Day Trips & Excursions: Guangzhou

Foshan

A city closely linked to Cantonese culture, known for its ceramics, martial arts (birthplace of Wing Chun), and lion dance.

Transportation: Metro (Guangfo Line, 30-45 min), High-Speed Rail, Bus (45-60 min).

Highlights

Ancestral Temple (daily lion dance)
Lingnan Tiandi (revitalized historical area)
Shiwan Ceramics Street
Bruce Lee Ancestral Home

Nearby Destinations

Explore additional cities easily reachable from Guangzhou, each offering distinct attractions.

Shenzhen City

A bustling mega-city and Special Economic Zone, known for rapid development and theme parks. Travel by High-Speed Train (30-60 min).

Attractions

Window of the World (miniature replicas)
Splendid China Folk Village
Happy Valley (amusement park)

Dongguan History

Mainly a manufacturing hub, it also presents cultural sites and parks. Travel by High-Speed Rail (30-60 min) or bus.

Historical Sites

Humen Fort (Opium Wars)
Opium War Museum
Keyuan Garden (classical Chinese garden)

Cross-Border Travel

Hong Kong Entry

Visa-free entry for many nationalities
Separate immigration policies
Check your nationality's requirements
Chinese visas do not grant automatic entry

Macau Entry

Visa-free entry for short stays
Portuguese colonial heritage
Verify entry permits in advance
Separate from mainland China

Travel Times Summary

Guangzhou to Foshan (Metro)30-45 min
Guangzhou to Shenzhen (HSR)30-60 min
Guangzhou to Dongguan (HSR)30-60 min
Guangzhou to Zhuhai (HSR)Approx. 1 hour

Guangzhou to Hong Kong (HSR)Approx. 1 hour
Guangzhou to Hong Kong (Ferry)1.5-2 hours
Guangzhou to Macau (Ferry)1.5-2 hours
Guangzhou to Guilin (HSR)2.5-3 hours

Plan Ahead

Book inter-city high-speed train tickets in advance, especially during public holidays. This helps with availability.

Natural Escapes

Discover Guangzhou's green spaces and leisure parks for a refreshing break.

Chimelong Tourist Resort

A massive entertainment complex with various animal and adventure parks.

Xiqiao Mountain

A national forest park in Foshan with volcanic landscapes and ancient temples.

Conghua Hot Springs

A popular hot spring resort area offering relaxing natural mineral springs.

Chimelong Safari Park & Paradise

Premier parks for wildlife sightings and thrilling amusement rides.

Park Highlights

Giant Pandas and various animals
Drive-through safari sections
Walk-through animal exhibits

Xiqiao Mountain Features

Offers scenic beauty and a tranquil atmosphere in Foshan, approximately 1.5-2 hours from Guangzhou.

Mountain Attractions

Volcanic landscape formations
Ancient temples for exploration
Giant Guan Yin statue

Conghua Hot Springs Experience

Location:North of Guangzhou, Conghua district

Travel Time:Approx. 1.5-2 hours by bus

Reputation:Known for natural mineral springs

Activities:Relaxing baths and wellness facilities

Offerings:Various hot spring resorts

Setting:Beautiful natural surroundings

Best Time to Visit

Autumn (Oct-Dec) ideal for outdoor exploration.
Spring (Mar-May) pleasant before summer heat.
Summer (Jun-Sep) for water parks and indoor attractions.
Winter (Jan-Feb) for cooler, drier outdoor walks.
Consider carbon offsetting flights via Terrapass.

Cultural Excursions

Explore historical and cultural sites slightly outside the immediate city center, offering a dive into regional heritage.

Kaiping Diaolou Overview

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring fortified towers (diaolou) blending Western and Chinese architectural styles.

Architectural Blend

Unique blend of Western and Chinese styles
Multi-story fortified towers (diaolou)
Served as protection against bandits

Diaolou Villages

These villages showcase an unique collection of diaolou towers, offering a look into the history of overseas Chinese.

Explore These

Zili Village (自力村)
Majianglong Village (马降龙村落群)
Jinjiangli Village (锦江里)

Guangzhou Art Museum

Houses a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary Chinese art, including paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy.

Collections

Chinese traditional paintings
Modern and contemporary sculptures
Ancient and modern calligraphy works

Redtory Art & Design Factory

A former canning factory transformed into a cultural hub for art, design, and creative industries.

What to Find

Numerous art galleries showing local works
Design studios and creative workshops
Trendy cafes and unique shops

Additional Cultural Sites

Temple of Bright Filial Piety

One of the oldest Buddhist temples in the region, a significant spiritual site.

Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family

Famous for its intricate Cantonese folk art, a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship.

Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum

Houses a Western Han Dynasty tomb with a jade burial suit and artifacts.

Local Transportation

For cultural excursions, the Guangzhou Metro and local buses offer affordability and wide reach.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider adding 1-3 days to your itinerary to explore beyond Guangzhou and its immediate vicinity. Find more bookable experiences via GetYourGuide.

Guilin & Yangshuo Journey

1

Guilin Exploration

Explore Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave upon arrival in Guilin.

2

Li River Cruise

Take a scenic cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, admiring karst landscapes.

3

Yangshuo Activities

Cycle through the countryside or raft on the Yulong River.

Guilin / Yangshuo Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Guilin, explore Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, city lakes and pagodas.
Day 2: Scenic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Explore Yangshuo's West Street.
Day 3: Explore Yangshuo countryside by cycling, rafting on the Yulong River, or visiting a local village. Depart from Guilin.
Context: Famous for breathtaking karst landscapes and serene Li River.
Transportation: High-speed train from Guangzhou South (approx. 2.5-3 hours).
Minimum stay: 2-3 days.

Xiamen Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Xiamen. Explore Zengcuo'a village for its bohemian atmosphere.
Day 2: Take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, an UNESCO World Heritage site known for colonial architecture.
Day 3: Visit Nanputuo Temple and explore Xiamen University grounds. Depart from Xiamen.
Context: A charming coastal city in Fujian, known for its pleasant climate and unique Gulangyu Island.
Transportation: High-speed train from Guangzhou South (approx. 4-5 hours).
Minimum stay: 2-3 days.

Planning Tips

Train Tickets

Book high-speed rail tickets well in advance for inter-city travel.

Peak Season

Expect crowds and higher prices during major public holidays.

Visa Needs

Verify visa or entry permits for Hong Kong and Macau separately.

Travel Advisory

Book inter-city high-speed train tickets well in advance, especially during public holidays. This helps with availability.

Day Trips & Excursions