Guangzhou map guide with metro lines, top attractions, and best areas to stay. I also cover Guangzhou 11 districts info, map apps, eSIM tips, and 1-day Guangzhou itinerary.
Guangzhou Map - Interactive Live Map
Guangzhou Map - Complete Guide to Guangzhou Districts
Credit: travel china guide
Guangzhou is divided into 11 districts: Yuexiu, Liwan, Tianhe, Haizhu, Panyu, Baiyun, Huangpu, Nansha, Huadu, Conghua, and Zengcheng. These are grouped into central (Yuexiu, Liwan, Tianhe, Haizhu), near-city (Panyu, Baiyun), and suburban (Huangpu, Nansha, Huadu, Conghua, Zengcheng).
Yuexiu District is ideal for history buffs (temples, museums), Tianhe suits shoppers and foodies (malls, modern eats), and Liwan charms visitors with traditional streets like Shangxiajiu. For nature, Baiyun has mountains and the airport, while Panyu is home to Chimelong Paradise. First-time travelers often stick to central districts for easy access to sights and transit.
Guangzhou Metro Map & Transport Tips
Credit: Wikipedia
Guangzhou metro here is the easiest way to get around. It’s clean, cheap, and signs are in English. Runs from about 6 AM to 11:30 PM most days. Forget driving – traffic is wild.
Here's the key stuff:
- Guangzhou Metro Payment: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay on your phone. Super easy. Just scan the QR code at the gate. You can buy a physical card (Yuexiutong), but phone is way simpler.
- Guangzhou Metro Cost: Starts around ¥2 and goes up based on how far you go. Most trips within the center will be ¥3-¥8.
- Important Guangzhou Metro Lines:
- Line 3: Connects the airport (Terminal 1 & 2 stations) straight into downtown (Tiyu Xilu, Zhujiang New Town). Lifeline!
- Line 1: Runs East-West. Hits main spots like the Railway Station, Martyrs Park, Chen Clan Academy, Shangxiajiu.
- Line 2: North-South. Good for Yuexiu Park, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Gongyuanqian (Beijing Road Pedestrian Street).
- APM Line: Tiny driverless train under Zhujiang New Town. Perfect for Canton Tower, Haixinsha Park, the museums.
15 booked
Guangzhou Map - Apps & Staying Online with eSIM
You'll need internet in China. Period.
| App | Best For | Notes |
| AMAP (Gaode) | Metro/bus directions, real-time updates | Interface in Chinese, but easy to use. |
| Google Maps | English users (but not that correct, so I do not recommend in China) | Sometimes outdated metro info. |
| Baidu Maps | China local maps with many functions like finding nearby restaurants/malls/massage/attractions... | Hard to read if you don’t know Chinese. |
- eSIM: Get one before you arrive. Trip.com China eSIM is reliable and with built-in access to overseas apps like X/Whatsapp/ins/YT, etc. Pop it in, activate, done. Way easier than a physical SIM at the airport. Grab a coupon below and book in advance!
Guangzhou Map - 1 Day Itinerary
Got just one day? Here's a doable plan:
| Time | What to Do | How to Get There | Quick Tip |
| Morning | Dim Sum Breakfast (Lian Xiang Lou near Gongyuanqian is classic) | Metro Line 1/2 to Gongyuanqian Station | Get there early! Try Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) & Siu Mai. |
| Explore Chen Clan Ancestral Hall | Walk or short metro hop from breakfast (Line 1 to Chen Clan Academy) | ¥10 entry. Look up at the roof carvings! | |
| Noon | Lunch & Stroll Shangxiajiu Pedestrian St | Metro Line 1 to Changshou Lu Station | Grab claypot rice or wonton noodles. Busy but fun. |
| Wander Shamian Island | Metro Line 6/8 to Cultural Park (Exit E), walk | Find the old churches. Feels like time travel. | |
| Night | Head to Canton Tower for views | Metro Line 3 or APM to Canton Tower Station | Sunset is prime time. Skip expensive rides, views from observation deck are great. |
| Dinner in Zhujiang New Town | APM Line from Canton Tower (e.g., to Zhujiang New Town Station) | Tons of choices - hotpot, Cantonese, international. |
Guangzhou Map - Guangzhou Attractions & Reviews
Canton Tower
That giant twisty tower in Guangzhou. You can't miss it. How to Get There: Metro Line 3 or APM to Canton Tower Station. Walk out and you're basically there.
Shamian Island
Old European buildings, quiet streets. Feels different from the rest of GZ. How to Get There: Metro Line 6 or Line 8 to Cultural Park Station (Exit E). Walk across the bridge (about 10-15 mins).
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (Chen Clan Academy)
Amazing old building full of carvings and art. Worth seeing. How to Get There: Metro Line 1 to Chen Clan Academy Station (Exit D). Right outside the exit.
Yuexiu Park
Huge park, includes the Five Rams statue (city symbol). How to Get There: Metro Line 2 to Yuexiu Park Station. Several exits lead to park entrances.
Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain)
Get out of the city for some green. Views are great. How to Get There: Metro Line 3 to Meihuayuan Station. Then you'll need a taxi or bus (look for buses to the South Gate entrance). Taxi is easier, about ¥15-20.
Guangzhou Map - Where to Stay in Guangzhou (8% OFF Hotels)
I'd love to pick Yuexiu. It's central, has history, feels like Guangzhou, and you can walk to lots or hop on the metro easily. Tianhe is super convenient but feels like any big city CBD.
| Area | What's It Like? | Good For... | Metro Stations (Nearby) |
| Tianhe (Zhujiang New Town) | Super modern. Skyscrapers, big malls, fancy. | Easy access, lots of food/coffee, close to Canton Tower. Feels like "new" China. | Zhujiang New Town (Line 3/5), Canton Tower (APM/3), Tiyu Xilu (Line 1/3) |
| Yuexiu | Heart of old Guangzhou. Parks, history, markets nearby. | Feeling the real city vibe, walking to major sights like Yuexiu Park & Beijing Road. More character. | Gongyuanqian (Line 1/2), Yuexiu Park (Line 2), Zhongshan Memorial Hall (Line 2) |
| Liwan (Shangxiajiu Area) | Traditional, local markets, older streets, famous for food. | Experiencing local life, budget stays, serious foodies. Close to Shamian Island. | Changshou Lu (Line 1), Chen Clan Academy (Line 1), Huangsha (Line 1/6) |
| Haizhu (Pazhou) | Big island in the Pearl River. Expo center, newer developments. | If you're here for the Canton Fair, or want quieter (but less central). | Xingangdong (Line 8), Pazhou (Line 8), Canton Tower (APM/3 - South end) |
1st Floor, No. 52, Shangye Avenue, Xinhua Street
Building C, South Zone, Hesheng Plaza, No. 164 Diejing Road
FAQs about Guangzhou Map
What are the 11 districts of Guangzhou?
Guangzhou is divided into 11 districts: Yuexiu, Liwan, Tianhe, Haizhu, Panyu, Baiyun, Huangpu, Nansha, Huadu, Conghua, and Zengcheng. These are grouped into central (Yuexiu, Liwan, Tianhe, Haizhu), near-city (Panyu, Baiyun), and suburban (Huangpu, Nansha, Huadu, Conghua, Zengcheng). Each district has its own vibe—central areas mix history and modern life, near-city spots like Panyu host theme parks, and suburbs offer nature escapes like Conghua’s hot springs.Which part of Guangzhou is best?
It depends on your interests. Yuexiu District is ideal for history buffs (temples, museums), Tianhe suits shoppers and foodies (malls, modern eats), and Liwan charms visitors with traditional streets like Shangxiajiu. For nature, Baiyun has mountains and the airport, while Panyu is home to Chimelong Paradise. First-time travelers often stick to central districts for easy access to sights and transit.Where is the best area to stay in Guangzhou?
Yuexiu and Tianhe are top choices. Yuexiu puts you near landmarks like Beijing Road and Six Banyan Temple, with budget-friendly hotels. Tianhe is modern, packed with malls and restaurants, and connected to Line 1/3. Liwan is cheaper and great for culture lovers near Shamian Island. Avoid suburban districts unless visiting specific spots like Chimelong (Panyu) or Baiyun Mountain.What is the famous street in Guangzhou?
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street (Yuexiu District) is the most famous. It’s a bustling shopping area with neon lights, old teahouses, and street food like roasted oysters. Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (Liwan District) is another highlight, known for colonial architecture and local snacks like steamed rice rolls. Both streets blend history with lively commerce—perfect for evening strolls and photos.