Soaring 600 meters above the Pearl River, Guangzhou Tower (Canton Tower) – affectionately nicknamed “Little Waist” for its curvaceous silhouette – reigns as China’s tallest TV tower and the world’s #1 vertical adventure destination. This architectural marvel combines record-breaking attractions (including the planet’s highest Ferris wheel at 460m) with panoramic city views, making it Guangzhou’s most-visited landmark. Whether you’re chasing thrilling sky drops, Instagrammable glass-floored observatories, or sunset cocktails above the clouds, this guide reveals pro-tested strategies to conquer every level of the tower and its best-kept neighboring secrets.
Why Visit?
This curvaceous landmark (nicknamed “Little Waist” for its hourglass design) isn’t just China’s tallest tower – it’s a multi-level playground offering:
360° observation decks with glass-floor adrenaline rushes at 428m/433m
The world’s highest horizontal Ferris wheel (460m)
Heart-stopping 480m sky drop (“Cloud Vortex”)
Uninterrupted sunset-to-city-lights transitions from its 488m crow’s nest
Insider’s Access Guide
1. Ticket Hacks (Save 20-35%)
Prime Experience: “One Tower All-Inclusive Pass” (¥498) covers Ferris wheel + sky drop + all observation floors
Budget Pick: Twilight Special (enter after 6PM for 30% off standard ¥150 admission)
Pro Tip:
- Strategic Timing
Golden Hours: 4:30-7PM (sunset magic + night views)
Avoid: Weekends after 10AM (2hr elevator waits)
3. Navigation Cheat Sheet
Metro: Line 3/APM to Canton Tower Station (Exit B leads straight to ticketing)
Tram: Scenic route along Pearl River (alight at Canton Tower Stop)
Level-by-Level Highlights
107F-108F (428m/433m)
Vertigo-inducing glass floors with Instagram-perfect skyline selfies
Interactive displays explaining Guangzhou’s urban evolution
450m Outdoor Deck
Unobstructed 360° vistas – spot landmarks like Haixinsha Island
460m Ferris Wheel
16 climate-controlled capsules* (20min rotation) – reserve capsule #9 for best sunset angles
480m Cloud Vortex
Not for faint-hearted: 4.5-second freefall from China’s highest thrill ride
488m Summit
The ultimate bragging right: Highest public observation point in mainland China
Dining with a View
105F: Lutece (French revolving restaurant; book window seats 2hrs pre-sunset)
It is well-known for its commitment to pursue the French romanticism, provide an elegant dining environment and present authentic French Fare.
106F: Mediterranean Buffet (¥398/pax; unlimited seafood with skyline backdrop)
Tasting Food and Enjoy The View In The city.
TWIST creates an elegant and comfortable dining environment and it is an excellent choice for your family and friends to enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s sky line while tasting the Mediterranean flavors and specialties.
107/F Sky Bar
serving coffee and dessert.It is a good place to enjoy the grand scenery of Guangzhou day and night.
CHOPSTIX RESTAURANT
CHOPSTIX, located on the basement 1 floor of Canton Tower, catering an authentic selection of Cantonese dishes.
Last-Minute Checks
✗ No lighters/liquids (strict security)
✓ Jacket recommended (windy at summit)
✓ Charge phones (endless photo ops!)
After the Tower: 3 Captivating Ways to Continue Your Guangzhou Adventure
Haixinsha Park: Guangzhou’s Premier Photo Spot
Where the city’s best skyline selfies come to life
▲ Nearby Bonus:
Evening: Board Pearl River cruises from adjacent pier
Daytime: Rent bicycles along Zhujiang New Town’s waterfront greenways
Why Photographers Love It:
Postcard-perfect views of Canton Tower across the Pearl River
2010 Asian Games legacy with iconic “Shell” observation deck
Golden hour magic (sunset behind the tower)
Nighttime spectacle when tower lights dance on the water
Pro Photo Tips:
📸 Best angles:
Shell platform edge (frame tower between steel arches)
Riverside boardwalk (capture reflections at low angle)
Lawn area (use flowers as foreground)
Visitor Essentials:
🚇 Metro: APM Line from Canton Tower Station to Haixinsha Station (3-min walk)
🚶 Pedestrian Option: Cross Haixin Bridge from Canton Tower (15-min scenic walk)
⏰ Ideal times:7:00-9:00/17:00-19:00
🎟️ Free admission | Open 24 hours
Alternative Access: The Haixin Bridge Experience
15-minute picturesque walk from Canton Tower
Why Walk This Way?
This award-winning pedestrian bridge—with its twin-arched, whale-inspired design—transforms a simple crossing into a 488-meter-long open-air gallery. The steel curves create natural viewfinders for:
✓ Tower Perspectives: Unique downward angles of Canton Tower’s tapered midsection
✓ River Vistas: Uninterrupted views of cruise ships gliding through jade waters
✓ Architectural Drama: Nightly light symphonies (bridge LEDs pulse with the tower’s show)
Photo Hotspots:
Mid-span glass observation platforms (best at golden hour)
Southern approach (capture the bridge’s S-curve with tower backdrop)
Pro Tip:
Time your crossing 30 minutes before sunset to witness the tower’s daytime glow transition to nighttime illumination from this perfect vantage point.
Option 1: Riverside Tram Journey
5-minute walk from tower exit
Glide along the Pearl River on the Haizhu Tram (7.7km scenic route). This air-conditioned light rail offers:
✓ Panoramic views of Guangzhou’s skyline
✓ Stops at Canton Tower metro station & riverside parks
✓ Best photo ops between 4-6PM when sunlight gilds the river
Option 2: Pearl River Night Cruise
10-minute walk to Guangzhou Tower Wharf
When dusk falls:
✓ Board the Snoopy-themed cruise (7:50PM departure)
✓ Watch the tower’s laser show reflect off the water
✓ Pro tip: Upper deck seats (+¥20) provide unobstructed views
Option 3: Cultural Cross-River Leap
4-minute APM metro ride (¥2)
From Haixinsha or Opera House stations, explore:
Captivating Next Steps
A. Guangzhou Opera House
Zaha Hadid’s illuminated “pebbles” (light show starts 7PM)
Evening performances often available
B. Guangdong Museum
Free entry (closed Mondays)
Don’t miss the dinosaur fossils & maritime exhibits
C. K11 Art Mall
5th floor “Urban Forest” installation
Rooftop bars with craft cocktails overlooking the tower
4-minute APM metro ride (¥2)
From Haixinsha or Opera House stations, explore:
Huacheng Square: Guangzhou’s Living Postcard
Where the city’s pulse meets perfect selfie geometry
Why It Captivates:
This 56-hectare urban canvas isn’t just Guangzhou’s “City Living Room” – it’s the definitive Guangzhou Tower photo stage. By day, the square’s central axis draws a laser-straight line between architectural titans (East Tower’s steel angles vs West Tower’s glass curves). By night, it transforms into a 360° light symphony with fountain jets dancing to Cantopop beats.
Must-Have Snapshot:
The “I❤GZ” floral installation (23°07’15″N 113°19’26″E) frames the Tower’s waist-like midsection through clever perspective play. Come at “blue hour” (30mins post-sunset) when:
Where to eat at Huacheng Square
Huacheng Hui Food Court: A Gastronomic Pit Stop
Where convenience meets authentic Cantonese flavors
Why Eat Here?
This sprawling underground food haven offers:
50+ eateries under one roof (no weather worries!)
Cantonese must-tries: Claypot rice, congee, roast goose
International backups: Korean bibimbap, Italian pasta
Budget-friendly meals from ¥25
Pro Tips:
Peak hours: 12:30-1:30PM (go before/after)
Payment: Alipay/WeChat Pay preferred (some stalls take cash)
Cool feature: Food pagers let you shop while waiting
Location:
B1/F Huacheng Square (connected to APM’s Grand Theater Station)
