMB/per

2. Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheung Fun)

• Recommended spots: Local breakfast stalls, Guangzhou Restaurant
• Features: Silky rice sheets with fillings like beef, shrimp or egg
• Average price: 5-15 RMB/per
• Best time: 6:00-11:00 AM (freshly made)

3. Cantonese Roast Goose

• Recommended restaurant: Yung Kee Restaurant
• Features: Crispy skin with tender meat, marinated in secret sauce
• Average price: 60-120 RMB/per

4. Claypot Rice

• Recommended restaurant: Chao Zhou Restaurant
• Features: Rice cooked with meats and vegetables in claypot
• Average price: 25-50 RMB/per

5. Wonton Noodles

• Recommended street vendors: Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
• Features: Springy noodles with shrimp-filled wontons
• Average price: 15-30 RMB/per

6. Double Skin Milk

• Recommended dessert shops: Nanxin Dairy Shop
• Features: Traditional milk pudding with smooth texture
• Average price: 10-20 RMB/per

Use Dianping app to find authentic local eateries and check real-time reviews of food stalls and restaurants.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Canton Tower

• Opening hours: 9:30-22:30
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Best reason to visit: Enjoy panoramic city views from the world’s highest horizontal Ferris wheel. The LED light show at night creates a spectacular visual experience.
• Features: 604m tall, skywalk, glass-floored observation deck

2. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

• Opening hours: 8:30-17:30
• Suggested duration: 2 hours
• Best reason to visit: Explore traditional Lingnan architecture with intricate wood carvings and ceramic decorations. Now houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.
• Features: Qing Dynasty architecture, folk art exhibits

3. Shamian Island

• Opening hours: 24 hours
• Suggested duration: 1-2 hours
• Best reason to visit: Stroll through European-style colonial buildings and tree-lined streets along the Pearl River. Popular spot for photography and relaxation.
• Features: Historical architecture, riverside promenade

4. Yuexiu Park

• Opening hours: 6:00-22:00
• Suggested duration: 3 hours
• Best reason to visit: Guangzhou’s largest urban park featuring the iconic Five Rams Sculpture and ancient city wall ruins. Perfect for morning exercises and family outings.
• Features: Cultural landmarks, lakes, and gardens

5. Chimelong Tourist Resort

• Opening hours: 10:00-20:00
• Suggested duration: Full day
• Best reason to visit: Massive entertainment complex with safari park, amusement rides, and water park. Ideal for family adventures.
• Features: White tiger exhibit, roller coasters, circus shows

Recommended Itineraries

Route 1: City Highlights (3 Days)

• Day 1: Canton Tower → Haixinsha Island → Guangdong Museum
• Day 2: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall → Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street → Shamian Island
• Day 3: Yuexiu Park → Beijing Road Shopping District → Pearl River Night Cruise

Route 2: Cultural Exploration (3 Days)

• Day 1: Guangxiao Temple → Six Banyan Temple → Nanyue King Museum
• Day 2: Foshan Ancestral Temple → Lingnan Tiandi
• Day 3: Baomo Garden → Lotus Mountain

Route 3: Family Fun (5 Days)

• Day 1: Chimelong Safari Park
• Day 2: Chimelong Water Park
• Day 3: Chimelong Paradise Amusement Park
• Day 4: Guangzhou Zoo → Canton Tower
• Day 5: Shamian Island → Pearl River Cruise

Transportation Options

Metro

• Price: 2-12 RMB per trip
• Features:
  • 16 lines covering major attractions
  • English signage and announcements
  • Avoid peak hours (7:30-9:30am, 5:30-7:30pm)

Bus

• Price: 2 RMB flat fare
• Features:
  • Extensive network including night buses
  • Use Yang Cheng Tong transportation card
  • Some routes have English announcements

Taxi/Ride-hailing

• Price: 12 RMB starting fare, 2.6 RMB/km
• Features:
  • Didi ride-hailing widely available
  • Receipts available upon request
  • English interface in app

APM (Automated People Mover)

• Price: 2 RMB per trip
• Features:
  • Driverless metro line through city center
  • Connects Canton Tower to Linhexi
  • Glass-bottom carriages available

Practical Information

• Best travel season: October-December (mild weather)
• Transportation tip: Purchase Yang Cheng Tong card for metro/bus
• Essential apps: Didi (transport), Meituan (food delivery), Guangzhou Metro
• Note: Many museums require ID for entry