Flight to Guangzhou (CAN)

Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, is one of China's great trading cities and the birthplace of Cantonese culture. Once known to the world as Canton, it combines riverside colonial streets, ancient temples and a gleaming modern skyline along the Pearl River. For many Malaysians, it also feels familiar: the Cantonese language, dim sum culture and family roots shared with communities back home make flights to Guangzhou a popular choice for food trips, shopping and visits to ancestral villages across the Pearl River Delta.

About Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Location

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) lies north of the city centre, in the area between Baiyun and Huadu districts. It is one of the busiest airports in China and a major hub for southern China, with a wide network of domestic routes that makes it a convenient place to continue your journey to other cities in the country.

Terminals

Baiyun is a large airport with more than one passenger terminal, and different airlines use different buildings. Check the terminal printed on your e-ticket before you travel to the airport, and allow time for walking and security, as the terminals are spacious and can be busy at peak hours.

Getting to and from the airport

Guangzhou Metro Line 3 connects the airport with the city, running through Tianhe, one of the main business and shopping districts, and it is the most reliable way to avoid road traffic. Airport express buses serve major areas of the city and neighbouring cities, and taxis wait outside arrivals. Ride-hailing is widely used in China, but it runs through local apps, so set one up before you travel if you plan to use it.

Direct and connecting flights to Guangzhou

Guangzhou is well connected with Malaysia, and direct flights often operate from Kuala Lumpur as well as from cities such as Penang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu, depending on the season. On Traveloka, turn on the direct flight filter to see non-stop options from your departure city and compare arrival times.

If there is no direct route from your city on your dates, connections through Kuala Lumpur or another regional hub are easy to find. Guangzhou itself is a good starting point for exploring more of China: onward domestic flights from Baiyun reach Fujian, the north and the west, and high-speed trains link the city with Shenzhen, Hong Kong and beyond.

When to fly to Guangzhou

Guangzhou has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are long, hot and rainy, with typhoons possible from around July to September. Autumn, from October to early December, is widely considered the best season, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Winters are cool rather than cold, while spring is mild but often damp and misty.

Demand peaks around Chinese New Year, when many Malaysians visit relatives and the city's famous flower markets bloom, and during Malaysian school holidays. The Canton Fair, held in spring and autumn, fills the city with business travellers and makes accommodation busy. China's own Golden Week holidays in early October and around the Labour Day holiday also bring crowds to attractions, so book early for these periods.

Popular places in Guangzhou

Canton Tower

Rising above the Pearl River in Haizhu district, the slender Canton Tower is the symbol of modern Guangzhou. Its observation decks offer sweeping city views, and the tower glows with changing colours at night.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

This beautifully preserved academy and ancestral hall displays some of the finest Lingnan-style carving in wood, stone and brick, along with ceramic roof figures. It now houses a museum of folk art.

Shamian Island

A small sandbank island once reserved for foreign traders, Shamian is lined with European-style buildings, shady banyan trees and quiet lanes. It is a peaceful place for a stroll and photos by the river.

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

This historic Buddhist temple is known for its tall, decorated Flower Pagoda, one of the city's oldest landmarks, rising above the bustle of the surrounding streets.

Pearl River night cruise

An evening boat ride along the Pearl River shows off the illuminated bridges, riverside buildings and Canton Tower, and is one of the most relaxing ways to see the city.

Where to stay in Guangzhou

Tianhe is the modern centre, full of malls and offices, and is well served by the metro, including the line to the airport. Yuexiu is the historic heart, close to Beijing Road, temples and Yuexiu Park. Liwan, in the west, is the choice for traditional markets, Shamian Island and old-style tea houses. Haizhu, across the river, is home to Canton Tower and the Canton Fair complex, while Panyu in the south suits families heading to its large theme parks and zoo.

Food to try in Guangzhou

Dim sum

Morning yum cha is a Guangzhou ritual. Tea is poured while baskets of har gow, siu mai, char siu bao and custard tarts arrive at the table, often enjoyed slowly over hours.

Roast goose

With crisp skin and juicy meat, Cantonese roast goose is served chopped with plum sauce. It is richer than roast duck and a highlight at local restaurants.

Cheung fun

Silky steamed rice noodle rolls are filled with shrimp, beef or char siu and dressed with sweet soy sauce, a classic breakfast in the city.

Wonton noodles

Thin, springy egg noodles are served in a clear broth with shrimp wontons. Try them at small noodle shops in the older districts.

Double-skin milk

This silky steamed milk pudding, from the nearby Shunde area, has a delicate skin on top and is served warm or cold with red beans.

Ready for a taste of Cantonese culture? Compare flights to Guangzhou on Traveloka, look for Guangzhou deals from your city and set a Price Alert for your dates. With e-tickets, Easy Reschedule and 24/7 customer service, your trip to the City of Flowers is easy to plan.