Read More:<\/strong> All The Essential Things To Know Before Travelling To China<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Jump To<\/strong><\/em> The High-Speed Rail is the most efficient route, featuring ‘Co-location’ customs so you clear both borders at West Kowloon<\/a> before boarding. The 142km journey takes 45 to 90 minutes<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Ticketing counters are available at the West Kowloon Station, or you can pre-purchase them via the MTR High Speed Rail website<\/a> or <\/span>12306 app<\/span><\/a> (allows for seat selection).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n For a direct route to specific districts at a lower cost<\/strong>, cross-border coaches are a reliable alternative. Buses depart from hubs across Hong Kong, including Wan Chai<\/a>,\u00a0 Mong Kok<\/a>, Tsim Sha Tsu<\/a> and Kwun Tong<\/a>. The journey typically takes three to four hours.<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Tickets can be purchased at the departure points or online<\/a>.<\/p>\n Driving offers the most flexibility but takes around three to four hours<\/strong>. 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 \u2014 a HK licence is not sufficient. Follow the G4 Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway (tolls apply)<\/em>. Just make sure download a reliable non-Google GPS<\/strong>, like AMAP<\/a>\u00a0or Baidu Maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong> Shenzhen City Guide \u2014 Where To Eat, Drink & Shop\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n There’s no better place to begin exploring Guangzhou’s 2,000-year-old history<\/strong> than\u00a0Shamian Island<\/a>. After stepping off the metro at Huangsha Station, you’ll cross a bridge into a world of European-style architecture<\/strong> from its days as a concession, depicted through bronze statues<\/strong>. The tree-lined boulevards showcase\u00a0over 150 buildings in styles<\/strong> ranging from Neoclassical to Gothic, housing former consulates and banks that are now museums, cafes and shops<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Shamian Island, <\/strong>54 Shabei North Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China<\/em><\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>Unique Historical Buildings, Sites & Landmarks To Visit<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n A short walk from Shamian, the trendy Yongqing Fang<\/b>\u00a0district breathes new life into traditional Qilou (arcade)<\/em> buildings<\/b>. It\u2019s home to the Cantonese Opera Art Museum<\/b>, where you can explore the intricate costumes of this UNESCO-recognised art form. Along the way, shop your way artisanal shops and snacks,<\/strong> then hunt down Bruce Lee\u2019s ancestral home, a humble residence belonging to his father that now honours the ‘Little Dragon\u2019s’ global legacy.<\/p>\n Cantonese Opera Art Museum<\/strong>, 127 Enning Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China<\/em><\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>Team Sassy\u2019s Tourist Trap Alternatives<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Take the metro one stop north to explore the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall<\/b>. Built in the late 19th century, this complex served as both a shrine and an academy<\/strong>. It is world-renowned for its ‘Seven Wonders’ \u2014 intricate carvings in wood, brick, stone and clay, as well as brilliant murals and iron castings. Today, it houses the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum<\/strong>, showcasing the region\u2019s finest heritage crafts.<\/p>\n Chen Clan Ancestral Hall<\/strong>, 34 En Longli, Zhongshan 7 Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China<\/em><\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>Our Favourite Musuems In Hong Kong<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n End your first day at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street<\/b>, a neon-lit stretch of historic architecture and culinary heaven. While we have plenty of Cheung Fun<\/b> at home, the version here is often stone-milled<\/strong> and served with a distinct, sweeter soy sauc<\/strong>e unique to Liwan. Be sure to hunt down Double-Skin Milk (Shuangpi Nai)<\/em><\/b> at a ‘Time-Honoured’ shop like Nanxin <\/i>\u2014 the buffalo milk<\/strong> used here is exceptionally rich, creating a thick, velvety skin that is hard to find across the border.<\/p>\n \u00a0Shangziju Pedestrian Street<\/strong>, Shangjiu Road, Xiajiu Road & Dishifu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China<\/em><\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>Your Ultimate Guide To Hong Kong Street Food<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Begin your second\u00a0 day at the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees<\/b>, famous for its colourful Flower Pagoda<\/b>. A 15-minute walk away is the Dafo (Big Buddha)<\/em> Temple<\/b>; visit at dusk to see its multi-story wooden facade illuminated \u2014 a sight often compared to the bathhouse in Spirited Away<\/i>. For a change of pace, head to the Sacred Heart Cathedral<\/b>. Known as the ‘Stone House’, this Gothic masterpiece is built entirely of granite and features stone-vaulted ceilings.<\/p>\n Temple of the Six Banyan Trees,<\/b><\/strong> 87 Liurong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China<\/em><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0Hong Kong Hikes With History \u2014 The Best Historic Walking Trails<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Cross the river to see the city\u2019s most recognisable icon: the Canton Tower<\/b>. 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<\/strong> at the sheer scale of the Pearl River Delta\u2019s growth. For the best photo op (without the ticket price)<\/em>, stroll across the Haixin Bridge<\/b>, a record-breaking curved pedestrian path with backdrops of the tower and the CBD.<\/p>\n Canton Tower<\/strong>, 222 Yuejiangxi Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China<\/em><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0Things To Do \u2013 Your Ultimate Hong Kong Bucket List<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Conclude your weekend in Zhujiang New Town<\/b>, 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<\/strong>, a Zaha Hadid masterpiece that looks like two pebbles smoothed by the river. Nearby, the Guangzhou Library<\/b> and the CTF Finance Centre<\/b> (one of the world’s tallest buildings)<\/em> create a glittering canyon of glass. Wrap up with a high-end Cantonese dinner and rooftop cocktail \u2014 keep reading for our picks<\/strong>!<\/p>\n Guangzhou Opera House<\/strong>, Zhujiang New Town Huaxia Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China<\/em><\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>Inclusive Spaces & Communities In Hong Kong<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you only have one extravagant meal in Guangzhou, make it this one<\/strong>. Arguably the city\u2019s most prestigious dining destination, Jiang by Chef Fei has held two Michelin stars<\/strong> for seven consecutive years \u2014 and we’re not surprised. Chef Fei is celebrated for his ‘ingredients-first’ philosophy, blending traditional Cantonese techniques<\/strong> with a modern creativity. We highly recommend the Steamed Egg with Crab<\/b>, that features silky custard topped with sweet, premium crab meat, and the Homemade Fish Balls<\/b>, which have a perfectly springy, light texture.<\/p>\n Jiang by Chef Fei<\/strong>, 3\/F, Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, 389 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, www.mandarinoriental.com\/\/jiang-by-chef-fei<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>Michelin Guide 2025 \u2013 Hong Kong Restaurants Awarded Michelin Stars<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Stepping into the flagship Shifu location<\/strong> of Tao Tao Ju is a journey into the late 19th century. This multi-storey heritage building is a labyrinth of Lingnan architectural details<\/strong>, featuring colourful stained-glass Manchurian windows, intricate wood screens and classic calligraphy. The spiritual home<\/strong> of the city\u2019s yum cha culture, it offers delicious\u00a0dim sum classics<\/b> along with a show-stopping Crispy Roasted Pigeon<\/b>.<\/p>\n Tao Tao Ju<\/strong>, 20 Dishifu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, China +86 20 8050 3899<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>The Best Chinese Restaurants In Hong Kong \u2014 Cantonese, Sichuan & More<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The newest addition to the Mandarin Oriental\u2019s culinary lineup, TANG<\/b> is a vibrant ‘Chinese Bistro’ concept helmed by its star Chef Fei<\/strong>. While Jiang may be out of reach for your price point, TANG’s focus on seasonal flavours \u2014 with a heavy emphasis on Chaoshan heritage<\/strong> and the art of cooking over fire \u2014 is equally delicious. The menu highlights regional dishes like the Cold Nan’ao Island Red Crab<\/b> and Peking Duck<\/strong>.<\/p>\n TANG<\/strong>, 4\/F, Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, 389 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, www.mandarinoriental.com\/tang<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>Top Fine Dining Restaurants In Hong Kong<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n 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<\/b>, featuring crispy shrimp and fried dough wrapped in a soft red rice noodle, the Crab Roe Siu Mai<\/b> and the massive, airy Golden Youtiao<\/b> (fried dough sticks)<\/em> \u2014 iconic staples that have earned the restaurant a loyal following.<\/p>\n Dian Dou De<\/strong>, 470 Huifu East Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China, +86 20 8333 2168<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0Sassy\u2019s Favourite Yum Cha Spots In Hong Kong<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Bingsheng Mansion is the crown jewel of Bingsheng group, consistently earning Michelin recognition<\/strong> 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 <\/b>is beloved for its melt-in-the-mouth fat-to-meat ratio, while the Signature Pineapple Buns <\/b>\u2014 distinct for their massive, hollow, crispy shells \u2014 are a mandatory end to any meal here.<\/p>\n Bingsheng Mansion<\/strong>,<\/em>\u00a05\/F, Shoufu Building, 2 Xiancun Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, www.bingsheng.com<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0The Top Private Dining Rooms In Hong Kong<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The newest addition to the Mandarin Oriental\u2019s award-winning portfolio, LI\u00c1NG<\/b> takes its name from the traditional crossbeam that supports Lingnan architecture<\/strong>. The cocktail programme is built around the five elements, utilising modern techniques like clarification and fat-washing<\/strong> to interpret local botanical flavours. We especially loved the Golden Eave\u00a0<\/strong>cocktail, made with rye, bourbon, roasted goose-fat washed vermouth, sour plum paste and bitters.<\/p>\n LI\u00c1NG<\/strong>, Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou, 389 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, www.mandarinoriental.com\/liang<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0The Best New Bars & Drinks Menus In Hong Kong<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Consistently ranked on the Asia’s 50 Best Bar<\/a> list, Hope & Sesame is hidden behind a traditional Cantonese snack shop<\/strong> in the historic Dongshankou area. The team here pioneered the speakeasy movement in Guangzhou, blending a nostalgic atmosphere with a laboratory-like approach<\/strong> to cocktails. The mixology here prioritises Chinese liquors like\u00a0baijiu<\/em>, offering truly unique drinks\u00a0you’re unlikely to sample elsewhere.<\/strong><\/p>\n Sassy Tip:\u00a0<\/strong>Upstairs, Hope & Sesame has just launched a new space featuring ‘off menu’ cocktails \u2014 our favourite series yet.<\/p>\n Hope & Sesame<\/strong>, 48 Miaoqian Xi Jie, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, China, hopeandsesame.cn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0Our Favourite Speakeasies & Hidden Bars In Hong Kong<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Perched on the 107th floor<\/strong> 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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Too High, <\/em><\/strong>107\/F, Rosewood Guangzhou, 6 East Zhujiang Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, www.rosewoodhotels.com\/too-high<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0Hong Kong’s Sky-High Rooftop Bars & Outdoor Terraces<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Located in the back alleys of Tianhe District, Mixtopia has carved out a reputation as a truly intimate<\/strong> neighbourhood bar. Unlike the sprawling sky bars, this is a more community-oriented space<\/a>, while the menu playfully explores of unconventional ingredients and modern textures \u2014 all for shockingly affordable prices<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Mixtopia<\/strong>, Shop 102, 1-3 Huaming Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China<\/em><\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0Team Sassy’s Favourite Neighbourhood Bars & Pubs<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The Mandarin Oriental brand is best known for its elegance, dining and hospitality \u2014 and the Guangzhou branch does not let this reputation down<\/strong>. Similar to the Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen<\/a>, this outpost towers over the city centre, with
\n
\nHow To Get To Guangzhou<\/a>
\nThings To Do In Guangzhou\u00a0<\/a>
\nGuangzhou Restaurants & Bars<\/a>
\nThe Best Guangzhou Hotels<\/a><\/p>\n
\n![\"guangzhou](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/guangzhou-city-china-skyline-things-to-do-guide.png\")
<\/p>\nHow To Get To Guangzhou From Hong Kong<\/h2>\n
High Speed Rail To Guangzhou From West Kowloon Station<\/h3>\n
\nAffordable Cross-Border Coaches With Local Pick-Ups<\/h3>\n
\nDriving For Maximum Comfort & Flexible Border Crossing<\/h3>\n
\nThings To Do In Guangzhou \u2014\u00a0Historic Landmarks, Museums & Street Food In Liwan District<\/h2>\n
![\"Shamian](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Shamian-Island-liwan-district-guangzhou-things-to-do.png\")
<\/p>\nShamian Island: Colonial-Era Sandbank On The Zhui River<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Yongqing](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Yongqing-Fang-\u2014-Cantonese-Opera-Bruce-Lees-Roots.png\")
<\/p>\nYongqing Fang: Cantonese Opera & Bruce Lee\u2019s Roots<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Chen](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chen-Clan-Ancestral-Hall-The-Pearl-Of-Lingnan-Architecture.png\")
<\/p>\nChen Clan Ancestral Hall: The Pearl Of Lingnan Architecture<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Shangxiajiu](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Shangxiajiu-Pedestrian-Street-Guangzhou-Street-Food-Shops-.png\")
<\/p>\nShangxiajiu Pedestrian Street: Guangzhou Street Food & Shops<\/h3>\n
\nGuangzhou Attractions \u2014 Ancient Temples & Modern Landmarks In Yuexiu & Tianhe<\/h2>\n
![\"Dafo](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dafo-Big-Buddha-Temple-spiritual-landmark-guanzhou-things-to-do.png\")
<\/p>\nSpiritual Landmarks: Dafo, Temple Of The Six Banyan Trees & Cathedral<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Canton](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Canton-Tower-guangzhou-sightseeing-things-to-do.png\")
<\/p>\nCanton Tower: Views From The ‘Slim Waist’<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Zhujiang](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Zhujiang-New-Town-tianhe-district-guangzhou-things-to-do.png\")
<\/p>\nZhujiang New Town: The Futuristic GBA Skyline<\/h3>\n
\nWhere To Eat In Guangzhou \u2014 The Best Restaurants For Yum Cha & More<\/h2>\n
![\"Jiang](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Jiang-by-Chef-Fei-mandarin-oriental-guangzhou-best-restaurants.png\")
<\/p>\nJiang by Chef Fei: Two-Michelin-Starred Perfection<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Tao](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Tao-Tao-Ju-guangzhou-michelin-guide-best-restaurants.png\")
<\/p>\nTao Tao Ju: A Qing Dynasty Heritage Landmark<\/h3>\n
\n![\"tang](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/tang-mandarin-oriental-guangzhou-best-restaurants.png\")
<\/p>\nTANG: Affordable Lingnan Cuisine At Mandarin Oriental<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Dian](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dian-Dou-De-dim-sum-guangzhou-best-restaurants-where-to-eat.png\")
<\/p>\nDian Dou De: Modern Dim Sum In Yuexiu<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Bingsheng](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bingsheng-Mansion-fine-dining-guangzhou-best-restaurants.png\")
<\/p>\nBingsheng Mansion: Sophisticated Fine Dining In The CBD<\/h3>\n
\nWhere To Drink In Guangzhou \u2014 Rooftop Bars, Speakeasies & Creative Cocktails<\/h2>\n
![\"LIA\u0301NG](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/LIANG-bar-mandarin-oriental-guangzhou-new-bar-where-to-drink.png\")
<\/p>\nLI\u00c1NG: Elemental Mixology With An Outdoor Terrace<\/h3>\n
\n![\"hope](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/hope-and-sesame-asias-50-best-guangzhou-bar-speakeasy.png\")
<\/p>\nHope & Sesame: Asia\u2019s 50 Best Speakeasy<\/h3>\n
\n![\"too](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/too-high-rosewood-guangzhou-best-bars-rooftop-view-of-canton-tower.png\")
<\/p>\nTOO HIGH: Rooftop Bar At Rosewood Guangzhou<\/h3>\n
\n![\"Mixtopia](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Mixtopia-neighbourhood-bar-guangzhou.png\")
<\/p>\nMixtopia: Neighbourhood Bar In Tianhe District<\/h3>\n
\nWhere To Stay In Guangzhou \u2014 The Best Hotels & Hostels<\/h2>\n
![\"Mandarin](\"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Mandarin-Oriental-Guangzhou-\u2014-Five-Star-Hotel-In-Tianhe-District.png\")
<\/p>\nMandarin Oriental Guangzhou: Sassy-Approved Luxury Hotel In Tianhe District<\/h3>\n