Things To Do In Guangzhou: Your Ultimate City Guide

Looking for things to do in Guangzhou? Discover our favourite where to eat, drink, stay and shop in the Guangdong capital with our ultimate Guangzhou city guide…

Shenzhen may have been Hong Kongers’ favourite weekend getaway of 2025, but we’re branching out in the new year — at least a little further down the High Speed Rail line! Our editor spent a weekend in Guangzhou to check out LIÁNG, Mandarin Oriental’s new bar opening (more on that below!), and we can officially say the city is worth the two-hour transit. It may not have Shenzhen’s 24-hour viral spas, but Guangzhou has its own kind of charm — think streets lined with historical architecture, creative neighbourhood bars and some of the best Cantonese cuisine in Guangdong, courtesy of both street food vendors and Mandarin Oriental’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Read on for our ultimate Guangzhou guide!

Read More: All The Essential Things To Know Before Travelling To China

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How To Get To Guangzhou
Things To Do In Guangzhou 
Guangzhou Restaurants & Bars
The Best Guangzhou Hotels

How To Get To Guangzhou From Hong Kong

High Speed Rail To Guangzhou From West Kowloon Station

The High-Speed Rail is the most efficient route, featuring ‘Co-location’ customs so you clear both borders at West Kowloon before boarding. The 142km journey takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on your destination:Guangzhou South is the fastest, while Guangzhou East brings you directly into the Tianhe city centre. Trains run frequently from 7am to 10pm.

Ticketing counters are available at the West Kowloon Station, or you can pre-purchase them via the MTR High Speed Rail website or 12306 app (allows for seat selection).

Affordable Cross-Border Coaches With Local Pick-Ups

For a direct route to specific districts at a lower cost, cross-border coaches are a reliable alternative. Buses depart from hubs across Hong Kong, including Wan Chai,  Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsu and Kwun Tong. The journey typically takes three to four hours. Note that you must disembark with your luggage at the Shenzhen Bay or Huanggang Port to clear immigration before reboarding. Most coaches offer drop-off points at major hotels, the Provincial Bus Station or Tianhe District.

Tickets can be purchased at the departure points or online.

Driving For Maximum Comfort & Flexible Border Crossing

Driving offers the most flexibility but takes around three to four hours. Under the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme, you can drive via the HZMB, but ensure you have the required Mainland driving licence and cross-border permits — a HK licence is not sufficient. Follow the G4 Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway (tolls apply). Just make sure download a reliable non-Google GPS, like AMAP or Baidu Maps.

Read More: Shenzhen City Guide — Where To Eat, Drink & Shop 

Things To Do In Guangzhou — Historic Landmarks, Museums & Street Food In Liwan District

Shamian Island: Colonial-Era Sandbank On The Zhui River

There’s no better place to begin exploring Guangzhou’s 2,000-year-old history than Shamian Island. After stepping off the metro at Huangsha Station, you’ll cross a bridge into a world of European-style architecture from its days as a concession, depicted through bronze statues. The tree-lined boulevards showcase over 150 buildings in styles ranging from Neoclassical to Gothic, housing former consulates and banks that are now museums, cafes and shops.

Shamian Island, 54 Shabei North Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China

Read More: Unique Historical Buildings, Sites & Landmarks To Visit

Yongqing Fang: Cantonese Opera & Bruce Lee’s Roots

A short walk from Shamian, the trendy Yongqing Fang district breathes new life into traditional Qilou (arcade) buildings. It’s home to the Cantonese Opera Art Museum, where you can explore the intricate costumes of this UNESCO-recognised art form. Along the way, shop your way artisanal shops and snacks, then hunt down Bruce Lee’s ancestral home, a humble residence belonging to his father that now honours the ‘Little Dragon’s’ global legacy.

Cantonese Opera Art Museum, 127 Enning Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China

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Chen Clan Ancestral Hall: The Pearl Of Lingnan Architecture

Take the metro one stop north to explore the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. Built in the late 19th century, this complex served as both a shrine and an academy. It is world-renowned for its ‘Seven Wonders’ — intricate carvings in wood, brick, stone and clay, as well as brilliant murals and iron castings. Today, it houses the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, showcasing the region’s finest heritage crafts.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, 34 En Longli, Zhongshan 7 Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China

Read More: Our Favourite Musuems In Hong Kong

Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street: Guangzhou Street Food & Shops

End your first day at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, a neon-lit stretch of historic architecture and culinary heaven. While we have plenty of Cheung Fun at home, the version here is often stone-milled and served with a distinct, sweeter soy sauce unique to Liwan. Be sure to hunt down Double-Skin Milk (Shuangpi Nai) at a ‘Time-Honoured’ shop like Nanxin — the buffalo milk used here is exceptionally rich, creating a thick, velvety skin that is hard to find across the border.

 Shangziju Pedestrian Street, Shangjiu Road, Xiajiu Road & Dishifu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide To Hong Kong Street Food

Guangzhou Attractions — Ancient Temples & Modern Landmarks In Yuexiu & Tianhe

Spiritual Landmarks: Dafo, Temple Of The Six Banyan Trees & Cathedral

Begin your second  day at the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, famous for its colourful Flower Pagoda. A 15-minute walk away is the Dafo (Big Buddha) Temple; visit at dusk to see its multi-story wooden facade illuminated — a sight often compared to the bathhouse in Spirited Away. For a change of pace, head to the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Known as the ‘Stone House’, this Gothic masterpiece is built entirely of granite and features stone-vaulted ceilings.

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, 87 Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China

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Canton Tower: Views From The ‘Slim Waist’

Cross the river to see the city’s most recognisable icon: the Canton Tower. Standing at 600m, its twisting silhouette has earned it the nickname ‘Slim Waist.’ While HK has its own impressive skyline, the view from the tower offers a 360-degree look at the sheer scale of the Pearl River Delta’s growth. For the best photo op (without the ticket price), stroll across the Haixin Bridge, a record-breaking curved pedestrian path with backdrops of the tower and the CBD.

Canton Tower, 222 Yuejiangxi Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China

Read More: Things To Do – Your Ultimate Hong Kong Bucket List

Zhujiang New Town: The Futuristic GBA Skyline

Conclude your weekend in Zhujiang New Town, the crown jewel of Tianhe District. This is the ‘Central’ of Guangzhou, but with a sci-fi twist. Architecture lovers will gravitate toward the Guangzhou Opera House, a Zaha Hadid masterpiece that looks like two pebbles smoothed by the river. Nearby, the Guangzhou Library and the CTF Finance Centre (one of the world’s tallest buildings) create a glittering canyon of glass. Wrap up with a high-end Cantonese dinner and rooftop cocktail — keep reading for our picks!

Guangzhou Opera House, Zhujiang New Town Huaxia Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China

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Where To Eat In Guangzhou — The Best Restaurants For Yum Cha & More

Jiang by Chef Fei: Two-Michelin-Starred Perfection

If you only have one extravagant meal in Guangzhou, make it this one. Arguably the city’s most prestigious dining destination, Jiang by Chef Fei has held two Michelin stars for seven consecutive years — and we’re not surprised. Chef Fei is celebrated for his ‘ingredients-first’ philosophy, blending traditional Cantonese techniques with a modern creativity. We highly recommend the Steamed Egg with Crab, that features silky custard topped with sweet, premium crab meat, and the Homemade Fish Balls, which have a perfectly springy, light texture.

Jiang by Chef Fei, 3/F, Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, 389 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, www.mandarinoriental.com//jiang-by-chef-fei

Read More: Michelin Guide 2025 – Hong Kong Restaurants Awarded Michelin Stars

Tao Tao Ju: A Qing Dynasty Heritage Landmark

Stepping into the flagship Shifu location of Tao Tao Ju is a journey into the late 19th century. This multi-storey heritage building is a labyrinth of Lingnan architectural details, featuring colourful stained-glass Manchurian windows, intricate wood screens and classic calligraphy. The spiritual home of the city’s yum cha culture, it offers delicious dim sum classics along with a show-stopping Crispy Roasted Pigeon.

Tao Tao Ju, 20 Dishifu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China +86 20 8050 3899

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TANG: Affordable Lingnan Cuisine At Mandarin Oriental

The newest addition to the Mandarin Oriental’s culinary lineup, TANG is a vibrant ‘Chinese Bistro’ concept helmed by its star Chef Fei. While Jiang may be out of reach for your price point, TANG’s focus on seasonal flavours — with a heavy emphasis on Chaoshan heritage and the art of cooking over fire — is equally delicious. The menu highlights regional dishes like the Cold Nan’ao Island Red Crab and Peking Duck.

TANG, 4/F, Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, 389 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, www.mandarinoriental.com/tang

Read More: Top Fine Dining Restaurants In Hong Kong

Dian Dou De: Modern Dim Sum In Yuexiu

Established in 1933, Dian Dou De has successfully scaled the traditional tea house experience into a high-energy, must-visit chain without losing its soul. We love the Golden Sand Red Rice Rolls, featuring crispy shrimp and fried dough wrapped in a soft red rice noodle, the Crab Roe Siu Mai and the massive, airy Golden Youtiao (fried dough sticks) — iconic staples that have earned the restaurant a loyal following.

Dian Dou De, 470 Huifu East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China, +86 20 8333 2168

Read More: Sassy’s Favourite Yum Cha Spots In Hong Kong

Bingsheng Mansion: Sophisticated Fine Dining In The CBD

Bingsheng Mansion is the crown jewel of Bingsheng group, consistently earning Michelin recognition for its commitment to elevated Cantonese fare. It’s known for preserving lost culinary arts like meticulously handcrafted dim sum and double-boiled tonics. The Signature Char Siu is beloved for its melt-in-the-mouth fat-to-meat ratio, while the Signature Pineapple Buns — distinct for their massive, hollow, crispy shells — are a mandatory end to any meal here.

Bingsheng Mansion, 5/F, Shoufu Building, 2 Xiancun Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, www.bingsheng.com

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Where To Drink In Guangzhou — Rooftop Bars, Speakeasies & Creative Cocktails

LIÁNG: Elemental Mixology With An Outdoor Terrace

The newest addition to the Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning portfolio, LIÁNG takes its name from the traditional crossbeam that supports Lingnan architecture. The cocktail programme is built around the five elements, utilising modern techniques like clarification and fat-washing to interpret local botanical flavours. We especially loved the Golden Eave cocktail, made with rye, bourbon, roasted goose-fat washed vermouth, sour plum paste and bitters.

LIÁNG, Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, 389 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, www.mandarinoriental.com/liang

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Hope & Sesame: Asia’s 50 Best Speakeasy

Consistently ranked on the Asia’s 50 Best Bar list, Hope & Sesame is hidden behind a traditional Cantonese snack shop in the historic Dongshankou area. The team here pioneered the speakeasy movement in Guangzhou, blending a nostalgic atmosphere with a laboratory-like approach to cocktails. The mixology here prioritises Chinese liquors like baijiu, offering truly unique drinks you’re unlikely to sample elsewhere.

Sassy Tip: Upstairs, Hope & Sesame has just launched a new space featuring ‘off menu’ cocktails — our favourite series yet.

Hope & Sesame, 48 Miaoqian Xi Jie, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China, hopeandsesame.cn

Read More: Our Favourite Speakeasies & Hidden Bars In Hong Kong

TOO HIGH: Rooftop Bar At Rosewood Guangzhou

Perched on the 107th floor of the Rosewood Guangzhou, TOO HIGH is officially the highest bar in the city. Sipping a world-class whiskey or an cocktail while standing on the open-air outdoor terrace at eye-level with the peak of the Canton Tower is a ‘bucket list’ experience. It is the definitive spot for panoramic views of the Pearl River and the glittering Tianhe skyline, catering to anyone looking for a dramatic end to their evening.

Too High, 107/F, Rosewood Guangzhou, 6 East Zhujiang Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, www.rosewoodhotels.com/too-high

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Mixtopia: Neighbourhood Bar In Tianhe District

Located in the back alleys of Tianhe District, Mixtopia has carved out a reputation as a truly intimate neighbourhood bar. Unlike the sprawling sky bars, this is a more community-oriented space, while the menu playfully explores of unconventional ingredients and modern textures — all for shockingly affordable prices.

Mixtopia, Shop 102, 1-3 Huaming Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China

Read More: Team Sassy’s Favourite Neighbourhood Bars & Pubs

Where To Stay In Guangzhou — The Best Hotels & Hostels

Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou: Sassy-Approved Luxury Hotel In Tianhe District

The Mandarin Oriental brand is best known for its elegance, dining and hospitality — and the Guangzhou branch does not let this reputation down. Similar to the Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen, this outpost towers over the city centre, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Guangzhou’s skyline. Guests can choose between 233 rooms and 30 suites, complete with spa-like bathrooms (read: marble rainforest showers and free-standing bathtubs), walk-in wardrobes and in-room amenities like a hair dryer and Nespresso coffee machine.

When you step outside, you’ll find yourself in the middle of Tianhe, Guangzhou’s sprawling Central Business District. The hotel itself is seamlessly integrated into the TaiKoo Hui complex, a famed luxury mall which acts as an extension of the lobby — a tempting high-end retail shopping experience, if you can manage to leave the comfort of your room. If you’re keen to explore further, the hotel’s downtown location puts you within a short walk of two major subway lines, including Guangzhou East Station (the second-last stop on the High Speed Rail line).

Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, 389 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510620, China, +86 20 3808 8888,  [email protected], www.mandarinoriental.com/guangzhou

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Ascott Guangzhou: Premium Serviced Apartments In The Central Business District

Ascott Guangzhou offers premium accommodation in the heart of Tianhe Central Business District — the financial and commercial hub of Guangzhou. Designed for business travellers, extended-stay professionals and guests, Ascott provides seamless access to corporate offices, shopping malls, cultural sites and metro lines, making it the ideal base for exploring Guangzhou!

Ascott Guangzhou, 73 Tianhedong Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, China, +86 20 8513 0388, [email protected], www.discoverasr.com/ascott-guangzhou

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White Swan Hotel: Retro Glamour In Liwan District

If you’re after that ‘Old Canton’ aesthetic, the White Swan is legendary. Perched on the southern tip of Shamian Island, this was China’s first five-star hotel and remains a standout for its grand indoor waterfall and unmatched Pearl River views.

White Swan Hotel, 1 Shamian South Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou 510133, China, +86 20 8188 6968, [email protected], www.whiteswanhotel.com

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Rosewood Guangzhou: Sky-High Sophistication Overlooking Canton Tower

If you want to experience the absolute peak of the skyline, the Rosewood occupies the top 39 floors of the 108-story CTF Finance Centre. It is currently one of the highest hotels in the world, and HK travellers love it for its proximity to the K11 Art Mall and rooftop bar, Too High.

Rosewood Guangzhou, 6 Zhujiang East Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623, China, +86 20 8852 8888, [email protected], www.rosewoodhotels.com/guangzhou

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W Guangzhou: High-Energy Hotel For Modern Travellers

Located in the buzzy Zhujiang New Town, the W Guangzhou is where you stay if you want to be in the centre of the city’s energy. It’s sleek, high-energy and leans into a boutique-meets-party aesthetic. It’s also perfectly positioned for those who want to jump between luxury shopping at IGC Mall and the trendy bars of Xingsheng Road.

W Guangzhou, 26 Xian Cun Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623, China, +86 20 6628 6628, www.marriott.com/w-guangzhou

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Guangzhou Desti Youth Hostel: Boutique On A Budget

For a social — and affordable! — experience, Desti is arguably the most polished hostel in the city. Located in Liwan District, it offers minimalist private rooms and dorms that feel clean and modern. Complete with lively communal spaces, it’s a great base for travellers who want to be in the city’s historic centre without the five-star price tag.

Guangzhou Desti Youth Hostel, Unit 301, 38, Xihua Road, Liwan District, Li Wan, Guangzhou 510000, China, www.instagram.com/destiyouthhostel

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