11 Best Things to Do and See in Guangzhou
Exploring Guangzhou on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Guangzhou, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Guangzhou. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall in Guangzhou is a remarkable complex combining traditional Cantonese architecture and a folk art museum. As you walk through its courtyards and richly decorated buildings, you discover wood, stone and brick carvings, paintings, ceramics, and finely crafted ornaments that showcase the craftsmanship of southern China. The site also offers a wonderful insight into local clan culture and traditional aesthetics, in an atmosphere that is both peaceful and highly refined, ideal for lovers of heritage and decorative arts.
2. Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is one of Guangzhou’s most remarkable Buddhist complexes. Visitors can admire a slender pagoda, traditional pavilions, inner courtyards, and altars still used by worshippers. The site combines spiritual significance with architectural interest, featuring Cantonese details in the roofs, carvings, and building layout. In the heart of Yuexiu District, it offers a vivid look at the city’s religious heritage.
3. Chimelong Safari Park
Chimelong Safari Park is one of Guangzhou’s major zoo attractions, located in Panyu District. The park offers a wide variety of wild animals in a setting designed for walks and observation. It features themed areas dedicated to different species, blending leisure with an educational experience. As part of Chimelong’s major tourism complex, it is a popular family attraction in Guangzhou.
4. Guangzhou Sculpture Park
Guangzhou Sculpture Park is an urban park dedicated to sculpture and walking, located in Baiyun in northern Guangzhou. Visitors can discover open-air artworks set in a green environment, with paths, lawns, and open spaces shaping the visit. The site combines artistic interest with a park atmosphere, making it a great place to experience the meeting of contemporary art and landscaping in a major Chinese city.
5. Guangzhou Zoo
Guangzhou Zoo is a major tourist attraction in Guangzhou, located in Yuexiu District. The site brings together a wide range of animals in a busy urban park setting, with sections dedicated to different species and landscaped areas combining greenery, pathways, and zoo facilities. The visit lets travelers observe mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals in an environment designed for walking and learning. In a dense city like Guangzhou, this zoo offers a direct encounter with wildlife in the heart of the metropolitan area.
6. Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall is one of Guangzhou’s best-known heritage sites. This memorial museum honors Sun Yat-sen with a monumental building whose symmetrical architecture and large central hall immediately stand out. Inside, visitors discover a space dedicated to his memory and his importance in modern Chinese history, combining historical, commemorative, and cultural value. The site is an essential part of Yuexiu’s urban and heritage landscape.
7. St. Joseph’s Oratory Cathedral
The Sacred Heart Cathedral of Shishi, in Guangzhou, is one of the city’s most remarkable religious buildings. This large Catholic church attracts visitors with its impressive Gothic architecture, two slender towers, and light-colored stone facades. Inside, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere, high vaulted ceilings, and beautiful stained-glass windows that filter the light. It is both a place of prayer and a popular tourist attraction, appreciated for its monumental character and solemn atmosphere.
8. Big Buddha Ancient Temple
Located in Guangzhou, the Buddhist temple 大佛古寺 is a peaceful place of worship that also attracts visitors curious to discover a more spiritual side of the city. It features traditional Chinese architecture, quiet courtyards, and prayer halls where the atmosphere encourages reflection. Visitors can admire Buddha statues, religious ornaments, and decorative details typical of Cantonese temples. It is an interesting stop for experiencing the calmer pace of old Guangzhou and discovering an authentic side of local culture.
9. Guangzhou Teenagers Science & Technology Museum
The Guangzhou Teenagers Science & Technology Museum is a discovery venue dedicated to the scientific curiosity of young visitors. It features interactive exhibits that present science and technology concepts in a fun and engaging way, with hands-on devices, simple experiments, and educational demonstrations. The museum offers an inspiring setting for understanding how the world around us works, while encouraging a love of learning. Located in Guangzhou, it is ideal for families as well as school groups looking for an enriching and accessible visit.
10. Yongqingfang
Yongqingfang is a lively heritage district in Guangzhou, where visitors can enjoy a harmonious mix of traditional Cantonese architecture, restored lanes and modern spaces. As you wander through its pedestrian streets, you’ll find old houses, craft shops, cafés, galleries and a few restaurants, giving the area a local yet creative atmosphere. It’s a pleasant walk for discovering the charm of old Canton while enjoying a renovated, vibrant setting that is valued for both its culture and neighborhood feel.
11. Guangdong Science Center
The Guangdong Science Center, in Guangzhou, is a large science museum designed to make science accessible and fun for all audiences. Visitors can explore interactive exhibitions dedicated to a variety of themes such as technology, the environment, transportation, space, and the human body. The venue stands out for its immersive installations, hands-on experiments, and educational activities, which invite visitors to observe, experiment, and understand scientific phenomena. It is a particularly interesting visit for families, curious travelers, and discovery enthusiasts.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
