Guangzhou Day Trip Guide | Haizhu Square & Sacred Heart Cathedral Area

Haizhu Square is one of the core landmarks in Guangzhou's old town and was once among the "Eight Views of Guangzhou," witnessing the city's commercial prosperity and historical changes. The Sacred Heart Cathedral (commonly known as "Stone House") is located on Yide Road, just a street away from Haizhu Square. It is one of only four all-stone Gothic cathedrals in the world and is known as the "Notre-Dame of the Far East."

This area combines the local Lingnan atmosphere with European religious culture, featuring both authentic Guangzhou vibrancy and stunning foreign architecture, making it a perfect starting point to experience Guangzhou's diverse culture.

📍Address: Haizhu Square is located at the intersection of Qiyi Road, Yide Road, and Taikang Road in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou.
Sacred Heart Cathedral is at 56 Old Department Front, Yide Road, Yuexiu District.
🚇Transportation: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 2/6 to Haizhu Square Station
From Metro Line 6 Yide Road Station Exit D, it's a 3-minute walk to the Sacred Heart Cathedral main entrance.

Day trip itinerary: Immerse yourself in the historical depth and local atmosphere of Guangzhou's old town!

✅Morning: Haizhu Square➡️Sacred Heart Cathedral➡️Yide Road exploration
🌟Morning stroll at Haizhu Square
Start your morning at Haizhu Square experiencing the old town's early energy. The "Pearl Sea Devotion" sculpture in the square's center is a classic photo spot. The nearby old arcade buildings and Pearl River breeze offer instant relaxation. The vintage coffee shops along Qiaoguang West Road on the square's east side are perfect for enjoying Hong Kong-style coffee while watching street scenes.

🌟The magnificent Sacred Heart Cathedral
10-minute walk from Haizhu Square to Stone House (Note: closed on Mondays!). The cathedral opens at 9am - arrive early to avoid crowds. First-time visitors will be amazed by its 58m twin spires! Inside, sunlight through stained glass creates natural filters, with biblical stories flowing through light and shadow - remember to keep quiet! (Don't worry if wearing shorts/skirts, free wraps are provided at the entrance). The front square offers the best photo spot, while side alleys frame perfect shots of stone pillars against the blue sky - very cinematic!

🌟Exploring Yide Road
After the cathedral, don't rush away! Adjacent Yide Road is Guangzhou's traditional dried goods wholesale street, packed with seafood, New Year goods, and toys!

✅Afternoon: Shamian Island➡️Yanjiang West Road
🌟European afternoon on Shamian Island
Take Metro Line 6 from Yide Road to Huangsha Station, then walk 10 minutes to Shamian Island. Former British-French concession with over 150 European buildings - like stepping into Europe! Take photos at the mint-green Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, then enjoy coffee at Starbucks Reserve (former British Consulate) - the second-floor terrace is perfect for relaxation!

🌟Romantic sunset at Yanjiang West Road
10-minute walk from Shamian to Yanjiang West Road. The century-old buildings like Customs Museum, Aiqun Building, and Nanfang Building glow golden in sunset light, with Pearl River boats passing by - every shot looks vintage! The spiral staircase on People's Bridge offers panoramic views of both riverbanks.

✅Nearby attractions
🌟Cultural Park: Free! Features Lingnan bonsai exhibitions and Cantonese opera performances, perfect for visiting with elders.
🌟Yongqing Fang: Metro Line 1 Huangsha Station, an art lovers' paradise, must-visit Bruce Lee's ancestral home and Cantonese Opera Museum.

💡Tips
🚇Transportation: Recommended to use metro and walking, attractions within 20 minutes travel time.
❗️Note: Cathedral closed 11:30-14:30, don't visit then! No noise or flash photography inside!