Dim sum, trade & Pearl River nights
Guangzhou
Guǎngzhōu · The Cantonese powerhouse
A sprawling southern metropolis and the birthplace of Cantonese cooking. Guangzhou rewards eaters and wanderers with teahouse mornings, riverside towers and easy access to the greater Bay Area.
Top sightsSights
Canton Tower
A 600m twisting spire with a glass skywalk and bubble ride, glowing over the Pearl River at night.
Shamian Island
A tranquil islet of colonial European architecture, banyan trees and quiet cafes.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
A Qing-dynasty masterpiece of Cantonese folk carving and ceramics.
Yuexiu Park
The city's green heart, home to the Five Rams statue — Guangzhou's emblem.
Pearl River cruise
Drift past illuminated bridges and towers on an evening boat.
What to eatFood
Dim sum / yum cha
The morning ritual of tea and small plates — the soul of the city.
Roast goose
Crisp-skinned, mahogany-lacquered Cantonese classic.
Wonton noodles
Springy noodles and shrimp wontons in clear broth.
Good to know
- Cantonese is the local tongue, but Mandarin is widely understood.
- Subtropical and humid — light clothing year-round.
- A 1-hour train reaches Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau.
Getting there
Baiyun International Airport (CAN) and Guangzhou South, one of Asia's busiest high-speed rail stations.
Next city
Chengdu