A Journey of Taste and Time in the Millennium-Old Commercial City: Guangzhou Exploration Guide

happyevery.comOriginal​​ Time:2025-08-18 09:40:08
I. Must-Visit Attractions

Beijing Road Pedestrian Street: One of Guangzhou's busiest commercial streets, home to numerous century-old shops and modern shopping centers. Beneath the road surface, ancient road relics from the Tang and Song dynasties are preserved, offering a glimpse into the city's historical layers.

Canton Tower (The Slim Waist): The city's landmark building, 600 meters high, featuring an observation deck, Ferris wheel, and skydiving experience. At night, its lights flicker, and climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the city's brilliant nightscape.

Lingnan Impression Park: A park that condenses traditional Lingnan culture, with antique brick and wood buildings, handicraft workshops, and folk performances (such as lion dancing and Cantonese opera) everywhere. It is perfect for experiencing authentic Lingnan customs.

Chimelong Tourist Resort: Includes Chimelong Safari Park, Chimelong Paradise, Chimelong Water Park, and more. Whether for family trips or adventures for young people, there are suitable activities, making it a top choice for family travel.

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (Guangdong Museum): A complex of Qing Dynasty Lingnan clan ancestral halls with exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings. The museum also displays a large number of Lingnan folk art treasures, making it an excellent place to learn about Lingnan architecture and culture.

II. Recommended Cuisine

Guangzhou is known as "the paradise for food," and morning tea is the essence of local food culture:

Morning Tea Must-Tries: Shrimp dumplings (crystal-like wrappers enclosing fresh shrimp), siu mai (rich fillings with a balanced salty-savory taste), barbecued pork buns (soft bread with sweet-savory barbecued pork), and chicken feet (rich sauce, tender and flavorful). Recommended restaurants: Dian Du De, Tao Tao Ju (a century-old brand with an elegant antique environment).

Specialty Dishes: White-cut chicken (yellow skin and tender meat, served with ginger paste to enhance freshness), roast suckling pig (crispy skin and tender meat), and slow-simmered soup (such as watercress and pig lung soup, bamboo shoot and smilax soup, which are nourishing).

Street Snacks: Double-skin milk (smooth and sweet), ginger milk pudding (slightly spicy and warming), fish balls (chewy and flavorful with rich broth), and rice rolls (steamed rice batter with soy sauce or peanut butter, fresh and smooth). These can be found at street stalls on Beijing Road and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

III. Itinerary (3-Day Example)

Day 1: Morning stroll along Beijing Road Pedestrian Street to experience the blend of commerce and history; have Cantonese lunch nearby; visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall in the afternoon to appreciate architectural art; head to Canton Tower in the evening to enjoy the night view and experience high-altitude activities.

Day 2: Spend the whole day at Chimelong Tourist Resort (choose parks according to interests); have dinner in the resort in the evening to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Morning visit Lingnan Impression Park to participate in folk activities and take ancient-style photos; have local farm-style lunch; go to a teahouse for morning tea (morning tea in Guangzhou can last until the afternoon) to end the pleasant trip.

IV. Transportation and Accommodation

Transportation: The subway is the most convenient way to travel, covering major attractions; bus routes are dense with affordable fares; taking taxis or online car-hailing services in the city is also convenient. For airport transfers, take Metro Line 3 or the airport express.

Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in Yuexiu District (near Beijing Road and Chen Clan Ancestral Hall) or Tianhe District (bustling commercial area, near Canton Tower). There are abundant choices from budget hotels to high-end hotels, which can be flexibly selected according to the budget.

V. Tips

Guangzhou has a humid and hot climate. In summer, pay attention to sun protection and cooling; bring rain gear during the rainy season.

The diet is light and fresh. If you like spicy food, inform the restaurant in advance.

For souvenirs, you can choose Cantonese cured meat, herbal tea, biscuits, etc., which are available on Beijing Road and in large supermarkets.