What’s fun in Shenzhen – Guangzhou? Follow the Shenzhen Guangzhou itinerary: Suggested China itinerary 5 days to freely explore these two bustling cities of Shenzhen & Guangzhou in this post!
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Are you planning to travel to China but are too familiar with Beijing or Shanghai? Try exploring the Shenzhen – Guangzhou travel itinerary to experience new things. These are two modern, vibrant and colorful cities, famous for their beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures and bustling shopping areas.
With a 5 days 4 nights itinerary, you will have the opportunity to visit famous landmarks such as Window of the World Park in Shenzhen or Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Guangzhou. Not only that, this journey also offers a great culinary experience and the dynamic life of two major cities in Southern China. Discover now!
Shenzhen Guangzhou itinerary — Day 1: Departure from Vietnam – Guangzhou, China
The Shenzhen – Guangzhou tour begins with a flight from Vietnam to Guangzhou. You can choose direct flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with a flight time of only about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, China Southern Airlines, or Cambodia Angkor Air regularly operate this route, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Ticket prices range from VND 5,200,000/one way and from VND 8,300,000/round trip, depending on the tourist season.
Arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, one of the three largest airports in China, you will complete immigration procedures and move to the hotel to check-in. The airport is located about 30 km from the city center, with many convenient means of transportation such as:
- Airport bus: Price from only 13,000 VND/trip, suitable if you want to save costs.
- Subway: Fast and convenient, price from 24,000 VND/trip, suitable for passengers with little luggage.
- Taxi/airport car rental: The most comfortable option, price from 340,000 – 510,000 VND/trip, pick-up and drop-off.
After checking in, start exploring Liwan Street, famous for its Lingnan-style architecture, a harmonious combination of ancient and modern features. This is also a culinary paradise with specialties such as Tingzai porridge, chestnut cakes, and steamed fish skin.
Don’t forget to visit Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, a bustling place with many local shops and restaurants, providing an interesting shopping experience. At the end of the first day, you will have an impressive first look at the vibrant life of Guangzhou.
Day 2: Explore Guangzhou – Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Yuexiu Park, Liurong Temple, Pearl River, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
On the second day in Guangzhou, explore the unique historical sites to experience the modern and traditional beauty of the city. The journey begins at Chenjia Ci, a famous architectural work from the Qing Dynasty, which houses many beautiful wood, stone and tile sculptures. To get here, visitors can choose to take the subway to Chen Jia Ci station or bus lines such as 85, 104, 128. The entrance fee is only 10 CNY, and the place is open from 08:30 to 17:30.
Continuing the journey, you will arrive at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, which honors the famous Chinese leader. This work, which combines traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles, is not only a historical relic but also a unique cultural symbol. The special highlight is the bronze statue of Sun Yat-sen and rows of ancient trees, creating a space rich in history and sacredness.
After lunch, take some time to relax at Yuexiu Park – the largest park in the center of Guangzhou. Here, visitors will admire the Statue of Five Sheep, the symbol of the city, and Zhenhai Tower, a historical relic from the Ming Dynasty. You can also stroll around three artificial lakes or participate in activities such as boating and fishing.
Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou (Tianzi Wharf)
If you are not tired, you can continue to visit Liurong Temple, one of the most important Buddhist relics in Guangzhou. The temple is famous for its 57.6m high Flower Tower, a symbol of architecture and long-standing beliefs. The peaceful atmosphere here brings a sense of relaxation, helping you find tranquility in the heart of the bustling city.
In the evening, enjoy the cool air on the banks of the Pearl River. With a length of more than 2,000km, this is the third largest river in China, highlighted by its bridges that are brightly lit at night. Then, visit Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, an ideal place for shopping and enjoying local cuisine. Here, you will find countless attractive dishes such as dumplings, roast duck and traditional milk tea.
Day 3: Guangzhou – Shamian Island, Lychee Bay – Shenzhen
In the morning, your journey begins with a visit to Shamian Island, a unique historical site in Guangzhou. Shamian Island was once a foreign-only area during the Opium War, with buildings in Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles.
Strolling along the tree-lined streets, you will discover some typical buildings such as the White Swan Hotel, the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Lourdes or the old consulates. Each building holds interesting stories about the history and culture of this land. The peaceful atmosphere, separate from the noisy pace of the city, makes this place an ideal destination to relax and learn about Guangzhou’s colorful past.
To get to Shadian Island, you use the subway line 1 or 6, get off at Huangsha Station and walk across the bridge. If you choose to go by bus, lines 1, 9, 57, or the Sightseeing Bus Xiguan Style all lead to this place. In addition, you can also take a taxi from Guangzhou Railway Station at a reasonable cost.
After exploring Shadian Island, you continue your journey to Lychee Bay – a symbol of the water region of South China. Lychee Bay stands out with its clear blue water winding around ancient architectural works, combined with a peaceful natural landscape. Coming here, you will admire historical relics such as Liangjia Ancestral Temple, Longjin Bridge, Wen Tower and Wenjing Antique Street – where more than 400 shops selling valuable antiques gather. Not only that, Lychee Bay is also a culinary paradise with exquisite snacks, typical of Guangzhou.
Xiguan Qilou, Lychee Bay, Shamian Island & Dashatou Pier Private Day Tour
An experience not to be missed in Lychee Bay is taking a boat ride around the river. In the open space, you will enjoy delicious food while admiring the unique architecture and enjoying the cool breeze. To get to Lychee Bay, you can take subway line 5 and get off at Zhongshanbalu station or use bus lines such as No. 2, 8, 9, 22 and 85. This is a convenient and time-saving means of transportation.
Qingyuan Gulong Gorge Drifting Glass Grand Canyon
In the afternoon, after having lunch with specialties at Lychee Bay, you will travel from Guangzhou to Shenzhen by high-speed train. This is the fastest and most convenient means of transport, with a travel time of only about 35 minutes. High-speed trains depart continuously throughout the day, providing maximum flexibility for your journey. If you have not booked tickets in advance, go to Guangzhou Station early to buy tickets, avoiding the situation of no seats during rush hour.
When arriving in Shenzhen in the evening, you check in to the hotel and rest. This is the ideal time to relax after a long day of experiencing many interesting destinations. This modern and vibrant city will definitely bring you many surprises in the following days.
Day 4: Shenzhen – Window Of The World, Chinese Ethnic Culture Village, Dongmen Pedestrian Street
Welcome a new day in Shenzhen, start your journey at Window of the World Park, one of the most famous destinations in the city. This 480,000 square meter park recreates world wonders in miniature. Here, visitors can admire the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian pyramids, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and many other famous structures. In particular, the areas are divided by continent, giving the feeling of traveling around the world in just a few hours.
Window of the World Ticket in Shenzhen
In addition to sightseeing, you can also experience exciting games such as “Fast to the Top of Mount Fuji” or “Fly Over America” and enjoy unique art performances. The park also organizes special festival events throughout the year, bringing a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. To get here, you just need to take subway line 1 and get off at Window of the World station.
After leaving Window of the World park, continue your journey at the Chinese Folk Culture Village, an ideal place to learn about Chinese culture and history. The park consists of two main areas: Splendid China Miniature Park and China Folk Culture Village. The Miniature Park recreates 82 famous Chinese landscapes and architectural works, from the Mogao Caves in the west to Mount Taishan in the east. All are meticulously built with a combination of more than 50,000 vivid miniature statues, illustrating historical events such as the royal wedding ceremony of the Qing Dynasty or the sacrifices to heaven of ancient emperors.
Splendid China Folk Village in Guangdong
Meanwhile, the China Folk Culture Village offers the opportunity to explore 27 ethnic minority villages. Visitors can participate in traditional festivals, learn about unique customs and enjoy special art performances. From Window of the World, take subway line 1 to Overseas China Town station, then walk a short distance to the park.
In the evening, the bustling space of Dongmen Pedestrian Street is an ideal choice to end an impressive day. This is Shenzhen’s oldest commercial district, where the ancient and modern blend together. With dozens of commercial buildings and bustling streets, Dongmen is not only a shopping destination but also a culinary paradise.
To get here, visitors can take subway line 1 or 3 and get off at Laojie station, or use local bus lines such as 102, 113, or M403.
Day 5: Shenzhen – Vietnam
In the morning, take the last chance to explore and shop in Shenzhen, a modern and bustling city, famous for its many shopping malls and diverse markets. If you love electronics, visit Huaqiangbeilu Electronic Goods Market, known as a technology paradise with a wide range of products from microchips to headphones and computers. To get here, take subway line 1 or 2, get off at Huaqiang North station.
If you are looking for fashion items, accessories or souvenirs, Luohu Commercial City is a great choice. This commercial center is located near Luohu station of subway line 1, very convenient for traveling. Here, you will find many items from clothes, shoes, bags to electronics, all at reasonable prices. However, be careful about the quality and consider bargaining before buying.
At noon, choose a restaurant near the area you are visiting to enjoy lunch. Chinese dishes such as dim sum, seafood, or spicy hot pot will surely satisfy you. Some shopping centers such as Maoye Department Store or Rainbow Department Store often have restaurants serving delicious and quality food. In addition, if you want to explore local specialties, you can buy Jingui tangerines, Nanshan peaches, or Shenzhen lychees – fresh, sweet and popular fruits.
eSIM for China, Hong Kong, Macau (QR code activation via email)
In the afternoon, the journey gradually ends when you move to the train station to go to Shenzhen airport. If you are in the central area, you can take subway line 11 directly to the airport. Here, complete the exit procedures, check your luggage and enjoy a little rest before the flight back to Vietnam.
Shenzhen – Guangzhou Self-Guided Travel Costs
Shenzhen and Guangzhou are two attractive cities in China, offering a combination of modern and traditional experiences. To best prepare for a 5-day, 4-night self-guided trip, budgeting is essential. Below is a reference cost table to help you easily plan your budget.
| Category | Cost (VND) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip airfare | 4.000.000 - 8.000.000 |
| Chinese Visa | 2.100.000 - 3.500.000 |
| Accommodation costs (4 nights) | 3.000.000 - 6.000.000 |
| Food expenses (5 days) | 2.500.000 - 5.000.000 |
| Travel expenses (bus, subway, taxi) | 1.000.000 - 2.000.000 |
| Cost of sightseeing and entertainment | 1.500.000 - 3.000.000 |
| Shopping costs | 2.000.000 - 5.000.000 |
| Other expenses (sim, service fees, souvenirs...) | 500.000 - 1.000.000 |
| Estimated total cost | 16.600.000 - 30.500.000 |
(*) Note: This is only an estimated cost table, the specific budget will vary depending on your schedule and travel style.
Shenzhen – Guangzhou Travel Experience 5 Days 4 Nights
Shenzhen and Guangzhou are attractive destinations with a combination of modernity and tradition. A 5-day, 4-night trip in these two cities promises many interesting experiences if you prepare carefully. Below are some useful tips to help you save money and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
- Apply for a Chinese visa early (1-2 months in advance) to avoid time risks.
- Exchange Chinese Yuan in Vietnam for a good exchange rate and bring an international payment card.
- Download the WeChat app for communication, payment and Didi for convenient taxi calling.
- Use Baidu Maps to find more accurate routes in China.
- Travel by subway instead of taxi to save costs.
- Visit free places such as pedestrian streets and parks to reduce costs.
- Choose a hotel near a subway station for convenient travel.
- Learn a few basic Chinese sentences or prepare a translation app.
- Check the schedule and operating hours of attractions carefully before going.
- Bring snacks or drinks to save on your trip.
Shenzhen and Guangzhou are not only attractive destinations but also bring countless memorable experiences for those who love to travel. With a 5-day, 4-night itinerary, you will be immersed in the vibrancy of two modern cities, enjoy rich cuisine and explore unique cultural sites.
This trip not only opens up new perspectives on China but also helps you fully enjoy the beauty of the intersection between tradition and modernity. Whether you are looking for a relaxing, shopping or cultural journey, Shenzhen and Guangzhou will definitely not disappoint you.
What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Shenzhen – Guangzhou now!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Guangzhou you can refer to
- Guangzhou Sunac Snow Park Admission Ticket
- Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park
- Chimelong Hotel Guangzhou
- Guangzhou Sunac Water Park Admission Ticket
- Chimelong International Circus Guangzhou
- Chimelong Water Park Ticket in Guangzhou
- Chimelong Birds Park Guangzhou
- Private City Transfers between Guangzhou and Hong Kong
- Guangzhou Chimelong Hotel Buffet
- Qingyuan Gulong Gorge Drifting Glass Grand Canyon
- Guangzhou Sunac Land Admission Ticket
- Chimelong Paradise Guangzhou
- Guangzhou Science Center Ticket
- Canton Tower
- Chimelong Safari Park and Birds Park Tickets in Guangzhou
- Guangzhou Zhengjia Penguin Ice and Snow World Tickets
Read more China guide here.
