Guangzhou First-Timer's Classics

Xiguan old town, Yuexiu landmarks and Tianhe New Town, one area per day, with dim sum, a Pearl River night cruise and the Canton Tower

The three days are organized by district. Day one covers Xiguan: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yongqing Fang and Shamian Island. Day two is Yuexiu: the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, Yuexiu Park and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, followed by an evening Pearl River night cruise. Day three starts with Baiyun Mountain in the morning, then the Guangdong Museum in the afternoon before climbing the Canton Tower. Stay in the Beijing Road area of Yuexiu, where the metro and restaurants are close at hand. Chimelong and the surrounding areas are not included. Best for first-time visitors with limited time.

Summers are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms, so schedule outdoor sightseeing for early morning or evening.

Day by day

Day 1 · Xiguan Arcades and Shamian Island

Central Guangzhou（Chen Clan Ancestral Hall、Yongqing Fang / Xiguan、Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street、Shamian Island）

Take Metro Line 3 and transfer to Line 1 from the airport, about 1 hour into the city. Start at Chen Clan Ancestral Hall station and walk through Yongqing Fang and Shangxiajiu to Shamian Island.

Have dim sum before heading into Chen Clan Ancestral Hall in the morning. Some venues close on Mondays, so check ahead.

Stay: Yuexiu / Beijing Road

Day 2 · Yuexiu Historic Sites and Pearl River Night Cruise

Central Guangzhou（Nanyue King Museum (Mausoleum Site)、Yuexiu Park (Five Rams Statue & Zhenhai Tower)、Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall、Beijing Road Pedestrian Street、Pearl River Night Cruise）

Walk around the Yuexiu district and take Metro Lines 2 and 5. In the evening, board at Tianzi Wharf for a night cruise of about 1 hour.

The Nanyue King Museum requires advance reservations and is closed on Mondays.

Stay: Yuexiu / Beijing Road

Day 3 · Baiyun Mountain and Canton Tower

Central Guangzhou（Baiyun Mountain、Guangdong Museum、Canton Tower）

Take the metro to the South Gate of Baiyun Mountain and ride the cable car up for about half a day. In the afternoon, take Metro Line 3 to Zhujiang New Town to see the museum and the Canton Tower, then take the metro to the airport in the evening.

The Guangdong Museum is closed on Mondays and requires advance booking.

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