Guangzhou in 3 days
One area a day. Guangzhou is big and hot — rushing three districts in one day is the most common first-timer mistake.
Day 1 — Shamian Island
Old Guangzhou by the river: colonial-era streets, churches, shade trees, slow walking. Good first morning — flat, quiet, easy to find food and coffee.
Day 2 — Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Yongqing Fang
Morning: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the finest Lingnan craft and wood carving in the city. Afternoon: Yongqing Fang, old streets, Cantonese opera museum, local snacks.
Day 3 — Huacheng Square and the river
Daytime: Huacheng Square, Canton Tower in the distance, modern Guangzhou. Evening: Pearl River night view. Finish with a Cantonese dinner — dim sum, roast goose, wonton noodles.
Good to know
- Metro is the easiest way around; buy a ticket with Alipay.
- Summer is hot and wet — bring water, a hat and a rain shell.
- Keep your hotel address in Chinese on your phone, for taxi drivers.