Travel Guangzhou Itinerary:10 day Must-do list in Guangzhou

You can start with iconic highlights like the Canton Tower, Guangzhou’s towering observation landmark with panoramic city views, and you may spend your first afternoon at the sprawling Chimelong Safari Park, one of China’s largest animal parks.

Over the following days, the itinerary includes museums, scenic areas such as Baiyun Mountain for nature walks, cultural parks, historical sites, and themed attractions. Throughout the trip, you alternate between urban exploration and outdoor activities, with recommended lengths of stay for each stop so you can pace yourself.

On your final day, you wrap up with visits to places like Guangzhou Zoo and the Sun Yat‑Sen Memorial Hall, combining wildlife, history, and local heritage. Read to find more detailed information in Guangzhou.

What to Do in Guangzhou in Day 1?

Canton Tower

Opening Hours: Guangzhou Tower: 9:30-22:30; ticket office ticketing time and visitor arrival time is 9:30-22:00; holidays and special event days are subject to ticket office announcement; Ferris wheel: 10:00 - 22 :30; Among them: Monday 15:00 - 22:30, and Monday of the last week of every month 17:00 - 22:30 Speed ​​Cloud: 10:00 - 22:30. Among them: Monday 12:00 - 22:30, and Monday of the last week of the week 17:00 - 22:30

Canton Tower is currently one of the tallest towers in China. Due to its unique shape, it is also known as "Slim Waist" and is a landmark of Guangzhou. The tower has a stunning nightview and it is one of the main venues for the Guangzhou International Light Festival each year. At the observation platform, you are offered a bird's eye view of the entire Guangzhou skyline.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• Trip.com User: I visited Canton Tower, one of the tallest towers in the world at 600 meters. I bought a combo ticket and enjoyed the Cloud and Star Observation Decks, Bubble Tram, 488 Lookout, the 60-meter Sky Drop, and the impressive LG 4D experience. There are shops and restaurants inside, including rotating French and Mediterranean restaurants that require advance booking.
• Trip.com User: I learned that Guangzhou Tower, also called the Guangzhou New TV Tower or Xiaomanyao, is located in Haizhu District near the Pearl River. It’s a major landmark used for tourism, broadcasting, and cultural activities, and it played an important role during the 2010 Asian Games.

Canton tower is a frequent host to high altitude extreme sports programmes

What to Do at Chimelong Safari Park?

When time permits after visiting Canton Tower, don’t forget pay a visit to Chimelong Safari Park.

Chimelong Safari Park

Chimelong Safari Park is part of the Chimelong Tourist Resort. Located in Guangzhou's Panyu, it is China's first and Guangzhou's only "AAAAA" grade scenic area. It is also the filming location of the famous reality show “Dad, Where Are We Going”.

The park spans over 2000 acres of land including a large section of undisrupted Southeast China subtropical rainforest making it the largest eco-zoo in China. It is a great place for family trips, there are plenty of animal performances in the park, and there is also a park zone designed specifically for children. It's a lot of fun!

Reviews from Real Guests:

• Kokoro: I visited Chimelong Wildlife World and loved how immersive it felt with rivers and high walls instead of cages. The self-driving safari area was exciting, and staying at the nearby hotel made it easy to explore and even visit the water park.
• Fei Zai Dee: I enjoyed seeing so many active animals—giraffes, leopards, pandas, and more. They were playful and fun to watch, making it a perfect place to spend the whole day.

Chimelong Safari Park contains many wild animals from all over the world

Where to Stay in Guangzhou in Day 1?

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Chimelong Safari Park? Chateau Star River Guangzhou is one of your top choices.

Chateau Star River Guangzhou

The Chateau Star River Hotel is a five-star hotel located in Guangzhou's Panyu District, an eight-minute drive from the Pazhou Complex. Guests are even able to choose the desired level of firmness of their mattress.

Some rooms offer views of the Pearl River.Meeting and conference facilities equipped with audio and visual equipment are available within the hotel.Three inhouse restaurants also serve a range of cuisine including Cantonese.A comprehensive range of recreational options are available within the hotel including a swimming pool, spa facilities, a billiards room, fitness center and tennis courts.

Chateau Star River Guangzhou offers a range of guestrooms with free Internet and free mini-bars

What to Do in Guangzhou in Day 2?

Guangdong Science Center

Guangdong Science Center is located in Guangzhou University City. Its overall architectural structure seeks to embody "scientific aircraft carrier". From a bird's eye point of view, it looks like a kapok. Its shape is very unique. The museum has 12 permanent exhibition pavilions, 4 science and technology theaters, an outdoor science exploration park, and dozens of outdoor exhibitions.

Reviews from Real Guests:

MaxS: Guangdong Science Center has very unique shape which probably was inspired by some sci-fi movies. It is fully dedicated to the popularization of science. It has more than ten pavilions with different expositions.

Trip.com User: its look like a new and good looking architecture of modern china, i suggest the visitors atleast visit the inside science and innovation.

Guangdong Science Center is a scientific paradise that has always fascinated children

Where to Stay in Guangzhou in Day 2?

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Guangdong Science Center? Chateau Star River Peninsula is one of your top choices.

Chateau Star River Peninsula

Chateau Star River Peninsula is a boutique hotel on Shajiao Island with views of the Pearl River. The hotel features a Grand Ballroom, meeting rooms, an outdoor and indoor pool, fitness center, and sports courts, making it ideal for both leisure and events.

Chateau Star River Peninsula offers Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites

What to Do in Guangzhou in Day 3?

Lingnan Impression Park

Lingnan Impression Park is located in the south of the University Town of Panyu District. Here you can see civilian houses of a typical Lingnan water town, with features such as Erlang walls and Manchuria windows, and experience Lingnan folk customs and Lingnan folk culture.

You can watch a lion dance, blow a sugar person, knead a flour person or play nostalgic games such as wielding the diabolo and skipping ropes. All these activities remind people of the old times. There is also a rich variety of traditional cuisines here. It is a great place to learn about traditional culture.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• Trip.com User: The ring is beautiful, there are mobile games, the performance is very exciting, the food is not lacking, it is worth a visit, only cash to buy tickets, no cash can still go to the tourist service center to cash the money and buy tickets.
• MaxS: Lingnan Impression Park is a huge area dedicated to the bright entertainment. It looks very new and renovated. there are a lot of places for taking shots making this place very attractive for the photographers.

It is a special Lingnan traditional culture theme park

What to See in Baiyun Mountain?

When time permits after visiting Lingnan Impression Park, don’t forget pay a visit to Baiyun Mountain.

Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Mountain is one of the tourism landmarks of Guangzhou. It consists of more than 30 mountain peaks. When you climb up to the main peak Moxing Peak, you are able to overlook the entire Guangzhou. The Mountain is usually shrouded in clouds. There are mainly seven regions in Baiyun Mountain and Yuntai Garden is a good choice if you want to enjoy the flowers. It is a Western-style garden that is rarely seen in Guangzhou and the flowers bloom all year round.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• Trip.com User: Baiyun Mountain is a great escape right in the middle of Guangzhou. From the top, I had amazing views over the city, and it really lives up to its name, “White Cloud Mountain.” The area is huge, with lots to explore, but Moxing Peak stood out for the best views.
• MaxS: Baiyun Mountain or White Cloud Mountain is famous scenic spot in Guangzhou City which is situated in the Baiyun district of Guangzhou. It's easy to get there by public transportation. I've spent in that forest climbing up and down my whole day. Good memories!

Baiyun Mountain is a good place to take a stroll and enjoy mother nature

Where to Stay in Guangzhou in Day 3?

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe

Just a few steps from Guangzhou East Railway Station, the Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe (Guangzhou Tianhe Xintian Xierdunjiudian) is conveniently located in Guangzhou's central business district.

All of the Guest Rooms and Suites at this Guangzhou hotel feature Hilton Serenity Beds, wireless internet access, LCD TVs and stunning views of the city skyline.

Diners can check out the sophisticated Il Ponte for authentic Italian cuisine, take afternoon tea in the relaxed T Lounge & Bar and enjoy cocktails and live music in Bar One.

Business travelers can book one of 8 function rooms which offer the very latest in audio/visual technology, or choose the grand ballroom for larger occasions.

For those wishing to stay fit and trim on the route can get in an exercise at the Fitness Centre, swim laps in the outdoor pool or relax at the spa.

Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe, close to shopping venues

What to Do in Guanghou in Day 4?

Chinese Academy of Sciences Huanan Botanical Garden

South China Botanical Garden (Chinese Academy of Sciences Huanan Botanical Garden) is one of China’s top botanical gardens, covering a vast area with rare and exotic plants. Highlights include the Azalea Garden, Ginger Park, Bamboo Park, and Aquatic Park. The lush greenery creates fresh, clean air, making it perfect for family visits and nature lovers. 🌐 Official site: SCBG English

Reviews from Real Guests:

• Trip.com User: What a place!! i stayed for three days in Guangzhou and had to make sure to visit this place. The air was so fresh and clean. something people im the cities do not experience. unfortunately i didnt have enough time on that day as i had to catch a train but the time spent there was beautiful and serine. As i walked in it i was wondering as to why people cut trees?
• MaxS: Chinese Academy of Sciences Huanan Botanical Garden is very very big botanical garden. It has vast territory and thousands of species of plants. This is botanic library, so many interesting and rare species are presented there!

Visit the botanic garden in Guangzhou

What to Do in Baomo Garden?

Baomo Garden nearby is the top choice before you leave Chinese Academy of Sciences Huanan Botanical Garden and hit the road.

Baomo Garden

Baomo Garden is located in Panyu District, Guangzhou. This water village showcases the architecture of Lingnan style, large-scale brick sculptures and porcelain carvings, as well as Zhao Tailai Art Palace and Zhao Tailai Collection Hall.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• Trip.com User: I stumbled upon Baomo Garden in Panyu District, and it was such a peaceful retreat from the busy city. The garden, dating back to the Qing Dynasty and renovated in 1995, is beautiful—full of traditional architecture, serene water features, and well-kept gardens.
• MaxS: What can I say? I can say a lot but I'll be quick, Baomo Garden is my favorite garden in China, this is number one. I've never seen such beautiful place before and after my visiting Baomo.

Baomo Garden also cultivates a large number of Lingnan special bonsai

Where to Stay in Guangzhou in Day 4?

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Hongzhuanwu Wensu Hotel is the best places.

Hongzhuanwu Wensu Hotel

The Hongzhuanwu Wensu Hotel is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. Visitors to Guangzhou will find that the Hongzhuanwu Wensu Hotel is a fantastic accommodation choice.

With Shunde Railway Station just 4km away and Foshan Shadi Airport only 44km away, transportation is very convenient. Guests will find 閑雲森林迷宮·野奢露營地, 雲中錘 and 龍風過山車 just a short distance from the hotel.

Hongzhuanwu Wensu Hotel offers parking on site

What to Do in Guangzhou in Day 5?

Shawan Ancient Town

Shawan Ancient Town in Panyu District is an 800‑year‑old historic town and a great place to experience traditional Lingnan culture and architecture. You’ll find well‑preserved ancient streets and buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, colorful ancestral halls, and oyster shell walls that make the town feel truly authentic.

🌐 Official info: Learn more about the town’s heritage and visitor attractions on the Guangzhou government tourism page: Shawan Ancient Town — official overview. China Daily Guangzhou

Reviews from Real Guests:

• MaxS: Shawan is very beautiful ancient village / ancient town in Guangzhou agglomeration. The atmosphere of southern China small town with slow life is well preserved and giving a relaxation after spending time in big cities.

Shawan Ancient Town is also known for its folk culture, Cantonese music, and local snacks like ginger milk pudding

Where to Stay in Guangzhou in Day 5?

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Holiday Inn Express Guangzhou Panyu is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Holiday Inn Express Guangzhou Panyu

The Holiday Inn Express Guangzhou Panyu was recently opened in 2021, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Guangzhou.

The hotel is only 13km from Guangzhou South Railway Station and 41km from Foshan Shadi Airport, giving guests a number of convenient transportation options. The nearby area boasts an abundance of attractions including 奇幻雪迷城, 大夫山文體創意園 and 時代鑽滙方洲創意園.

At the end of a busy day, travelers can unwind and relax in the hotel or go out and enjoy the city. This Guangzhou hotel features parking on site.

Holiday Inn Express Guangzhou Panyu is a popular accommodation for guests traveling for business

What to Do in Guangzhou in Day 6?

Baishuizhai Scenic Area

Baishuizhai Scenic Spot is located in Zengcheng and is a summer resort in Guangzhou. In this place, the trees are lush, the air is fresh, and there is a hiking path with 9,999 stone steps. You can come here to climb mountain, hike and sightsee. It has a number of waterfall platforms, which can be used to appreciate the Baishuixian Waterfall at a close distance and feel the momentum of the downfalling water current.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• Trip.com User: I visited Baishui Waterfall, the tallest in Guangdong Province, and it was incredible. With a total drop of 428 meters, the water crashes down with such force that it turns white and creates a constant mist. The hike up has 9,999 steps—a lucky number in China—which made the climb feel like a real adventure. The view from the top was absolutely worth it!
• toto-ro: beautiful! the best thing to do in this area! if you get a didi to the entrance you can walk/hike the whole way (no need for a vehicle). the entire trail is made out of wooden steps. make sure you have enough water and snacks with you because the shops weren’t open when we went.

Baishui Village is most famous for its waterfalls

Where to Stay in Guangzhou in Day 6?

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Skov River Resort is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Skov River Resort

The Skov River Resort is one of the newest hotels in Guangzhou, having opened in 2020.

Famous local attractions 森林海國際房車營地, Gaotan Hot Spring and 森林海嬉水樂園, can all be reached with a short walk.

At the end of a busy day, travelers can unwind and relax in the hotel or go out and enjoy the city. For those driving themselves, parking is provided on site.

If you are looking for a convenient place to stay, our guests have told us that this location is excellent.

Skov River Resort is particularly popular with those traveling with families

What to Do in Guangzhou in Day 7?

Shimen National Park

Shimen National Park is located on the northern side of Conghua District, and is divided into a pastoral scenic area and the Shimen scenic area, among others. The area is mostly covered by forests and flowers, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers. Lotus flowers come with summer, red maples with autumn and plum blossoms with winter, making it a popular location for taking gorgeous wedding photos all year round.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• MaxS: Guangzhou Shimen National Forest Park aka 广州石门国家森林公园 as full name is wonderful place for visiting! The natural scenery is quite beautiful and Charming.
• Trip.com User: Ideal place for a long walk, watching cherry blossom is amazing there but each season has for sure something beautiful to show

Spring brings with it seas of canola flowers and blooming forests of peach trees

Where to Stay in Guangzhou in Day 7?

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Shimen National Park? Pitaya Farm House Guangzhou is one of your top choices.

Pitaya Farm House Guangzhou

The Pitaya Farm House Guangzhou provides a great place for travelers to relax after a busy day. With multiple attractions nearby including 廣州積木物語·斑斕露營地, 楓弦星空露營地 and Baishui Waterfall, guests will find plenty to keep themselves occupied.

Visitors to Guangzhou will find that the Pitaya Farm House Guangzhou is a fantastic accommodation choice

What to Do in Guangzhou in Day 8?

Conghua Bishuiwan Hot Spring

Located in the center of Conghua District, Conghua Bishuiwan Hot Spring is backed by mountains and blessed with a beautiful environment. The special feature of this place is its large open-air soda hot spring with purely natural hot spring water.

Heath care is the theme of this place. The food street in the hot spring area also offer a variety of healthy and delicious recipes. The resort is fully equipped. In addition to the hot springs, there are also multi-purpose exhibition centers, shopping malls, football fields, badminton courts and other facilities.

There are more than 30 hot spring pools, paddling pools and remedial baths

What to See at Million Sunflower Garden?

Million Sunflower Garden nearby is the top choice before you leave Conghua Bishuiwan Hot Spring and hit the road.

Million Sunflower Garden

Located in Nansha, the Million Sunflower Garden is located some distance away from Guangzhou city and is a great place for flower viewing and family fun. There are many kinds of flowers in the gardens. In every season, there are flowers in bloom. For example, there is the sunflower garden, the rose garden, the lavender garden, the tea garden and so on.

The thing most worth seeing in the Sunflower Garden, of course, is of course the multitude of sunflowers. This place is also famous for its sunflower chickens. These are chickens that are fed on sunflower seeds. Their meat is firm and their fragrance is exceptionally sweet.

Reviews from Real Guests:

MaxS: Amazing, beautiful, romantic garden! Such nice place is located in sub urban area of Guangzhou. I highly recommend to come here. Very impressive.

Trip.com User: we spent time on weekends with the family. quite piecefull and learn more about the flovers

The colorful castle-style buildings are very beautiful, and there are many rides and small animals

Where to Stay in Guangzhou in Day 8?

Don’t forget to book Huihuang Apartment in advance, because all the tourists head to Million Sunflower Garden love staying at it.

Huihuang Apartment

Qingsheng Railway Station is located approximately 31km away while Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is 74km away. Seeing Guangzhou's sights from this hotel is easy with Shenmi Guoyuan, Million Sunflower Garden and Baige Square all close by.

Huihuang Apartment is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Guangzhou

What to Do in Guangzhou in Day 9?

Nansha Wetland

The Nansha Wetland is located in the Nansha District at the southern end of Guangzhou, far from the polluted air of the city itself. The wetlands are home to flocks of migratory birds, large lotus ponds, reeds and gorgeous scenery. The main attractions of the Nansha Wetland include seascape gardens, mangroves, reeds, plank walkways, and lotus ponds.

Taking a tour by boat offers a gorgeous view of the wetlands landscape, which is a paradise for birds, with its mangroves and seas of reeds. A tour by bus, bicycle, or on foot allows visitors to see such scenic locations as the Huaiyin Greenway, Seaview Promenade and Wilderness Walkway.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• LynnMaeyoga: The Nansha Wetlands are worth a trip! it’s beautiful with many gardens and 🌸 flowers. Take your friends for a photo session or meditation walk.
• Trip.com User: This is a beautiful site in Nansha ,Guangzhou

Guests can choose to tour Nansha Wetland by boat, on foot, or by bicycle

What to Do at Chen Clan Ancestral Hall?

When time permits after visiting Nansha Wetland, don’t forget pay a visit to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the "Chen Clan Academy", is where the Guangdong Folk Art Museum is located. Construction for the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall began in 1888. It was a temple built by the Chen family in Guangdong. It is representative of the Lingnan architectural tradition, incorporating all five classical types of sculptures.

It is truly a magnificent work of craftsmanship. In the museum, there are also lots of traditional art styles, including Yue embroidery, Guangfu furniture, and so on.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• Trip.com User: La Academia de la Familia Chen, en Guangzhou, es un grupo de 19 edificios, que cubren un área de 13.200 metros cuadrados. Fue construido en 1894 por 72 familias con el apellido Chen, para que sus hijos pudieran estudiar para los exámenes nacionales. Es un ejemplo de arquitectura típica cantonesa, que hoy acoge el Museo de Artes Folklóricas de Guangzhou.
• MaxS: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is perfectly preserved family courtyard in Guangzhou describing rich family life in China of past epoch. The architecture is classic Southern China style and adorns look amazing.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a wonderful place to learn more about traditional culture

Where to Stay in Guangzhou in Day 9?

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Kempinski Residences Guangzhou is the best places.

Kempinski Residences Guangzhou

The Kempinski Residences Guangzhou is a great choice for guests looking for accommodation in Guangzhou, having been recently opened in 2020.

With Guangzhou Railway Station just 5km away and Foshan Shadi Airport only 32km away, transportation is very convenient. Being just minutes away from Taojin Metro Station allows guests to explore the city with ease. Famous local attractions 神探喵探案社, Pearl River Tower and Sino-Soviet People's Xueti Pavilion, can all be reached with a short walk.

When it comes to Guangzhou hotels, the Kempinski Residences Guangzhou is highly regarded for its excellent facilities. Perfect for those working on the move, this hotel caters to a large number of business guests.

Kempinski Residences Guangzhou makes a great place to kick back after a long day of sightseeing

What to Do in Guangzhou in Day 10?

Guangzhou Zoo

The Guangzhou Zoo is located in the east section of Xianlie Middle Road and was built in 1958. The zoo is suitable for family fun. You can bring your children to learn some small animal knowledge, visit the Aquarium and play in the amusement park. The park contains mammals and reptiles from all over the country and around the world.

Hundreds of animals such as birds and fish are displayed in the form of a garden.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• Trip.com User: Guangzhou Zoo is huge! I saw lions, pandas, dolphins, and more. The sky cart helps get around, but I didn’t even finish in one day. Can’t wait to go back!
• Trip.com User: I had a blast at Guangzhou Zoo! Easy to reach, lots of animals, fun shows, and cheap food. Totally worth a visit!

Enjoy strolling in a natural environment at Guangzhou Zoo, with birds singing

What to See at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial?

After finishing the tour at Guangzhou Zoo, you can head to Sun Yat-Sen Memorial, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial

Yat-Sen Memorial Hall was designed by the renowned architect Lu Yan in the same style as the Nanjing Zhongshan Mausoleum , built in memory of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. The main building is an enormous, octagonal palace-style building topped with the words, "The World Belongs to the People" penned by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen himself. Inside is a brief introduction to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen himself.

Reviews from Real Guests:

• MaxS: The memorial building of Dr. Sun Yatsen, the famous and important historical character in China, innovator and developer. The building is located in small garden or park and has many small things inside telling us the story of Sun Yatsen life.
• Trip.com User: san yat sen memorial is very attrative memorial next to sun yat sen university where i use to study. i woud recommed it.

The Yat-Sen Memorial Hall has witnessed several major events in the history of Guangzhou

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.