Guangzhou, China 4 Day Itinerary

Guangzhou 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Center and Ancient Architecture

Activities:

  1. Yuexiu Park and the Five Rams Statue: A popular city park with a large statue of five rams, symbolizing Guangzhou. (Transit: Take Metro Line 2 or Bus No. 5, 36, 79, etc.)
  2. Chen Clan Academy: An ancient academy built during the Qing Dynasty, showcasing traditional Guangdong architecture and art. (Transit: Take Metro Line 1 to Chen Clan Academy Station)
  3. Shamian Island: A former British and French concession area with beautiful colonial buildings and charming riverside promenades. (Transit: Take Ferry from Zhongshan Pier or walk from Guangzhou Railway Station)
  4. Liurong Temple: One of the most famous Taoist temples in Guangzhou, dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty. (Transit: Walk from Shamian Island or take Bus No. 156 or 271)

Where to Eat:

  1. Liwan Mantouwei: Try the local Cantonese snacks and dim sum. (Shamian Island, Zhongshan Road)
  2. Yide Roujiamo: Famous for their Xinjiang-style grilled skewers and roujiamo (stewed meat in a steamed bun). (Liwan District, Yanjiang Middle Road)

Where to Stay:

  1. Grand Hyatt Guangzhou: Luxury hotel with excellent service and facilities located near Tianhe Sports Center. (Tianhe District, Haizhu Square)
  2. The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou: Upscale hotel with stunning views of the city. (Tianhe District, Haizhu Square)
  3. Hotel Indigo Guangzhou Tianhe: Boutique hotel offering modern accommodations and convenient location. (Tianhe District, Haizhu Square)

Things to Know:

  1. Guangzhou is known for its Cantonese cuisine, so be sure to try dishes like roast goose, shark’s fin soup, and dim sum.
  2. Mandarin (Putonghua) and Cantonese are commonly spoken in Guangzhou, but some people may understand English, especially in tourist areas.
  3. Traffic in Guangzhou can be heavy, so plan your day accordingly or consider using the metro to get around.
  4. Tipping is not customary in China, but rounding up the bill or giving small change as a token of appreciation is appreciated.

Day 2: Discover Museums and Modern Architecture

Activities:

  1. Guangdong Museum of Art: Showcases contemporary Chinese art and temporary exhibitions. (Transit: Take Metro Line 6 to Guangzhou Railway Station South Square)
  2. Guangzhou Museum: Houses artifacts and exhibits about the history, culture, and natural history of Guangdong Province. (Transit: Take Bus No. 15 or 302)
  3. Canton Tower: Iconic landmark with observation decks, restaurants, and a revolving restaurant offering panoramic views of the city. (Transit: Take Metro Line 8 to Canton Tower Station)
  4. Pearl River Night Cruise: Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Pearl River, taking in the city’s lights and skyline. (Depart from either Tianhe or Haizhu District)

Where to Eat:

  1. Lin He Xiang Lou: Enjoy Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist in this elegant restaurant. (Tianhe District, Haizhu Square)
  2. Yuefu Huayuan: Try the popular Cantonese dishes like roast suckling pig and fish-fillet in ginger and spring onion. (Liwan District, Zhongshan Road)

Things to Know:

  1. Many museums have free admission days or discounted tickets for students and senior citizens. Check the museum’s official website for details.
  2. The Pearl River Night Cruise can be crowded during peak tourist seasons, so book your ticket in advance or consider visiting earlier in the evening.
  3. Canton Tower has a dress code (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or sandals) for the observation decks and restaurants.

Day 3: Visit Temple Scenic Area and Traditional Markets

Activities:

  1. Temple Scenic Area: Includes Huaisheng Si Temple, Taishan Ci Temple, and Xiangxue Si Temple. (Transit: Take Bus No. 43, 57, 81, etc.)
  2. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: A traditional Chinese architecture complex with exhibitions about Cantonese culture. (Transit: Walk from Temple Scenic Area or take Bus No. 206)
  3. Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street: A bustling market area offering everything from souvenirs to street food. (Transit: Take Metro Line 1 to Changshou Lu Station or walk from Chen Clan Ancestral Hall)
  4. Qingping Market: A traditional medicine market selling herbs, remedies, and exotic animals like turtles, snakes, and birds. (Transit: Walk from Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street or take Bus No. 57 or 81)

Where to Eat:

  1. Lianxiang Chuncheng Lou: Try the famous Cantonese dishes like clay pot rice and barbecue skewers. (Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Liwan District)
  2. Tong Shui Wang: Enjoy a bowl of tong shui (sweet soup) made with red dates, longan, or other ingredients. (Qingping Market, Liwan District)

Things to Know:

  1. Bargaining is expected in markets and shops. Aim for a price that’s around 50% of the initial asking price.
  2. Some market vendors may not speak English, so learning a few simple phrases in Mandarin or Cantonese will be helpful.
  3. Be cautious when buying exotic animals or animal products to ensure they are legal and ethically sourced.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Pearl River Delta

Activities:

  1. Dongguan: Visit the Overseas Chinese Town (OCT East) for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Take the Shenzhen Metro to Humen Station and transfer to Bus No. 205 or 276 to OCT East.
  2. Zhuhai: Explore Gongbei Pedestrian Street, visit Jinwan Ancient Town, or enjoy a scenic cruise on the South China Sea. Take a bus from Guangzhou’s Huanshi Bus Station or take the high-speed train to Zhuhai West Station.
  3. Jiangmen: Visit the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, the largest ancestral temple in China, and stroll around Lianxia Park. Take a bus from Guangzhou’s Huanshi Bus Station or take the high-speed train to Jiangmen East Station.

Where to Eat:

  1. Seafood restaurants along the coast in Zhuhai offer fresh catches of the day.
  2. Local tea houses and eateries in Jiangmen’s historic districts serve traditional Cantonese dishes.

Things to Know:

  1. Day trips to Dongguan, Zhuhai, or Jiangmen may require additional transportation costs and planning. Consider using a travel agency or online platforms like Ctrip for booking tickets and arranging transportation.
  2. Bring cash as some smaller towns in the Pearl River Delta may not have widespread ATM availability.
  3. Be mindful of the opening hours and closing days of attractions before planning your trip. Some places may be closed on certain days or have shorter operating hours during off-peak seasons.