Resting along the Pearl River Delta in southern China, Guangzhou is a vivacious metropolis that wonderfully merges antiquated heritage with contemporary innovation. Renowned for its subtropical climate that offers humid summers tempered by mild winters, spring and fall emerge as the most pleasant times to experience this city. As the capital of the Guangdong Province, Guangzhou marks itself as a key economic epicenter and the cradle of Cantonese culture.
Reputed as the "City of Five Rams", the cultural fabric of Guangzhou is steeped in its 2000-year history as a trading port. Presently, it thrives as an energetic hub where traditional dim sum restaurants thrive alongside towering skyscrapers. Here, life orbits around food, with Cantonese cuisine securing a coveted spot in the eight great traditions of Chinese cooking.
What places Guangzhou in the spotlight is its exceptional culinary landscape, especially the yum cha (morning tea) culture. You simply cannot miss experiencing the colonial architecture of Shamian Island, the iconic Canton Tower, and the animated Qingping Medicine Market. The city is also home to numerous temples, such as the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, offering tranquil breaks from bustling city life.
The comprehensive metro system in Guangzhou offers modern, efficient services covering key tourist hotspots. Grab a Yang Cheng Tong card from any station for travel. Signage and announcements come in both Chinese and English. Operating hours are from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
From October through December, the city typically has a comfortable climate with fewer downpours. Try to sidestep the months of July and August when it gets extremely hot and humid.
Although many places in the city accept cash and international credit cards, using WeChat Pay significantly simplifies transactions. Ensure to set it up before your arrival using your foreign credit card.
Generally speaking, Guangzhou is extremely safe. However, it's prudent to follow standard precautions as you would in any major city. Be vigilant about keeping your belongings safe in crowded markets and locations.
Hop on the Line 3 of the metro that connects the airport to the city center directly. This option is affordable and helps avoid traffic congestion. If you prefer a taxi, the ride typically lasts 45-60 minutes, subject to traffic conditions.
While English signs are commonplace in tourist zones and on the metro, knowing basic Mandarin phrases can come in handy. Consider downloading translation apps and carry your hotel's address written in Chinese.
Get to Know Guangzhou
Travel Tips for Guangzhou
Explore Guangzhou