Guangdong Museum –Your Gateway to Lingnan Civilization
Rising like a sculpted jewel box at No. 2 Zhujiang East Road, the Guangdong Museum crowns Guangzhou’s cultural axis – a glittering triangle connecting the vertigo-inducing Canton Tower, the avant-garde Guangzhou Library, and the sprawling Huacheng Square where locals gather at dusk. This architectural showpiece in Zhujiang New Town reimagines Lingnan heritage through its latticed facade, its aluminum panels casting dragon-scale shadows that ripple toward the square’s iconic fountain.9
Collections That Captivate
Step into a world where ancient maritime trade routes come alive:
4F Historical Gallery: Marvel at the 19th-century Liede Dragon Boat, its gilded prow whispering tales of Pearl River Delta traditions
Natural History Wing: Interactive dioramas showcase Guangdong’s biodiversity, from tropical rainforest specimens to mineralogical wonders
3F Marine Gallery: Dive into a prehistoric underwater world where marine giants and dinosaurs collide:
Pose beside life-sized whale skeletons under dramatic lighting (pro tip: wear pastels for Instagram-worthy shots)
A life-sized whale skeleton suspended mid-swim (26m long, from South China Sea)
Dinosaur fossils with animated projections showing their marine adaptations
Architectural Showstopper
The building’s suspended steel-truss structure – an engineering feat supporting its “floating” exhibition spaces – creates photogenic walkways that naturally guide visitors through chronological displays. The cascading green roof seamlessly blends with Zhujiang New Town’s urban landscape, making the museum itself part of the exhibition.
Curator’s Highlights
Chaozhou Woodcarving Collection: Witness the 8-layer “Book of Songs” longevity screen – a masterclass in lacquerwork
Export Porcelain Gallery: Compare Ming-era blue-white Jingdezhen ware with flamboyant Qing dynasty Guangcai enamels
Duan Inkstone Treasury: Stroke replica stones to understand why scholars prized these “jade of the writing desk”
✨ Pro Tips:
Bring passport/ID for ticket collection
Free audio guides at entrance (English available)
Avoid weekends – school groups frequent 10:00-12:00
📍 Address & Transport
🏠 Address:
No. 2 Zhujiang East Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
(Landmark: Near Guangzhou Opera House & Canton Tower)
How to get to Guangdong Museum
🚇 By Metro (Best Option):
Line 3 to Zhujiang New Town Station (Exit B1) – 10min walk
Line 5 to Liede Station (Exit D) – 15min walk
(Pro Tip: Follow signs to “广东省博物馆” in yellow metro signage)
APM Line
Grand Theatre Station (大剧院站) Exit B
3-5 min walk through landscaped plaza (follow “广东省博物馆” signs)
Best for: Morning visitors (least crowded route)
🚖 By Taxi/Didi:
Show this Chinese to drivers:
“请带我去珠江东路2号的广东省博物馆”
(Qǐng dài wǒ qù Zhūjiāng dōnglù 2 hào de Guǎngdōngshěng Bówùguǎn)
🎫 Tickets & Hours
💰 Admission:
FREE (Pre-book via WeChat: 广东博物馆)
Premium Exhibition Ticket: ¥60/person (no reservation required) – perfect for culture enthusiasts seeking deeper immersion.
💳 Payment:
Mobile Pay: WeChat/Alipay (foreign cards accepted with 3% fee)
Cash: ¥10/¥20 bills preferred
⏰ Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:00)
Closed Mondays (except public holidays)
Peak times: 11:00-14:00 – arrive early!
🚶 Suggested Itinerary
⏱️ Quick Visit ( 2 Hours):
4F History Gallery – Must-see: Liede Dragon Boat
3F Marine Exhibit – Whale skeleton photo op
Gift Shop – Lingnan-style souvenirs
🌅 Half-Day Trip (3-4 Hours):
All permanent galleries
Chaozhou Woodcarving Demo (check schedule)
Rooftop Café with Canton Tower views
Pair with: Guangzhou Opera House (5min walk)
🌍 Nearby Highlights
✨ Within 15 Minutes Walk:
Guangzhou Library (Futuristic architecture)
Huacheng Square
The prime photography spot for Canton Tower nightscapes
📸 Iconic vantage point: Capture the tower’s LED light show (daily 19:00-22:00) reflected in the square’s mirror pools
🌃 Local secret: Arrive by 18:30 to secure tripod space near the central fountain
Shamian Island (Colonial-era photo spot, 20min taxi)