Your First Time in Guangzhou: All You Need to Know

Hey, everyone 👋! I just got back from a "shop-and-eat marathon" in Guangzhou, and I was completely conquered by the city's passion and tenderness! In May, Guangzhou is full of lush banyan trees 🌳, the aroma of morning tea, the stories of the arcade buildings, and the evening breeze of the Pearl River... I didn't want to leave any of it behind! Save this guide and let me take you on an immersive experience of the charm of "The City of Goats"~ 📍 Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, also known as "The City of Goats" and "The City of Flowers"! This is a millennium-old commercial capital, with historical sites such as the Chen Clan Academy and Zhenhai Tower 🏯, as well as the modern prosperity of Canton Tower and Zhujiang New Town. Authentic Cantonese cuisine is hidden in the streets and alleys, and the old arcade streets tell stories of the past. In May, the temperature in Guangzhou is getting warmer, but it's super cozy to enjoy morning tea in an air-conditioned room and take a night cruise on the Pearl River~ ✈️ Transportation Guide ✈️ Plane: Land at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and take Metro Line 3 North Extension or the airport bus directly to the city center. It's super convenient! A taxi ride takes about 40 minutes 🚖. 🚄 High-speed train: There are many trains to Guangzhou South Station and Guangzhou Station. It only takes 30 minutes from Shenzhen and Hong Kong! After exiting the station, there is seamless connection to the metro, buses, and taxis 🚍. 🚗 Self-driving: It is suitable for self-driving from surrounding cities! However, it is difficult to park and the roads are complicated in the city center, so it is recommended to take the metro~ 🗺 Recommended Itinerary Day 1: In-depth Tour of the Old City Shamian Island → Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street → Yongqingfang In the morning, stroll around Shamian Island, check out the European-style buildings, and take retro photos 📸! Have a morning tea at Tao Tao Ju for lunch, and in the afternoon, stroll around Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street to see the arcade street scene. In the evening, go to Yongqingfang, listen to a Cantonese opera, and feel the Xiguan style~ Day 2: Modernity and Nature Canton Tower → Pearl River Night Cruise → Tianhe CBD During the day, climb the "Little Waist" to overlook the whole city and experience the Cloud 488 observation deck! Have a bowl of sizzling pot for lunch and visit Grandview Plaza in the afternoon. In the evening, take a boat trip on the Pearl River to see the neon lights on both sides of the river, which is full of atmosphere 🌉! Day 3: Culture and Return Trip Chen Clan Academy → Beijing Road Pedestrian Street → Return Trip Visit the Chen Clan Academy, the "Pearl of Lingnan Architecture", and admire the exquisite brick and wood carvings! Have rice noodle rolls and Sampan Congee for lunch, and in the afternoon, stroll around Beijing Road and buy some Cockfighting Candies and Cantonese pastries as souvenirs~ Finally, go home full of memories~ 📌 Useful Guide 🎫 Tickets: Canton Tower starts from CNY 150, and Chen Clan Academy is CNY 10! Attractions such as Shamian Island and Yongqingfang are free~ ⏰ Time: It is recommended to arrive before 10:00 am for morning tea to avoid queuing. Choose the 7:30 pm session for the Pearl River night cruise for stunning night views! 📸 Photo-taking: Wear French retro style on Shamian Island, and take silhouette photos under Canton Tower for a super atmospheric feel! 🍜 Food Recommendations 1️⃣ Cantonese Morning Tea: Shrimp dumplings are crystal clear 🦐, siu mai is full of meat, and barbecued pork buns are fluffy and sweet! Dian Dou De and Tao Tao Ju are must-tries~ 2️⃣ Rice Noodle Rolls: The cloth-wrapped rice noodle rolls are as thin as cicada wings, drizzled with soy sauce and sesame, tender and smooth! Yin Ji Rice Noodle Roll, a time-honored brand, is a must-eat~ 3️⃣ Sizzling Pot: Chinese Bullfrog, frog, and pork intestine sizzle in a casserole, with a fragrant aroma! Zhe Ba Restaurant is super popular~ 4️⃣ Sampan Congee: Fish slices, peanuts, fried dough sticks, and egg shreds are cooked into a dense congee base, which is fresh, fragrant, and warms the stomach~ Wu Cai Ji Congee & Noodles is a must! 5️⃣ Plain Boiled Chicken: The skin is smooth and the meat is tender, the bones are bloody, and dipping it in ginger and scallion sauce is divine! Xiangqun Restaurant is super authentic~ 6️⃣ Double-Layered Milk Custard: The upper layer of milk skin is rich, and the lower layer is tender, smooth, and sweet. Renxin Milk Dessert Shop is a must-choose for desserts! ⚠️ Tips 1️⃣ Guangzhou in May is hot and humid with a lot of rain 🌧️, so bring an umbrella, sunscreen, and breathable clothes~ 2️⃣ There are many people in morning tea restaurants, so it is recommended to go during off-peak hours or get a number in advance! 3️⃣ The metro and buses support scanning the code with the "Guangzhou Metro" APP, which is super convenient~ 4️⃣ Some time-honored shops are hidden in the alleys. Follow the navigation and look slowly, you may find surprises! Hey, everyone, Guangzhou's delicious food and romance are really worth experiencing in person! Save this guide and let's go~💨