Ultimate 3-Day Guangzhou Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Guangzhou dazzles with a vibrant mix of ancient temples, cutting-edge architecture, and legendary Cantonese cuisine along the Pearl River.

Main view of Guangzhou

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & Historic Culture

Morning

Start your adventure at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, an ornate complex famed for exquisite Cantonese architecture, elaborate wood carvings, and lively folk art displays.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Afternoon

Marvel at the five-story Yuexiu Park, a lush urban oasis home to tranquil lakes, the iconic Five Rams Statue, and the historic Zhenhai Tower.

Yuexiu Park

Yuexiu Park

Enjoy an authentic Cantonese lunch at Panxi Restaurant, a storied teahouse renowned for its dim sum and classic Lingnan garden setting.

Panxi Restaurant

Panxi Restaurant

Evening

Stroll along Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, where neon-lit shops, street food stalls, and archaeological ruins under glass bring the city’s trading legacy to life.

Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

📍 Directions for Day 1

Day 2: Modern Marvels & Riverside Views

Morning

Ascend to breathtaking heights at the Canton Tower, China’s tallest TV tower with a skywalk and 360° panoramic views over the city and Pearl River.

Canton Tower

Canton Tower

Afternoon

Explore the futuristic Guangzhou Opera House, an architectural gem designed by Zaha Hadid, known for its striking curves and world-class performances.

Guangzhou Opera House

Guangzhou Opera House

For lunch, treat yourself to creative dim sum at Social & Co, a modern bistro popular with locals for its fusion brunches and lively atmosphere in Zhujiang New Town.

Social & Co

Social & Co

Evening

Unwind with a scenic Pearl River Night Cruise, gliding past illuminated skyscrapers, historic bridges, and the glittering skyline—a magical way to experience Guangzhou by night.

Pearl River Night Cruise

Pearl River Night Cruise

📍 Directions for Day 2

Day 3: Old World Charm & Local Life

Morning

Step into the leafy avenues of Shamian Island, a peaceful enclave with colonial-era mansions, riverside promenades, and charming cafés reminiscent of old Canton.

Shamian Island

Shamian Island

Afternoon

Discover the spiritual serenity of Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, one of Guangzhou’s oldest Buddhist temples, famed for its 1,400-year-old Flower Pagoda and tranquil courtyards.

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Relish a classic Cantonese meal at Lian Xiang Lou, a historic restaurant on Dishifu Road beloved for its traditional dim sum and nostalgic Old Guangzhou ambiance.

Lian Xiang Lou

Lian Xiang Lou

Evening

Wrap up your trip at the atmospheric Enning Road, a heritage lane lined with old shophouses, indie boutiques, and cozy teahouses, perfect for soaking up local life and culture.

Enning Road

Enning Road

📍 Directions for Day 3

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