Best Things to Do in Canton, China: Attractions, Local Eats, & Travel Hacks
By Monica
July 28, 2026
Looking for the best things to do in Canton, China? Guangzhou City was once called "Canton" and is currently one of China's most amazing cities to visit. You experience the modernity of Guangzhou, with skyscrapers, historic temples, shopping centers, and some of the best food China can offer.
When traveling for a family vacation, business purposes, or a combination of both, you should choose Guangzhou as your first China destination. There are many interesting places to see, including some of the world's famous structures like the Canton Tower, old city areas with rich history, enormous theme parks, and extensive shopping.
In this travel guide, we’ll go through top Guangzhou tourist attractions, traveling tips, the best time for visiting Guangzhou, and helpful hints for planning your trip.
Before planning your trip, you should browse the services offered by Trip.com, such as flights, hotels, transfers, insurance, and eSIM cards.
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Planning your Guangzhou adventure is even easier when you combine sightseeing with exclusive Trip.com travel offers. From discounted flights and hotels to car rentals, eSIMs, and Mastercard promotions, you can enjoy a smoother and more affordable trip while exploring the best attractions in Canton.
Flight Deals to Guangzhou
Find great fares on flights to Guangzhou from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other UAE cities. Booking early and keeping an eye on Trip.com flight promotions can help you save more on your journey to China.
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Stay closer to top attractions like Canton Tower, Beijing Road, and Tianhe District with selected hotel discounts of up to 10% off. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel or a family-friendly stay, Trip.com offers excellent value across Guangzhou.
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Explore Guangzhou and nearby destinations such as Foshan, Shenzhen, or Zhuhai at your own pace with 8% off selected car rentals. Renting a car gives you more flexibility, especially if you're planning a multi-city journey across Guangdong Province.
Stay Connected with a China eSIM
Activate your China eSIM before departure and enjoy instant internet access as soon as you land in Guangzhou. It's a convenient way to use maps, translation apps, ride-hailing services, and messaging throughout your trip without changing your physical SIM card.
Discovering Guangzhou: Capital of Cantonese Culture
The best things to do in Guangzhou, China, are as diverse as the city itself. China’s third-largest city and home to one of its busiest trading centers, Guangzhou is located in Guangdong Province on the coast of the Pearl River Delta.
Historically significant for being part of the ancient Maritime Silk Road route, this city has maintained its international reputation since then, hosting an interesting mix of old Chinese temples and modern skyscrapers. In Guangzhou, you may find yourself walking around authentic neighborhoods one minute and admiring futuristic architectural marvels the next.
For UAE visitors, Guangzhou is an excellent choice in terms of cost-effectiveness and quality of offerings when compared to other East Asian destinations.
How Many Days to Spend in Guangzhou?
Based on our experience, 4 to 5 days is ideal.
Trip Length | Best For |
2-3 Days | Business travelers and short breaks |
4-5 Days | First-time visitors |
6-7 Days | Families and shoppers |
8+ Days | Guangzhou plus nearby cities |
If your itinerary covers not only Guangzhou but also Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and other Guangdong Province destinations, buying tickets for high-speed rail in China would help you save some time.
You may also check booking China train tickets online.
Top Things to Do in Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou attractions include many must-do experiences.
Canton Tower & Modern Zhujiang New Town
The Canton Tower always tops the list of attractions in town.
At a height of 600 meters above ground, Canton Tower stands proud, boasting itself as one of the tallest towers on the planet. Some of the activities that await the visitors include observation decks, restaurants, and sky rides.
The best time to visit is about an hour before sunset. You’ll have the advantage of enjoying both the daylight view of the Pearl River and seeing the city lit up at night.
Shamian Island
Shamian Island is quite distinct from other parts of the city. It comprises structures built in European styles, serene gardens, old churches, and narrow roads lined with huge banyan trees.
It’s especially attractive to photographers who look for unusual things to do in Canton, China. Just take a break with a cup of Chinese tea and explore.
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
For younger travelers, among the things to do in Guangzhou, shopping on Beijing Road is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street provides the perfect harmony of contemporary shopping and archaeological finds. You can view layers of old roads underneath the pavement through glass panels installed on the ground.
The area is filled with:
- International brands
- Local boutiques
- Cantonese restaurants
- Street food stalls
- Souvenir shops
It's one of the best free things to do in Canton, China, because exploring the district itself costs nothing.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Guangzhou
Visiting families from the UAE usually compare the entertainment available in Guangzhou with the famous theme parks in Dubai, and the city doesn’t disappoint.
Chimelong Safari Park & Chimelong Paradise
Chimelong Safari Park is one of the largest zoos in Asia. You'll find giant pandas, white tigers, elephants, giraffes, and many other animals.
A little further away, there’s another attraction called Chimelong Paradise. It has some amazing roller coasters to enjoy.
If you come along with your kids, you can easily spend a whole day there.
Unique Things to Do in Canton, China
Want to do more than just the usual things?
Try these not-so-obvious experiences:
Take a Pearl River Night Cruise
A cruise along the Pearl River provides breathtaking views of Guangzhou’s skyline at nighttime.
Among the illuminated buildings on your tour will be the Canton Tower and the business district.
Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is one of the most picturesque historic buildings in Guangzhou.
Thanks to its amazing wood carvings and architectural elements, it has become a place of interest for all history fans.
Explore Yongqing Fang
This historical district, with its old Cantonese architecture and modern cafes, will definitely appeal to you.
It's one of the most unique things to do in Guangzhou and remains less crowded than some major attractions.
Best Time to Visit Guangzhou
The right time could help make your experience better.
Season | Weather | Travel Costs | Recommendation |
Autumn (Oct-Dec) | 18°C-26°C | Higher | Best overall season |
Winter (Jan-Mar) | 10°C-18°C | Moderate | Comfortable sightseeing |
Spring (Apr-May) | Warm, humid | High | Beautiful but busy |
Summer (Jun-Sep) | 28°C-35°C | Lower | Great hotel deals |
If you don’t intend to attend the Canton Fair in the bi-annual period, then it’s advisable to stay away from these dates since the hotel rates become higher.
Flight & Hotel Hacks for UAE Travelers
Flying directly from Dubai makes Guangzhou easy to access.
This trip normally takes between 7 and 8 hours and can be a viable choice for either a short or long vacation.
Our advice is to:
- Book flights at least 2-3 months in advance
- Bundle flights and hotels
- Staying in Tianhe District for first visits
- Leverage flexible bookings wherever possible
As far as hotels are concerned, Tianhe district offers the greatest convenience.
Travel Tips for UAE Travelers
Airport Transfer
Your arrival point will likely be Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). It saw over 83 million travelers in 2025 and continues to be one of the busiest airports in China.
Arranging an airport transfer in advance may be much simpler than trying to navigate the public transport system after such a long journey.
Visa Requirements
Since travel guidelines vary, you should ensure that you have met all of the criteria before any planning.
GCC passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to China. UAE expats might not be eligible for the exemption, depending on nationality and passport type.
eSIM Cards
What some travelers find out much too late is that some popular apps don’t work quite as intended in China.
It’s very important to get an eSIM ahead of time before your flight.
Read our guide: Best eSIM for China with VPN
This way, you’ll be able to stay online using your apps and maps.
Mobile Payments
China is largely cashless.
A lot of restaurants, stores, and tourist spots depend heavily on Alipay and WeChat Pay.
By installing these apps before leaving home, you guarantee that travel will become far simpler.
Plan Your Guangzhou Adventure with Trip.com
Guangzhou is a place where modern China and Cantonese traditions live side by side. Today you will be on the top of the Canton Tower; tomorrow you will be walking on ancient streets that have been here for hundreds of years.
If you want to simplify your planning process, you may consider booking flights, airport transfer, travel insurance, and an eSIM on Trip.com.
You can also use the Trip.com AI trip planner to build a personalized Guangzhou itinerary.
For official destination information, visit China Travel Information.
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*This content is written by the Trip.com team. We have 15 years of experience in travel. All information comes from real traveler stories and real data. We are experts in helping you find the best hotels.
FAQs About Things to Do in Canton, China
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