Why Guangzhou in 2025?
When I first planned this trip, I built a 9-day itinerary (you can see it here) — packed with food stops, shopping streets, and a few hidden gems.
If you love food, shopping, and random little surprises popping up at every corner, Guangzhou is that kind of city. We went in October, and honestly… it was one giant treasure hunt of dim sum, temples, dessert shops, and electric bikes zooming silently beside us.
We based ourselves right at Beijing Lu, and that turned out to be the smartest choice ever. Food? Outside the hotel. Shopping? Outside the hotel. Dessert? Also outside the hotel. Zero stress, 100% convenience.
And because we didn’t want to deal with metro transfers, we used Didi everywhere—cheap, clean, air-con, and saves you from deciphering train lines when your brain is in holiday mode.
Fun fact: Almost every vehicle—cars, bikes, motorcycles—is electric. The roads were busy but the air? Shockingly clean.
Day 1 – Arrival & Our First Taste of Beijing Lu
Planned:
• Check in
• Explore the area
Reality:
Four-hour flight → No jet lag → Straight to FOOD.
What actually happened
The moment we stepped onto Beijing Lu, it was like walking into a festival—bright signs, BBQ smoke in the air, people queuing for snacks, and bubble tea shops every few steps. Within 100 meters of our hotel, we found a whole street of food choices.
What we loved
- Super convenient — you literally walk out and the city hugs you with food.
- The night vibes — lively but still safe and comfortable for strolling.
- Everything closes earlier than expected — most shops shut around 10–11 PM. If you’re a “late dinner” person, plan accordingly.
And because our stomachs were already complaining, we just walked into the first Hong Kong café we saw. Zero regrets.
Day 2 – Dim Sum, Cathedrals & So Much Walking
Planned:
Dim Sum → Great Buddha Temple → Temple of the Six Banyan → Beijing Lu → Sacred Heart Cathedral → Haizhu Market
Reality:
Dim Sum at Faan Lou → Tee Mall → Beijing Lu → One Link Mall → Sacred Heart Cathedral → Great Buddha Temple (Night Visit) → Dessert
Morning: The Dim Sum Pilgrimage
If you go to Guangzhou and skip dim sum… you’ve committed a crime.
We went to Faan Lou, just minutes from Beijing Lu. Reached at 8:30 AM—no queue. Left at 9:30 AM—there was a queue so long it probably needed its own zip code.
Must-tries:
- Plump, juicy shrimp dumplings
- Red intestine wrap prawn (sounds weird, tastes amazing)
- The you tiao that was literally the length of my forearm
- Crispy outside, fluffy inside — perfect with soy milk
Go early. Trust me.
Read more my Best Dim Sum in Guangzhou.
Afternoon: Shopping Black Hole Activated
After breakfast, we walked from Beijing Lu to Tee Mall, then to One Link Mall, passing snack stalls and little souvenir shops along the way.
Tee Mall is dangerous.
You’ll walk in for “just a quick look” and walk out three hours later wondering where your life went. They have everything—gadgets, home décor, toy collections, IT accessories, everything you didn’t know you needed.
We then made our way to Sacred Heart Cathedral — stunning Gothic vibes and a calm break from the crowds.
Evening: Pigeon Feast & Pretty Temples
Dinner was at Xiao Bei Ge, famous for all things pigeon:
- Pigeon hotpot
- Roasted pigeon
- Pigeon claypot rice (winner!)
The ginger-infused rice was fragrant, and the soup was super comforting. Plus, there’s a DIY sauce counter—always a bonus.
After dinner, we grabbed milk tea from a cozy café run by an artist couple (so wholesome), then headed to Great Buddha Temple.
At night? Beautiful.
Not huge, but glowing warmly—worth a quick one-hour walk-through.
We ended with dessert at Bai Hua Dessert:
- Black sesame with glutinous rice balls
- Ginger soup tang yuan
- Double-layer milk pudding (a must!)
Fun diaspora moment:
Along the way, I spotted a Singapore Bak Kut Teh stall AND a Malaysia Mao Shan Wang shop. Guangzhou is wild.
Day 3 – Liwan Adventures: Temples, Noodles & Shopping Streets
Planned:
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall → Yongqing Fang → Shangxiajiu Street → Shamian Island
Reality:
Temple of the Six Banyan → Chen Clan Hall → Yongqing Fang → Shangxiajiu Street
Morning: Blessings and Accidental Discoveries
We finally made it to Temple of the Six Banyan — missed it yesterday because shopping took over our lives (oops).
On the walk there, we stopped at a smal noodle shop for breakfast, then passed several traditional tea stores. This noodle store is authentic local. Simple and local price. Surprisingly, it tastes delicious.
One tea auntie told us:
“Walk three rounds around the pagoda for blessings.”
You bet we did.
The temple is compact, peaceful, and easy to explore within an hour.
Afternoon: Goose Detour + Closed Museum 😂
We wanted to visit the Museum of the Nanyue King’s Mausoleum, but got distracted by a roast goose shop. Priorities.
We ordered:
- Quarter goose
- Half chicken
- Veggies
Meat was slightly tougher than expected but flavorful.
So we hopped into a Didi to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall instead.
This place is gorgeous — lots of Lingnan wood carvings, pottery, artwork. Cheap entry (¥10) and an easy one-hour visit.
Next stop: Yongqing Fang — old streets, indie shops, balconies perfect for photos. Don’t miss the Bruce Lee Ancestral House.
Evening: Shopping Heaven at Shangxiajiu
Shangxiajiu Street =
cheaper clothes + local snacks + endless strolling.
Dinner was at 鸡煲佬 (Chicken Pot Lao) — and we accidentally over-ordered because the chicken pot already includes bread and veggies.
There’s also a sauce bar with spicy, garlicky, sweet mixes—go crazy.
We ended with Hey Tea, then took a Didi back.
Quick Notes
- Beijing Lu shops stay open late (boutiques till 10, Miniso till 11).
- Crowds peak after 6 PM.
- Night strolls here are super safe and relaxing.
Day 4 – Foshan Day Trip: Kung Fu Legends & Dessert Heaven
Planned:
Foshan Ancestral Temple → Lingnan Xin Tiandi → Renshou Temple → Nanfeng Ancient Kiln → Shiwan Ceramic Street → Qiandeng Lake
Reality:
Foshan Ancestral Temple → Wong Fei Hong Street → Lingnan Xin Tiandi → Qiandeng Lake
Morning: History & Street Snacks
We just have some nice pastry Bao Shi Fu at Beijing Lu. It is incredibly nice! The staffs are hardworking, i see them working even past 12am. We try the tarts and seaweed bread. It is hot and nice! The ingredients are just there!
We hopped into a Didi to Foshan — just 30–45 minutes, around 50+ yuan. So comfy and fuss-free.
Foshan Ancestral Temple:
- Gorgeous courtyard, full of traditional charm
- Caught a traditional lion dance (check the schedule!)
- Small museum inside for Wong Fei Hung fans
Wong Fei Hong Street:
- Across the temple
- Lined with street food stalls
- Fish noodles here were fresh and super local — highly recommend
Afternoon: Modern Vibes & Cute Photo Spots
Lingnan Xin Tiandi:
- Vibrant cafés, boutique shops, photo-perfect corners
- Wedding photoshoots everywhere — very aesthetic
We have Molly Bubble Tea which we are suppose to try when we are at China. There we know, Molly is as nice as Chagee and they have more flavours!
Foshan Wall:
-
Narrow alley, cute for photos, skippable if short on time
Shunde Food – Shun De Zhe Ji Da Wang:
We have our dinner here.
- Bubbling claypots, massive portions
- Staff stir-fry chicken right in front of you
- Aroma = 10/10
Evening: Qiandeng Lake Magic
- Food stalls along the water
- Serene lake with lights and cascading bridge
- Walk, snack, and chill before Didi back
Supper at Beijing Lu
Tips:
- Go early — temple closes ~5 PM
- Check lion dance timing
- Skip public transport — Didi is faster, cheaper, air-con
Day 5 – Baiyun District: Mountain
Planned:
Baiyun Mountain → Canton Tower → Pearl River Night Cruise → Dongshan Kou → Guangdong Opera House
Reality:
Baiyun Mountain → Canton Tower → Dongshan Kou
Morning: Dim Sum & Baiyun Mountain Chaos
Dim Dou Duk 點都德:
- Tasty, though slightly salty
- Start early if you want a quieter table
Baiyun Mountain:
- Multiple tickets required (cable car, shuttle bus, peak entry)
- Crazy queues, especially for cable cars
- Crowds because of 九王爷, a culturally significant day for blessings
Tip: Check for special dates — avoid festivals if you dislike crowds
Afternoon: Local Eats & Relaxing Views
- Stumbled upon a small eatery — tender pork knuckles + rice = heaven
- Canton Tower stroll + photo ops
- Dongshan Kou: cafés, boutiques, chill vibes after a busy morning. We spend our time in the supermarket getting cookie and double layer milk intant powder.
Day 6 – Tianhe District: Shopping + Unexpected Adventures
Planned:
Grandview Mall → Fashion Tianhe → Tee Mall
Reality:
Kept to plan, but added: Aquarium + Rainforest Ecology Botanical Garden
Morning: Early Shops & Noodles
He-Fu Noodle: Delicious start while waiting for malls to open
Grandview Mall:
- Started exploring from top floor
- Found snow park with penguins + ice-skating rink
- Arcade & science park hidden upstairs
Aquarium & Rainforest Garden
Aquarium:
- 360° glowing tunnels
- Mermaid show — stunning & surreal
- Mini “Cloud Forest” vibe
- Capybaras & kangaroos up close
- Beautiful photo spots
Afternoon & Night: Underground Shopping Madness
- Endless malls underground, physically scrolling like Taobao
- Buy immediately if you like something — you might never find it again
- Don’t miss spicy la zhi ji snack stall
Day 7 – Free & Easy: Tea House + Shamian Island + Market
Morning: Local Tea Magic
- Returned to our favorite tea house
- Tried multiple teas, chatted with the aunty, bought top-quality leaves
- Feels like you’re part of the local life
Afternoon: Shamian Island
- Peaceful colonial streets, perfect photos
- French-style Starbucks —sat upstairs, watched wedding photoshoots
Evening: YH Supermarket
- Crowded but lively
- Fresh veggies, fruits, live seafood — very local vibe
Day 8 – Dim Sum & Last-Minute Shopping
Morning: Tao Tao Ju
- Short weekend queue (~15 min)
- 4th dim sum of the trip — extensive menu, tiny crabs surprisingly tasty
- Local-style rice dishes worth trying
Afternoon: Beijing Road Shopping
- Picked up freshly baked local biscuits & souvenirs
- Great for last-day shopping spree
Tea time: MakeStudio Café
- Beautifully decorated, perfect for photos
- Waffles = excellent, coffee = meh
- Fun place to end the day on a stylish note
Dinner: Crab Noodle/Rice
Night snacks:
Day 9 – Departure / Wrap-Up
- Pack, check out, savor last bites of Guangzhou
- Beijing Lu gives that final magical energy: street lights, snacks, and local vibes
Final Thoughts
Guangzhou is more than dim sum and malls — it’s morning tea culture, neon-lit streets, and riverside serenity.
Next time:
- Focus more on Liwan District’s small eateries
- Fewer giant malls
- Summer is better for shopping (more clothes variety)
Guangzhou left us with full bellies, heavy shopping bags, and a huge smile. ❤️
Tips for Travelers
- Stay near Beijing Lu — ultimate convenience
- Use Didi — cheaper, faster, and air-conditioned
- Go early for popular dim sum
- Plan around local festivals or cultural days
Don’t Forget
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Frequently Asked Questions about Guangzhou Travel
Q1: What is the best time to visit Guangzhou?
A: The best time is autumn (October–December) when the weather is cool and pleasant. Spring (March–May) is also good, but summers can be hot and humid.
Q2: How many days do you need in Guangzhou?
A: A minimum of 3–4 days covers the highlights, but a 9‑day itinerary allows you to explore food, temples, shopping, and day trips like Foshan.
Q3: Is Guangzhou safe for tourists?
A: Yes, Guangzhou is generally safe. Like any big city, stay alert in crowded areas and keep an eye on belongings, especially in busy shopping streets like Beijing Lu.
Q4: What food is Guangzhou famous for?
A: Guangzhou is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine. Must‑try dishes include dim sum, roast goose, claypot rice, and herbal soups.
Q5: What is Beijing Lu known for?
A: Beijing Lu is a shopping street famous for fashion, street food, and historic underground ruins. It’s a lively spot both day and night.
Q6: Can I take day trips from Guangzhou?
A: Absolutely. Popular day trips include Foshan Ancestral Temple, Shamian Island, and Chimelong Safari Park.
Q7: Do people in Guangzhou speak English?
A: English is not widely spoken, but younger locals and service staff in hotels/shopping malls often know basic English. Learning a few Mandarin or Cantonese phrases helps.
A: The best time is autumn (October–December) when the weather is cool and pleasant. Spring (March–May) is also good, but summers can be hot and humid.
A: A minimum of 3–4 days covers the highlights, but a 9‑day itinerary allows you to explore food, temples, shopping, and day trips like Foshan.
A: Yes, Guangzhou is generally safe. Like any big city, stay alert in crowded areas and keep an eye on belongings, especially in busy shopping streets like Beijing Lu.
A: Guangzhou is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine. Must‑try dishes include dim sum, roast goose, claypot rice, and herbal soups.
A: Beijing Lu is a shopping street famous for fashion, street food, and historic underground ruins. It’s a lively spot both day and night.
A: Absolutely. Popular day trips include Foshan Ancestral Temple, Shamian Island, and Chimelong Safari Park.
A: English is not widely spoken, but younger locals and service staff in hotels/shopping malls often know basic English. Learning a few Mandarin or Cantonese phrases helps.
Final Thoughts
Guangzhou surprised me — it’s more than dim sum and shopping.
It’s the rhythm of morning tea culture, neon-lit nights, and quiet river views that stay with you.
Would I go again?
Absolutely — but next time, I’d focus more on Liwan’s small eateries and do fewer big shopping malls. Go on summer cause you have more clothes to buy. When we go, it isgoing to winter, there is not much summer clothes.
