
Guangzhou’s nights belong to its night markets—chill, flavorful, and local. As South China’s food capital, the city’s after-dark hubs serve up Cantonese classics, global bites, and neighborhood vibes that feel far from touristy. This guide breaks down 10 must-visit markets (all metro-easy), how to get there, and where to crash for late-night snacks
Top Guangzhou Night Markets: Which has the Best Foods?
Guangzhou is a bona fide food capital with a rich night market culture. The 10 top night markets—including Xiajiao Night Market and Longdong Night Market—each have their own character and are must-visit spots for experiencing the local late-night snack culture. Night markets usually run from around 5 pm until 1 am (some stay open until 3 am), and all the recommended ones are directly accessible via the Guangzhou Metro, making it incredibly convenient. Offerings range from authentic Cantonese snacks (like mixed beef offal and boat congee) to international flavors (like Thai milk tea and takoyaki). Prices are budget-friendly, the average per-person spend is low.
Types of Night Markets | Iconic Night Markets | Must-try Specialty Snacks | Why We Recommend It |
Extremely popular | Xiajiao Night Market | Charcoal-grilled oysters, Teochew clay pot congee | Large scale, wide selection, great value for money |
Younger generation | Longdong Night Market, Beigang Night Market | Chuan Chuan Hotpot, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, Specialty Drinks | Laid-back vibe, close to the college town |
Authentic Old Guangzhou | Xihua Road Night Market, Jushu Night Market | Assorted beef offal, sampan congee, salt-baked chicken | Immerse yourself in the neighborhood life of old Guangzhou |
Guangzhou Night Markets | Xiajiao Night Market | A hugely popular hotspot for late-night bites
Xiajiao Night Market in Panyu District is one of Guangzhou’s most popular night markets in recent years. With over a hundred stalls opening at dusk, it brings together a wide variety of authentic local eats—charcoal-grilled oysters, handmade beef balls, Chaoshan clay pot congee, stir-fried sea snails, sweet dessert soups, and more. It’s deeply rooted in local life, with wallet-friendly prices and generous portions, offering the most genuine taste of Guangzhou’s night market scene.
- Address: 104-108 Xiajiao South Road, Luopu Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM - 3:00 AM
- Getting there: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 3 to Xiajiao Station (Exit B), then walk about 5 minutes to reach Xiajiao Night Market.
- Signature snacks: charcoal-grilled oysters, handmade beef meatballs, Chaoshan clay-pot congee, stir-fried sea snails, sweet dessert soups, and more

Photo credit: Mumu_Lin@Xiaohongshu
Guangzhou Night Market | Longdong Night Market | College Students' Night Market
Longdong Night Market sits in Tianhe District, close to several universities, and is one of Guangzhou’s most popular night markets among college students and young people. Its stalls spotlight creative street bites and authentic Cantonese flavors—think freshly fried chicken cutlets, chuan chuan (spicy skewers), grilled squid, luosifen (river snail rice noodles), and specialty drinks—with plenty of variety and budget-friendly prices. Around the market, you’ll also find trendy shops and book stalls, adding an artsy, literary vibe to Guangzhou’s night market scene.
- Address: Longdong Pedestrian Street, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Getting there: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 6 to Longdong Station (Exit A), then it’s about a 3-minute walk to Longdong Night Market.
- Specialty snacks: freshly fried chicken cutlets, spicy skewers, grilled squid, snail rice noodles, specialty drinks, and more

Image source: Sister Lu Chen’s Life Journal @ Xiaohongshu
Guangzhou Night Market | Zhucun Night Market | Guangzhou Locals' Hidden Night Market
Zhicun Night Market is tucked inside a neighborhood in Guangzhou’s Baiyun District, so it’s relatively low-key—locals’ favorite hidden spot for late-night eats. It doesn’t really come alive until 8 PM, when around 70 stalls start serving a wide range of specialties: crawfish, grilled oysters, buttery barbecue, malatang, stir-fried noodles, and more—everything’s here. Known for bold flavors and great value, it draws steady crowds and lets you experience the most authentic late-night food culture in Guangzhou.
- Address: 25 meters east of the intersection of Wanhuan West Road and Xinzhi Road, on the north side of the road, Panyu District, Guangzhou
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Getting there: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 5 to Xicun Station (Exit B), then walk about 8 minutes to reach Zhicun Night Market.
- Signature street snacks: crawfish, grilled oysters, buttery BBQ, Malatang, stir-fried noodles and rice noodles, etc.

Image source: CCheng94@TripMoment
Guangzhou Night Market | Yongtai Night Market | Night Market with Plenty of International Flavors
Yongtai Night Market is one of Guangzhou’s most buzzed-about night markets in recent years! The stalls are tightly packed and the food options are endless—from Cantonese stir-fries, Sichuan skewers, and spicy grilled fish to Hong Kong-style egg waffles and Thai milk tea, you’ll find it all. Blending flavors from all across China with international street snacks, it satisfies every craving in one go, so it’s often jam-packed and incredibly lively.
- Address: Yongkang Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou
- Opening hours: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Getting there: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 3 to Yongtai Station (Exit B), then it’s about a 5-minute walk to Yongtai Night Market.
- Signature snacks: Cantonese stir-fry dishes, Sichuan-style skewers, spicy mala grilled fish, Hong Kong-style egg waffles, Thai milk tea, and more

Photo credit: Sumuzhe Xu@Xiaohongshu
Guangzhou Night Market | Jushu Night Market | Experience Authentic Local Life at the Night Market
Some people head to night markets for the buzz and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, while others want to dodge the masses and soak up the rhythm of local life. If that’s you, Guangzhou’s Jushu Night Market is perfect. There isn’t much tourist polish here, but it’s packed with authentic neighborhood eats: salted baked chicken, roast goose rice, offal congee, freshly fried double-skin milk, and traditional dessert soup stalls—flavors many Guangzhou locals grew up with. The Jushu Night Market is mainly centered around Jushu Middle Road in Guangzhou, with snack stalls and longtime eateries lining both sides of the street, steeped in everyday life. It’s especially ideal for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and wander quietly, diving deeper into the local scene.
- Address: Shuikou, Liwan District, Guangzhou
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Getting there: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 5 to Tanwei Station (Exit A), then it’s about a 10-minute walk to Jushu Night Market.
- Signature snacks: salt-baked chicken, roast goose over rice, pork offal congee, double-skin milk pudding, sweet soups, and more

Photo credit: Li @ Xiaohongshu
Guangzhou Night Market | Taiping Night Market | The Night Market Only Locals Go To
Taiping Night Market isn’t as well-known as other Guangzhou night markets, but it’s famous for its variety and affordability—an insider spot only locals know to seek out. It specializes in big, bold flavors and sizzling stir-fry dishes: sizzling iron-plate squid, cumin lamb skewers, spicy crawfish, and wok-fried clams, with irresistible aromas filling the air.
- Address: No. 16, Guangcong Avenue, Conghua District, Guangzhou City
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Getting there: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 3 to Taihe Station (Exit C), then it’s about a 10-minute walk to Taiping Night Market.
- Signature local snacks: Sizzling griddled squid, cumin lamb skewers, spicy crawfish, stir-fried clams, and more.

Image source: Travel & Food Journal @ Xiaohongshu
Guangzhou Night Market | Beigang Night Market | Late-Night Market for the Young Generation
Beigang Night Market sits inside Guangzhou University Town in Panyu District and is a late-night food paradise beloved by students and young people. Though modest in size, it charms with a laid-back vibe and tons of variety, blending Taiwanese, Japanese, and Korean flavors with classic Cantonese street eats—think Taiwanese salt-and-pepper chicken, takoyaki, grilled skewers, and creamy cheese-foam drinks. You’ll often spot groups of college students snacking and chatting, making it a fantastic place to experience the lifestyle of Guangzhou’s younger generation.
- Address: Beigang Village Main Street, Xiaoguwei Subdistrict, University Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Getting there: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 4 to University Town North Station (Exit B), then it’s about a 10-minute walk to Beigang Night Market.
- Signature snacks: Taiwanese popcorn chicken, takoyaki, grilled skewers, milk foam drinks, and more

Photo credit: Yinyue on Xiaohongshu
Guangzhou Night Market | Meihuayuan Night Market | The Night Market Only Locals Go To
Meihuayuan Night Market sits on the border between Guangzhou’s Yuexiu and Baiyun districts and has long been a favorite late-night snack spot for the city’s older generation. It may not have the flashy buzz of mega night markets, but its humble, no-frills stalls serve up authentic, classic flavors—think stir-fried snails, satay skewers, beef brisket rice noodles, and sweet soups—with plenty of Hong Kong–style and Southeast Asian bites in the mix. Prices are easy on the wallet and portions are generous, making it a go-to night market for nearby residents and office workers looking to satisfy their cravings after clocking out.
- Address: Guangzhou Avenue North, Baiyun District, Guangzhou City
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Getting there: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 3 to Meihuayuan Station (Exit B), then walk about 5 minutes to reach Meihuayuan Night Market.
- Signature snacks: stir-fried snails, satay skewers, rice noodles with beef brisket, sweet dessert soups, and more

Image source: Maomao and its child @ Xiaohongshu
Guangzhou Night Markets | Xihua Road Night Market | Old Guangzhou’s Traditional Night Market
Xihua Road Night Market is located in Liwan District, right next to the heart of old Guangzhou. It’s a classic Guangzhou night market beloved by locals. The market brings together a wide array of traditional Guangzhou snacks and century-old time-honored brands—such as beef offal, boat congee, rice noodle rolls, double-skin milk pudding, and fried wontons—each preserving authentic Cantonese flavors and a nostalgic charm.
- Address: Xihua Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Getting there: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 5 to Xicun Station (Exit B), then walk about 8 minutes to reach Xihua Road Night Market.
- Signature local snacks: assorted beef offal, boat congee, rice noodle rolls, double-skin milk pudding, deep-fried wontons, and more

Image source: Zhouzhou Family Travel Journal @ Xiaohongshu
Guangzhou Night Markets | Shangxiajiu Night Market | Guangzhou’s Most Vibrant Night Market
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is located in Guangzhou’s Liwan District; it’s one of the city’s most historically and culturally rich commercial streets and a well-known Guangzhou night market. This is not just a shopper’s paradise—it blends a vibrant snack culture, especially famous for traditional Guangzhou bites like flaky mooncakes, salt-baked chicken, roast goose, chicken wings, and sweet dessert soups (tong sui), along with other authentic delicacies. Beyond the night market, Shangxiajiu is a pedestrian street where you can experience the culture of Guangzhou’s tea houses.
- Address: Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Xiguan, Liwan District, Guangzhou
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Getting there: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 1 to Changshou Road Station (Exit B), then it’s about a 3-minute walk to Shangxiajiu Night Market.
- Local specialties: flaky mooncakes, salt-baked chicken, roasted goose, chicken wings, sweet dessert soups, and more.

*According to the Guangzhou Catering Association’s 2024 “Guangzhou Nighttime Economy and Street Food Report,” traditional snack stalls on Xihua Road and Shangxiajiu have continued to see an average annual revenue growth of 5% over the past three years, proving that traditional Guangzhou flavors still hold an irreplaceable place in the night markets.
Hong Kong to Guangzhou Transportation Guide

Credit: Wikipedia
When traveling from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, you can choose from three options: high-speed rail, flights, or direct cross-border buses.
High-Speed Rail: The Fastest Option
- Route: Multiple daily high-speed trains run between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and both Guangzhou South Station and Guangzhou East Station.
- Travel time: About 47 minutes to 1 hour 43 minutes (depending on the destination stop).
- Advantages: Reliable and fast, it’s the first choice for business travelers and anyone short on time.
Direct Buses: The most comfortable point-to-point option
- Advantages: Multiple pick-up and drop-off points across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, with point-to-point service straight to major hotels in Guangzhou—perfect for families traveling with bulky luggage.
How to get from Hong Kong to Guangzhou | Pros | Cons |
High-speed rail | Border-crossing time is manageable, and the entire bus has assigned seating, so you’re guaranteed a seat. | Higher fares, fewer departures, and the fastest trip takes just 47 minutes. |
Guangzhou–Shenzhen Intercity High-Speed Train | Affordable fares, slightly faster travel time, more frequent departures | You must depart from Shenzhen; the itinerary is roundabout, and border-crossing times are unpredictable. |
Cross-Border Direct Bus | Plenty of pick-up and drop-off points, and the fares are inexpensive. | The drive is relatively long. |
airplane | Enjoy a comfortable journey with assigned seating—your seat is guaranteed. | Higher fares and fewer departures. |
*According to the China National Tourism Administration’s Q1 2024 Cross-Border Traveler Transportation Preference Survey, as high as 85% of Hong Kong travelers choose high-speed rail for travel between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, showing that high-speed rail is currently the most popular way to travel.
[8% OFF] Where to Stay for Guangzhou Nightlife
Since Guangzhou’s night markets typically stay open well into the night, choosing a hotel near a metro station or close to the market makes it easier to enjoy a late-night snack and then head back for some rest.
- Tianhe District (near Longdong Night Market/Tiyu Xilu Station): Ideal for travelers who love the hustle and bustle and convenient transportation.
- Liwan District (near Xihua Road/Shangxiajiu Night Market): Ideal for travelers who want to experience traditional Guangzhou culture and stroll the arcade-lined old streets.
- Haizhu/Panyu District (near Xiajiao Night Market/University Town): Perfect for travelers who love a buzzing atmosphere and are on the hunt for great-value eats.
Guangzhou Hotels
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about Guangzhou Night Markets
Does Guangzhou have night markets?
Yes—Guangzhou’s night markets are iconic for street food, from Cantonese classics to global bites. Most are metro-accessible and open late.Where to go at night in Guangzhou?
Hit night markets (Shangxiajiu, Xiajiao), take a Pearl River night cruise, or explore Tianhe’s bar district for drinks.What is Guangzhou market famous for?
Cantonese street food: boat congee, salt-baked chicken, roast goose, beef offal, and double-skin milk pudding.What is the famous street in Guangzhou?
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street—historic arcades, tea houses, and endless snack stalls.

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