With the introduction of the 144-hour visa-free entry scheme, visiting Guangzhou is now a breeze. Depending on your transit time, you can easily explore the best attractions in China’s 3rd biggest city.
Things to remember
Before planning your itinerary, find out the distance/travel time between the airport and Guangzhou’s centre. Plan how you will get about. If your layover is 2-3 days, find centralised lodgings such as hotel accommodation in Tianhe District Guangzhou or Yuexiu District. Many hotels/serviced residences are located near several popular attractions, including Ascott ICC Guangzhou.
2–12-hour layover
If you only have 2-4 hours, head to Beijing Road for some quick shopping and dining experiences. Alternatively, you can visit Yuexiu Park to get a taste of Guangzhou’s culture and history. For those with a 12-hour layover, consider adding a Pearl River cruise and visits to Canton Tower, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Shamian Island, and Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.
24-hour layover
For those with 24 hours to spare, include all of the above attractions with Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Guangzhou Opera House. Visit Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street or Tianhe District for more shopping and dining options.
2-3 days layover
If your layover is 48 hours or more, you can experience most of Guangzhou. Aside from cruising the Pearl River and visiting the landmarks mentioned above, you can also explore Guangzhou’s traditional markets and its trendy nightlife on Binjiang Road and Huanshi Road.
