Guangzhou blog: The ultimate guide, exploring & shopping in Guangzhou

May 4, 2025

Traveling to Guangzhou is a journey that blends ancient Chinese culture with the vibrant modern lifestyle. From centuries-old old streets, sacred temples, to historical sites – each stop carries a part of the city’s soul. Let’s explore through this Guangzhou blog: The ultimate guide, exploring & shopping in Guangzhou below!

Beijing Road, Guangzhou | Guangzhou blog

Shangxiajiu Commercial Pedestrian Street | Guangzhou blog

But it doesn’t stop there, Guangzhou is also a cheap shopping paradise, where you can freely explore famous wholesale and retail markets, crowded pedestrian streets and colorful shopping malls. Each street, each market opens up surprises about local fashion, cuisine and lifestyle.

Let’s join us to explore this sleepless city – where you can both learn more about Chinese culture and find the most interesting bargains!

Guangzhou – China’s Cultural & Cheap Shopping Paradise

Guangzhou location on the China map | Guangzhou blog

As the dynamic capital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou is located in the heart of the Pearl River Delta – one of the most vibrantly developed regions in Southern China. Not only playing the role of an economic locomotive, Guangzhou is also a place that preserves layers of cultural sediments, ancient architecture and typical lifestyle of the Chinese people in the Lingnan region.

The highlight that makes this city a “holy land” for tourists is the unlimited shopping world: from bustling traditional markets, bustling wholesale streets to modern shopping centers full of international brands. Whether you are looking for handicrafts, affordable fashion or unique designer products, Guangzhou always has something for you.

With a harmonious blend of ancient and modern, Guangzhou tourism is the ideal choice for those who love to both explore culture and hunt for bargains in one complete journey.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Guangzhou?

If you are planning to visit Guangzhou, the ideal time is from April to June – when the weather is cool, there is little rain and the city is at its most beautiful. At this time, you can leisurely stroll the walking streets, visit the bustling wholesale markets or explore the old quarters without worrying about the harsh sun or being too crowded.

Shawan Ancient Village | klook | Guangzhou blog

Tip: If you want to combine cultural exploration with good bargain hunting, avoid major holidays such as China’s National Day (October 1) because the shopping area will be extremely crowded.

How to Get From Vietnam to Guangzhou – Guangdong Province

By Plane

There are currently many flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport every day, with a flight time of only about 2-3 hours. Some popular airlines: Vietnam Airlines, China Southern, Scoot, Thai Airways,… Tips: Book 3-4 weeks in advance to get better prices. You can combine booking air tickets + airport pick-up service in Guangzhou right on Klook to save time and avoid getting lost.

By Train

If you like a more in-depth journey, you can try traveling by international train from Hanoi to Nanning, then connecting by high-speed train to Guangzhou South Station. The journey will be longer, but in return, you will have the opportunity to admire the cross-border train route and experience a very different China.

By Bus

Some long-distance bus companies currently have a Vietnam – China route, passing through the Huu Nghi border gate and then continuing to Guangzhou. The travel time is quite long, but suitable for those who love the feeling of traveling by road and want to save money.

Along with subway, bus is the main means of transportation in Guangzhou

Don’t worry when you first arrive in this city of over 10 million people – Guangzhou’s transportation system is modern and easy to use.

The subway covers the entire city, with English signs.
Taxis & ride-hailing apps (Didi) are easy to use and reasonably priced.
Rent a private car by the day or by route – ideal if you’re traveling in a group or need to visit multiple shopping spots. Pre-book your shuttle on Klook to avoid waiting when you land.

What to Do in Guangzhou? Famous Places to Visit & Travel in Guangzhou

As the vibrant capital of Guangdong province, Guangzhou is not only famous for its shopping paradise but also for its unique architectural works, modern check-in points mixed with the old town imbued with history. From skyscrapers to traditional markets, Guangzhou always has something interesting waiting for you to discover!

Baiyun Mountain

Known as “Yangcheng’s First Star”, Baiyun Mountain (Baiyun Mountain) is a collection of about 30 large and small mountains, stretching from north to south and covering a total area of up to 28 square kilometers. With its wild beauty and diverse terrain, Baiyun Mountain offers a majestic and peaceful natural space.

You can freely explore unique areas such as Bright Pearl Park, Santailing Peak, Spring Valley, Santailing Park, Luhu Park, Fei’eling Park. Among them, the unique Santailing Park with Yuntai Garden is considered the most attractive spot, honoring the beauty of Baiyun Mountain.

Gulong Gorge

With a complex system of canyons, these canyons wind through the highland mountains, giving you a travel experience unlike any other. When you come here, you will be immersed in the majestic space with high mountain peaks, majestic waterfalls and lush green forests. In particular, the glass bridge and Buddha’s hand are famous check-in locations of Gulong Gorge.

Pearl River in Guangzhou

Exploring the Pearl River on your Guangzhou tour is an experience not to be missed, giving you the opportunity to explore the city and better understand the history of this river. Take a boat ride on the Pearl River to admire the unique beauty of the city from a new angle. In particular, each port on the river carries its own historical story and unique features waiting for you to discover.

Lianhuashan (Lotus mountain)

The statue of Guan Yin Buddha is up to 40 meters high.

Lianhuashan in Guangzhou is a majestic mountain range with more than 48 red sandstone mountains, temples and a system of large and small stone mountains dating back over 2,000 years. This place is not only famous for the beauty of lotus flowers at the top of Qilin but also a stop for you to admire the 40-meter-tall bronze statue of Guanyin. Coming to Lianhuashan, you will enter a sacred space, immersing yourself in nature and the unique traditional culture of Guangzhou.

Gate to Lotus Mountain with golden lotus.

Chen Jiaci – Admire the Luxurious Siheyuan Architecture in Guangzhou

Located in Guangdong province, Chen Jiaci (Chen Clan Ancestral Hall) is one of the most prominent ancient architectural works in the area. Built in 1894 by members of the Chen clan from 72 districts, this work stands out with its characteristic Siheyuan design, harmonizing religious and aesthetic elements.

The highlight here is the Chenjia Temple – now the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, which preserves hundreds of precious artifacts along with extremely sophisticated carvings, wood carvings, ceramics and porcelain. Visiting Chenjia Temple not only helps you understand more about the history and culture of the Lingnan region, but is also a great opportunity to admire the quintessence of Guangdong folk art in a traditional space.

Yuexiu Park in Guangzhou

As the largest park in Guangdong province, Yuexiu Park is an ideal stop if you want to temporarily leave the hustle and bustle of downtown Guangzhou. Built in 1952 and spread over an area of over 86 hectares, it stands out with lakes, green hills and many valuable historical structures.

You can stroll past the Zhenhailou statue, visit the Sifang fortress, or admire the ancient city wall of the Ming Dynasty – all bearing the mark of a long history. Located right on Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu Park is also very convenient for combining visits to other prominent destinations in the city center. A place not to be missed if you love the combination of nature and culture!

Sunac Land Amusement Park

If you are looking for a place to truly “relax” when traveling to Guangzhou, Sunac Land is a destination not to be missed. With a large scale and modern design, this park offers a suitable entertainment space for all ages – from thrilling games for adventure enthusiasts, to gentle entertainment areas for families and children.

In addition to entertainment activities, Sunac Land also owns many cool green spaces, ideal for walking, resting and enjoying the fresh air. This is not only an amusement park – but also a place for you and your loved ones to capture happy, energetic moments and truly connect on your journey to explore Guangzhou.

Guangzhou blog: Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou

Enjoy an adventure through areas that simulate the natural environment of wild animals, you will have the opportunity to observe lions, hippos, antelopes and many more. The trips are designed safely by train or bus, bringing a unique experience when you come to Chimelong Safari. At the same time, the park also has educational areas, helping you understand more about the animals. This will be the perfect destination for those who want to immerse yourself in the wild space and have close experiences with animals.

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall in Guangzhou

The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall is built with unique architecture and a large space of up to 115,000 square meters. Located in the center of Guangzhou, this place stands out with its orange-tiled building. The memorial hall has a spacious campus and beautiful landscaped gardens, creating a peaceful and solemn space. You can take a walk here to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Canton Tower In Guangzhou

Canton Tower is commonly known as Guangzhou TV Tower. With a height of up to 610 meters, Canton Tower is a unique modern architectural symbol of this city. The architecture of the tower is inspired by the waist of Xiao Man, a famous beauty during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). You can see a wonderful panoramic view of Guangzhou from this height by purchasing a ticket to visit the tower at Klook Vietnam.

Guangzhou blog: Top Shopping Places in Guangzhou – The Golden places for Shopping Lovers

Guangzhou tourism is not only for those who love to explore Chinese culture, but also a paradise for “shopaholics” with all segments from high-end to affordable. If you are looking for places where you can both hunt for beautiful goods and enjoy the vibrant space of the city, then below are the ideal stops.

Taikoo Hui (太古汇) – Luxury & Class

Located right in the center of Tianhe District, Taikoo Hui is considered the “fashion paradise” of Guangzhou. With more than 180 luxury shops and restaurants, this place gathers a series of famous international brands such as Gucci, Prada or Cartier. The modern, clean architectural space and high-class service make anyone who visits want to stop for a long time to enjoy. If you are looking for a truly high-end shopping experience, Taikoo Hui is the first place to go.

Beijing Road (北京路) – Shopping and History

Beijing Road brings a bustling feeling typical of a big city, where you can both shop and feel the breath of history from the ancient bricks preserved right under the pedestrian street. This is where the modern and the ancient intersect, with fashion chains, bookstores, milk tea shops, and local street food. It is easy to spend the whole afternoon walking around here without getting bored.

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (上下九步行街) – Cheap & Snack Paradise

A pedestrian street stretching over 1,200 meters in Liwan District, Shangxiajiu is always bustling with buyers and sellers from morning to night. Here, you will encounter hundreds of affordable fashion stores, shoes, and accessories with extremely affordable prices. But the most attractive is still the Cantonese culinary paradise with dishes such as stinky tofu, banh to, shark fin soup… You don’t need too much money, you can still eat your fill – have fun all day here.

Grandview Mall (正佳广场) – Combo Shopping + Entertainment for Families

If you are traveling with children or need a stop with many activities, Grandview Mall is a great choice. This is one of the largest shopping centers in the city with a modern shopping area, cinema, indoor aquarium and children’s play area. You can spend the whole day here shopping and entertaining without having to move around much.

OneLink Plaza (万菱广场) – Wholesale Market for Connoisseurs

Not as flashy as high-end shopping centers, OneLink Plaza is a place where shopping enthusiasts can “hunt” for great deals. This place gathers thousands of wholesale stalls from souvenirs, household items to interior decoration. Although it is a wholesale market, many shops are still willing to retail at very reasonable prices. If you want to find gifts for your relatives, or simply like to hunt for strange – unique – cheap items, spend at least a few hours here.

When shopping in Guangzhou, don’t forget to prepare cash in advance in Vietnam and install WeChat Pay or Alipay for more convenient payment. An empty suitcase, a pair of comfortable shoes and a little patience will be the perfect combo for you to fully explore this shopping paradise with Klook. Are you ready for the journey of “taking out your wallet without regrets”?

Delicious Specialties You Should Try in Guangzhou

Guangzhou not only overwhelms visitors with its bustling markets or ancient historical buildings, but also fascinating with its rich and sophisticated cuisine – where each dish reflects both the culture and lifestyle of the people here. If you are a foodie, don’t miss the “signature” dishes below.

Dim Sum

When mentioning Guangzhou, we have to mention Dim Sum – a “mini party” consisting of dozens of small dishes such as shrimp dumplings, meatballs, shrimp rolls, steamed chicken feet with soy sauce…, often served with hot tea for breakfast or lunch. This is a unique culinary + cultural experience you should definitely try.

Wonton Noodles

A simple dish but always in the top favorites – with slightly chewy noodles, wontons filled with shrimp or meat immersed in a sweet broth. Wonton noodles are a true “comfort food” for all Cantonese cuisine enthusiasts.

Steamed Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheong Fun)

A soft and smooth snack, made from thinly rolled rice flour, filled with shrimp or meat and then steamed. Served with special soy sauce, steamed rice noodles are ideal for breakfast or a light snack during a stroll.

Cantonese Roast Duck

With crispy golden skin and tender, flavorful meat – roasted duck in Guangzhou is one of the “top” dishes, meticulously prepared from marinating to roasting. Don’t forget to order extra thin rice noodles and special sauce to enjoy it properly.

Sampan Congee (Ting Zai Congee)

A bowl of hot porridge, filled with shrimp, squid, minced meat and roasted peanuts, served with herbs and green onions. This traditional porridge was once sold on boats – and to this day still retains its unforgettable, rich flavor.

Local Desserts

Pantang Water Chestnut Cake – soft, smooth, light and refreshing, often eaten after main meals.
Double-layered custard – a famous sweet dish of Guangzhou, lightly fatty and fragrant with fresh milk.
Stinky tofu – challenging the “taste buds” but very popular with street food lovers.

Whether it’s a light breakfast or a hearty dinner, Guangzhou cuisine always brings pleasant surprises with every try. Schedule a visit to a local market, famous dim sum restaurant or join a local food tour to better feel the spirit of “food is culture” of this land.

Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Hotel Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich (Agoda, Booking)
Four Seasons (Agoda, Booking)
Guangzhou Baiyun Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
Shangri-La Guangzhoul (Agoda, Booking)
Asia International Hotel Guangdong (Agoda, Booking)
Leeden Hotel Guangzhou (Agoda, Booking)
Langham Place Guangzhou (Agoda, Booking)
The Westin Guangzhou (Agoda, Booking)

Check out more top and best hotels in Guangzhou on Agoda or Booking.

Traveling to Guangzhou is a journey immersed in the beauty of history and modern development. This city will make every moment of your journey to explore the world more special and unforgettable than ever.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Guangzhou you can refer to

Read more China guide here.