There are many discounted hotels on Trip.com. Planning a trip to Guangzhou? While traveling to China, Guangzhou is one of the most popular destinations. Located in China, Guangzhou is a well-known and vibrant city. Guangzhou is not far from Foshan and Dongguan. These places can also be included in your itinerary. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the primary airport in Guangzhou. If you don't want to take a flight, coming to Guangzhou by train is a good choice as well.
Where to Stay in Guangzhou
You don't have to worry about where to stay when traveling to Guangzhou. Here, there are more than 1,386 hotels for you to choose from. The local average price is 37 USD per night. There are a variety of hotels to meet the needs of different types of travelers:
- Five-star hotels: 76 hotels, 103 USD per night
- Four-star hotels: 247 hotels, 50 USD per night
- Three-star hotels: 412 hotels, 41 USD per night
- Two-star hotels: 563 hotels, 29 USD per night
Hotels Near Baiyun Airport
Baiyun Airport is Guangzhou's main airport, providing flights to domestic and international destinations. Nearby hotels are ideal for travelers with early flights or layovers.
Hotels in Tianhe District
Tianhe District is known for its high-end shopping centers like Taikoo Hui and Parc Central, business facilities, and entertainment venues. It's a great area for both business travelers and tourists.
Hotels Near Canton Tower
Canton Tower is one of Guangzhou's most famous landmarks, offering panoramic views of the city. Staying nearby provides easy access to this attraction and the Pearl River.
Must-Visit Attractions for First-Time Visitors
A Pearl River Night Cruise offers a fantastic way to view Guangzhou's stunning skyline illuminated at night. The cruise takes you along the Pearl River, offering views of iconic landmarks such as the Canton Tower and several beautifully lit bridges. This evening activity is perfect for enjoying the vibrant city lights and capturing great photos.
Operating Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (varies by season)
Location: Pearl River, Guangzhou
Ticket Price: ¥100-¥150 (approximately $15-$22)
Canton Tower, also known as the Guangzhou Tower, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Standing at 600 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views from its observation decks. Visitors can enjoy various attractions inside the tower, including a 4D cinema and the world’s highest horizontal Ferris wheel, making it a must-visit spot.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Location: No. 222, Yuejiang West Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou
Ticket Price: ¥150-¥488 (approximately $22-$70) depending on the floor level
The Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort is a massive entertainment complex that includes a theme park, water park, safari park, and circus. It's a fantastic destination for families and thrill-seekers alike, offering a wide range of attractions and shows. Highlights include exciting rides, animal exhibits, and spectacular performances.
Operating Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (varies by season)
Location: Panyu District, Guangzhou
Ticket Price: ¥250-¥350 (approximately $36-$50)
Shamian Island is a charming, historical area known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely walk, offering beautiful views and a glimpse into Guangzhou's colonial past. The island is also home to several cafes and shops, making it an ideal spot to relax and explore.
Operating Hours: Open all day
Location: Liwan District, Guangzhou
Ticket Price: Free
Better to know before visiting Guangzhou
Category | Details |
Language | Mandarin Chinese; Cantonese is also widely spoken |
Currency | 1 CNY = $0.14 USD, €0.13 EUR, $0.19 SGD |
Visa Policies | 144-hour visa-free transit for nationals of 54 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Singapore. Travelers must enter via Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, or Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport and exit via one of the province’s 32 ports. |
Best Time to Visit | Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. These periods are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. |
Electricity | 220V, 50Hz, common plug types are A, C, and I |
Transportation in Guangzhou
Guangzhou, a major city in southern China, offers an extensive and efficient transportation network that includes the Guangzhou Metro, buses, taxis, and ferries. The Guangzhou Metro is the fastest and most reliable option.
- Guangzhou Metro: The Guangzhou Metro, with 16 lines covering the entire city and its suburbs, is the backbone of public transport in Guangzhou. It operates from 6:00 AM to midnight, with tickets priced from ¥2 to ¥14 (approximately $0.30 to $2.00) based on distance traveled. The metro is known for its speed, reliability, and cleanliness, making it the preferred choice for commuters. It has frequent trains running every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and 5-10 minutes off-peak. However, it can get very crowded during rush hours.
- Bus: The bus system in Guangzhou is extensive, with routes covering almost every part of the city. Operating hours are generally from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with night buses running on select routes. The fare is ¥2 (approximately $0.30) for standard buses and ¥1 (approximately $0.15) with the Yang Cheng Tong card. Buses offer an affordable way to travel, with scenic routes through various parts of the city. However, they can be slow due to traffic congestion, and the routes can be confusing for non-locals.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Guangzhou, offering a convenient option for door-to-door travel. The base fare is ¥12 (approximately $1.70) for the first 3 kilometers, and ¥2.6 (approximately $0.37) per additional kilometer. For longer distances, there is a surcharge of 50% per kilometer beyond 25 kilometers. Taxis are equipped with meters, and drivers generally follow the rules, but communication can be a challenge if you don't speak Mandarin or Cantonese. Traffic congestion can also make taxi travel slow during peak hours.
- Ferry: Ferries provide a scenic way to travel along the Pearl River, especially popular for evening cruises. The ferry routes cover several stops along the river, with operating hours typically from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The fare ranges from ¥2 to ¥10 (approximately $0.30 to $1.50), depending on the distance and type of ferry. Ferries are a relaxing way to see the city from the water, but their limited routes and schedules may not be convenient for all travelers.
- High-Speed Rail: Guangzhou's high-speed rail connections link the city with major destinations across China, including Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Beijing. Trains operate from Guangzhou South Railway Station, with tickets priced from ¥75 to ¥1,000 (approximately $11 to $150) depending on the distance and class. High-speed rail is the fastest way to travel between cities, with modern facilities and frequent services. However, the cost is higher compared to other modes of transport, and stations can be far from city centers.
Yang Cheng Tong Card: The Yang Cheng Tong card is a smart card that can be used on the metro, buses, ferries, and some taxis, offering convenience and discounts on fares. The card can be purchased and recharged at metro stations, convenience stores, and other locations throughout the city.
Guangzhou Weather Guide
Guangzhou, located in southern China, experiences a subtropical climate with high humidity and distinct seasons. The city has hot, humid summers and mild winters, with a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Guangzhou's weather, along with recommendations for what to wear and the best time to visit.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Guangzhou is from October to December when the weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall. This period offers the best conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Seasonal Weather & Clothing
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Mild and dry, with occasional cold spells. Average temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F).
- What to Wear: Light to medium-weight jackets, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and pants. A scarf and a light hat can be useful during colder days.
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Warm with increasing humidity and rainfall. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F).
- What to Wear: Light layers, long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters or jackets for cooler days, and an umbrella or raincoat for frequent showers.
Summer (June to August)
- Weather: Hot, humid, and rainy, with frequent thunderstorms and occasional typhoons. Average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 32°C (90°F).
- What to Wear: Light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen, short-sleeve shirts, shorts, sun hats, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. A raincoat or umbrella is essential due to frequent rains.
Autumn (September to November)
- Weather: Warm and gradually cooling down with less rainfall. Average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F).
- What to Wear: Light clothing such as t-shirts and jeans, with a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the city.
Tips for Visiting Guangzhou
- Stay Hydrated: Due to the high humidity, especially in summer, always carry water.
- Protect Against Mosquitoes: In humid months, use insect repellent.
- Air Quality: Be aware of air pollution levels, particularly in winter. Consider wearing a mask on days with high pollution.
- Sun Protection: Use sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses during sunny days, especially in summer.
Must-Try Foods in Guangzhou
Guangzhou, the heart of Cantonese cuisine, offers a rich array of flavors and dishes that are both traditional and innovative. Here are some must-try foods with detailed descriptions:
Dim Sum (点心)
A variety of small dishes typically enjoyed during brunch. Common items include shrimp dumplings (虾饺), BBQ pork buns (叉烧包), and rice noodle rolls (肠粉).
- Where to Try: Guangzhou Restaurant, Dim Dou Dak, White Swan Hotel Dim Sum.
Char Siu (叉烧)
Barbecued pork that is marinated in a sweet sauce and roasted to perfection.
- Where to Try: Various Cantonese restaurants across Guangzhou.
Wonton Noodles (云吞面)
A comforting bowl of wontons and noodles in a flavorful broth, often garnished with chives and green onions.
- Where to Try: Shangxia Jiu Pedestrian Street, Xihua Road, Renmin Road.
Double-Skin Milk (双皮奶)
A creamy dessert made from milk, egg whites, and sugar, known for its dual layers of skin.
- Where to Try: Nanxin Milk Store on Xia Jiu Road.
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