Guangzhou, China-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Monday

Morning

  • 7:00 AM: Arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
  • 8:00 AM: Take the metro from the airport to Yuexiu Park Station (Line 3, 10, or 11)
  • 9:00 AM: Visit Yuexiu Park, a large urban park featuring several lakes, gardens, and historic sites

Afternoon

  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Tsim Sha Tsui Road Snack Street, a popular street food market serving Cantonese cuisine
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Shamian Island, a small island in the Pearl River featuring colonial architecture, shopping streets, and parks
  • 3:30 PM: Explore the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum, showcasing ancient artifacts from the Western Han Dynasty

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Head to Chéngyáng Road for dinner and explore its vibrant nightlife
  • 8:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Cantonese opera performance at Yide Theatre

Where to Stay:

  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Hotel, located near the airport with easy access to public transportation

Transportation:

  • Metro lines 3, 10, and 11 are convenient for getting around Guangzhou
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services (e.g. Didi) are also widely available

Things to Know:

  • Yuexiu Park has a dress code: cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the temples or gardens
  • Shamian Island is a great place to buy souvenirs, but be prepared for aggressive sales tactics
  • Don’t drink tap water in Guangzhou; stick to bottled or filtered water

Tips:

  • Learn some basic Cantonese phrases (e.g. “hello” , “thank you” ) to interact with locals
  • Try some local snacks and street food, like Congee or Roasted Duck

Day 2: Tuesday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Guangzhou Museum, showcasing the city’s history and cultural heritage
  • 11:30 AM: Take a stroll along the Pearl River Promenade, enjoying the river views and street performers
  • 12:30 PM: Have lunch at Taikoo Hui Shopping Center, a modern shopping mall with a food court

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, a Buddhist temple featuring intricate carvings and sculptures
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the Shamian Island’s colonial architecture

Evening

  • 6:30 PM: Head to Guangzhou Tower (Canton Tower) for dinner and panoramic views of the city
  • 8:30 PM: Enjoy a night view of the city from the tower’s observation deck

Where to Stay:

  • Jin Garden Hotel, located near Guangzhou Museum and Pearl River Promenade

Transportation:

  • Metro lines 1, 2, and 6 are convenient for getting around Guangzhou
  • Take the metro or taxi to reach Guangzhou Tower

Things to Know:

  • The Guangzhou Museum has a dress code: no hats allowed inside the museum
  • Try not to visit the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees during peak hours (e.g. lunch, tea break) for fewer tourists

Tips:

  • Buy an Octopus Card for convenient travel and shopping on public transportation
  • Don’t eat from street vendors that seem dirty or unhygienic

Day 3: Wednesday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Guan Yin Temple, a Taoist temple featuring intricate carvings and sculptures
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Chéngyáng Road Snack Street, a popular street food market serving Cantonese cuisine
  • 12:30 PM: Have lunch at Huang Sha Lu Restaurant, serving traditional Cantonese dishes

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Xiguan Old House, showcasing traditional Guangzhou architecture and lifestyle
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the Baiyun Lake Park, a large urban park featuring several lakes, gardens, and walking trails

Evening

  • 6:30 PM: Head to Taikoo Hui Shopping Center for dinner and shopping
  • 8:30 PM: Enjoy a night view of the city from the shopping center’s rooftop garden

Where to Stay:

  • Huang Sha Lu Hotel, located near Guan Yin Temple and Xiguan Old House

Transportation:

  • Metro lines 3, 10, and 11 are convenient for getting around Guangzhou
  • Take the metro or taxi to reach Baiyun Lake Park

Things to Know:

  • The Guan Yin Temple has a dress code: cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the temple
  • Try not to visit Xiguan Old House during peak hours (e.g. lunch, tea break) for fewer tourists

Tips:

  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash; use credit cards or mobile payments instead
  • Be patient and polite when interacting with locals, especially in traditional settings