Things to Do

Nestled in the heart of Guangzhou, the Guangzhou Peasant Movement Institute (officially designated as the Former Site of the Peasant Movement Institute Directed by Comrade Mao Zedong) stands as a remarkable architectural palimpsest. Its weathered brick walls, originally part of the Ming Dynasty’s Panyu Confucian Academy (1370), still emanate scholarly serenity from centuries of classical education.What truly captivates visitors is …

Nestled along Guangzhou’s vibrant waterfront between Dongshan Lake Park and Haizhu Bridge, Dashatou Wharf serves as the city’s flagship departure point for Pearl River cruises. As the largest dedicated tourist pier in Guangzhou, it boasts the most modern fleet, with all premium vessels embarking from this iconic location. Among Guangzhou’s multiple cruise terminals, Dashatou and Tianzi Wharves reign supreme for …

Local in the heart of Guangzhou, Dongshan Lake Park (东山湖公园) is more than just a green escape—it’s a vibrant showcase of the city’s daily rhythms. Built in 1958 through a collaborative effort between local residents and PLA soldiers, this beloved park officially opened on May 12, 1959, and has since become a cherished retreat for both nature lovers and culture …

For travelers seeking more than Guangzhou’s famed dim sum and shopping, Guangzhou Lingnan Impression Park offers a fully immersive journey into Cantonese heritage. Though slightly off the tourist trail (just a 12-minute walk from University Town South Metro Station), this open-air museum rewards visitors with something rare: history you can touch, play with, and even taste. Step Into Old Canton …

Rising like a pair of water-worn pebbles from the Pearl River’s edge, the Guangzhou Opera House redefines urban architecture with its sensual, gravity-defying curves. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid, this cultural landmark blends seamlessly with its aquatic surroundings – the undulating glass and steel surfaces appear to ripple like the adjacent river at golden hour.Architectural SymphonyThe twin structures …

Tucked away in Guangzhou’s Panyu District (17km from downtown), the postcard-perfect Yu Yin Shan Fang (余荫山房) stands as one of Guangdong’s Four Classic Qing Dynasty Gardens. This 1,598-sqm horticultural gem whispers the legacy of the Wu family – whose father and two sons remarkably clinched top-three rankings in imperial examinations – making it a symbolic pilgrimage site for academic aspirants …

Step into the opulent world of Xiguan Grand Houses (Xiguan Da Wu 西关大屋), where the wealthiest Cantonese families of the Ming and Qing dynasties once resided. These architectural masterpieces blend soaring spaces with intimate courtyards, their intricate woodcarvings and满洲窗 (stained-glass windows) glowing like jewel boxes in the subtropical sun.Two centuries ago, Xiguan was the neighborhood for Guangzhou’s wealthy elite. Today, …

Perched on the serene Changzhou Island in Guangzhou’s Huangpu District, Huangpu Military Academy stands as hallowed ground that once trained the 20th century’s most influential military leaders. Founded in 1924 through an unprecedented alliance—revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen collaborating with Soviet advisors and Chinese Communists—this legendary academy’s legacy lives on in the battlefields of history, having shaped commanders who would determine …

Guangzhou People Park local in Guangzhou’s historic central axis, this 4.46-hectare oasis is the city’s oldest public park (est. 1921) – affectionately dubbed “Guangzhou’s First Park” by locals. Why Visit? Timeless Charm: Stroll beneath century-old trees and artfully trimmed hedges surrounding the iconic Music Pavilion and fountain square. Perfect Accessibility: Steps from Gongyuanqian Station (Exit J) where Metro Lines 1 …

Nestled amid Guangzhou’s skyscrapers, Liuhua Lake Park masterfully blends urban greenery, poetic ruins, and ecological wonders into a single breathtaking escape. This sprawling sanctuary features three major lakes and four smaller reflective pools, framed by lush subtropical canopies and dotted with historical whispers – most notably the ancient Liuhua Bridge from the Southern Han Dynasty era.Wildlife SpectacleThe park’s crown jewel …