Old Guangzhou in Depth and Zhaoqing

Slow-paced stay in Xiguan's old city, religious landmarks and Dongshan's Western-style buildings, plus a high-speed train to Zhaoqing for Seven Star Crags

Slower than the first-timer route. In Xiguan, see Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the Cantonese Opera Art Museum. In Yuexiu, visit old-city landmarks such as Guangxiao Temple, Liurong Temple and the Sacred Heart Cathedral. In Dongshan, wander the Western-style mansion district around Dongshankou. The last day goes to Tianhe for museums and the Canton Tower. In between, take a high-speed train round trip to Zhaoqing to see Seven Star Crags, its lakes and hills, and the Song Dynasty city walls. Stay in Xiguan in Liwan district, where dim sum and local snacks are close at hand. Ideal for travelers who enjoy old-city life and history.

Seven Star Crags look best on clear autumn and winter days. Take care to avoid the heat in summer.

Day by day

Day 1 · Xiguan Ancestral Halls and Cantonese Opera

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

Take Metro Line 2 and transfer to Line 1 from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, about 40 minutes, then explore Xiguan on foot.

Lizhiwan Canal is pleasant for an evening stroll. The Cantonese Opera Art Museum is closed on Mondays.

Stay: Liwan / Xiguan

Day 2 · Old Temples and Churches of Yuexiu

Central Guangzhou（Nanyue King Museum (Mausoleum Site)、Guangxiao Temple、Temple of the Six Banyan Trees、Huaisheng Mosque (Guangta)、Sacred Heart Cathedral (Shishi)、Pearl River Night Cruise）

Take the metro to Yuexiu Park station and walk south from the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, linking temples, a minaret and a church. In the evening, take a night cruise boat from Tianzi Wharf.

Keep quiet and dress respectfully inside temples and mosques.

Stay: Liwan / Xiguan

Day 3 · Seven Star Crags and Song City Wall in Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing（Seven Star Crags、Zhaoqing Song City Wall、Liqiao Tower）

Take a high-speed train from Guangzhou South or Guangzhou Railway Station to Zhaoqing, about 40 to 60 minutes, then take a taxi to Seven Star Crags. Return to Guangzhou by high-speed train in the evening.

Arrive at Seven Star Crags early. Adding Dinghu Mountain on the same day is too rushed.

Stay: Liwan / Xiguan

Day 4 · Yuexiu Park and Dongshan Mansions

Central Guangzhou（Yuexiu Park (Five Rams Statue & Zhenhai Tower)、Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall、Former Site of Guangzhou Peasant Movement Institute、Dongshankou & Xinhepu Mansions）

Take Metro Line 2 to Yuexiu Park and walk to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Then take the metro to Peasant Movement Institute station and walk to Dongshankou.

Shops around Xinhepu near Dongshankou are plentiful, making it great for a leisurely afternoon.

Stay: Liwan / Xiguan

Day 5 · Tianhe Museums and Canton Tower

Central Guangzhou（Guangdong Museum、Huacheng Square & Zhujiang New Town、Canton Tower）

Take the metro to Zhujiang New Town to see the museum and Flower City Square, then climb the Canton Tower. Take the metro about 30 minutes to Guangzhou South Railway Station.

Museums are closed on Mondays. Luggage can be stored at your hotel or the station.

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