Things to do in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is filled with sites that will captivate all visitors, including historic religious structures, an array of interesting museums, and some beautiful parks and gardens. The ChimeLong Group offers exciting theme parks set up for visitors to enjoy with circuses and waterparks, while the Guangdong Museum provides a good overview of the region and its history. The Guangzhou Museum of Art is one of the best in China, and has impressive exhibits of traditional Chinese calligraphy and paintings. Other favourites include the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, situated in the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty, which includes the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King.

Guangzhou has a unique tourist attraction in Shamian Island, a former colonial outpost. The European architecture and manicured lawns are dotted with shops and cafes, making it a relaxing refuge from the bustle of the city. The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is another popular Guangzhou attraction, an oasis of peace in the city.

For those who like outdoor activities there is the South China Botanical Garden and the beautiful Baiyun Mountain. Another exciting attraction, especially for those travelling with children in Guangzhou, or who just particularly like animals, is the Chimelong Safari Park, where China's beloved Giant Pandas can be observed.

Chimelong photo

Chimelong

Chimelong Paradise is one of China's largest amusement parks and is recognised internationally as a quality establishment, with one of its rollercoasters even being featured in the…

Chimelong

Chimelong Paradise is one of China's largest amusement parks and is recognised internationally as a quality establishment, with one of its rollercoasters even being featured in the Guinness Book of Records. The park has more than 100 rides and is guaranteed to delight thrill seekers and kids of all ages. The water world section boasts one of the largest water stunt shows in the world and is a famously enjoyable place to spend a sunny day.

The Chimelong International Circus is said to be the world's largest permanent circus and the theatre can hold nearly 7,000 people. This show is wildly popular and it is recommended that visitors book their tickets in advance, especially if going over the weekend. The Chimelong International Circus includes award winning acts from all over the world and its set, lighting and costume design are sublime. Chimelong certainly tops the list when it comes to family attractions in Guangzhou.

Website www.chimelong.com

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees photo

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

A must-see attraction in Guangzhou is the impressive Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. This ancient Buddhist structure was built around the year 537, and still attracts many local an…

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

A must-see attraction in Guangzhou is the impressive Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. This ancient Buddhist structure was built around the year 537, and still attracts many local and foreign visitors. Aside from its three famous Buddha statues, one of the temple's best features is the magnificent statue of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion and mercy. The nearby six-story Flower Pagoda is a beloved landmark, with its distinctive petal-like layers and rich collection of cultural treasures. The temple is surrounded by some lovely gardens that add to the impression of it being a centre of serenity in a bustling city.

South China Botanical Garden photo

South China Botanical Garden

The South China Botanical Garden is stunningly beautiful and varied, and one of the largest in the country. It's divided into three areas: a nursery and arboretum, which house mode…

South China Botanical Garden

The South China Botanical Garden is stunningly beautiful and varied, and one of the largest in the country. It's divided into three areas: a nursery and arboretum, which house modern conservatories and over 30 specialised gardens; a research and residential zone; and Dinghushan Nature Reserve, which was the first national nature reserve in China. The South China Botanical Garden has a plethora of local flora for visitors to admire, including collections of magnolias, orchids and medicinal herbs, as well as bonsai, bamboo and endangered plants. Long Dong Magic Forest is a particularly special attraction, as it is one of the top eight scenic spots in Guangzhou. Non-botanical attractions at the gardens include the Science Education and Information Centre and Guangzhou's Oldest Village, which was rebuilt on Neolithic ruins.

Website english.scib.ac.cn

Baiyun Mountain photo

Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Shan Mountain is a popular tourist attraction just outside of Guangzhou, with the lofty vantage point providing phenomenal panoramas of Pu Valley, the Nengren Temple and the…

Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Shan Mountain is a popular tourist attraction just outside of Guangzhou, with the lofty vantage point providing phenomenal panoramas of Pu Valley, the Nengren Temple and the sprawling cityscape of Guangzhou. There are cable cars running for just over a mile (1.7km) between Yuntai Garden and Peak Park, the park itself consisting of 30 peaks and covering over 17 square miles (28 sq km). It's stunningly beautiful, with well-maintained gardens, numerous temples and a sculpture park, and time here is best spent walking along the winding paths up in the clear mountain air and relishing a break from the city. As with most monitored nature areas in China, visitors are sadly not really given the freedom to wander, hike or picnic beyond the paths.