See and Do in Guangzhou

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Between its skyscrapers and shopping malls, Guangzhou has a rich history. Known for being a centre of trade and cuisine, the city’s warm climate, natural and cultural attractions give expats a variety of options both indoors and out.

Depending on their interests, expats are able to explore the city’s museums and natural spaces from evening strolls along the Pearl River, lit up by city lights, to enjoying a day at one of the country’s biggest amusement parks.

Popular attractions in Guangzhou

Yuexiu Park

One of the best known scenic spots in the city, Yuexiu Park is the largest natural space in Guangzhou and provides city residents with a chance to surround themselves with nature in the middle of the sprawling urban landscape. It also contains a number of Ming Dynasty cultural relics and a stone statue of the Five Rams, the city’s emblem.

Chimelong Paradise

A massive amusement park, Chimelong Paradise offers a dizzying range of entertainment options, including a circus, a water park, a wild-animal-themed park, and one of the world’s most exhilarating rollercoasters. The park attracts as many as 12 million visitors a year.

Guangdong Provincial Museum

Often recognised as the best museum in China, the Guangdong Museum contains over 160,000 artefacts and has been open to the public since 1959. Exhibitions of the local culture, natural environment and history are contained in its modern facilities, making for a perfect day out with the family.

The Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

Located in Western Han, the museum is known for its ancient Han Dynasty architecture, showcasing the city’s almost 2,000-year-old history. Visitors have been coming to see the royal tomb since 1988. Buried almost 66 feet (20m) underground, 750 large, mural decorated stones make up the tomb. The museum’s centrepiece is an ancient garment made of jade pieces connected by a silk thread – the only one of its kind in the world.

Pearl River

One of the country’s longest rivers, the Pearl River is strung along 1,242 miles (2,000km) of the Chinese landscape and is especially beautiful by night. The four river systems that make up the Pearl join up in Guangzhou before spilling into the South China Sea. As it cuts through the city at night, the river’s surface reflects the city’s neon lights, providing a unique view of Guangzhou’s urban beauty. Expats are able to walk along the river’s ‘Scenic Corridor’ while enjoying the gentle evening breeze, or take a river cruise.

South China Botanical Garden

Founded in 1929, the South China Botanical Garden is home to an impressive collection of local flora. Bamboo and other endangered plants feature alongside beautifully sculpted bonsai and displays of magnolias, orchids and medicinal herbs.

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is a must-see attraction in Guangzhou. The impressive Buddhist structure was built in 537 AD during the Liang Dynasty and continues to attract scores of visitors. Local families often go to receive blessings for newly adopted children in front of the magnificent statue of Kuan Yin.