Review of a 3-day, 2-night trip to Guangzhou

Review of a 3-day, 2-night trip to Guangzhou – A Chinese city that perfectly blends ancient culture with modernity.

Just returned from a short trip to Guangzhou, a major city in Guangdong Province, China. I wanted to share a brief review for anyone planning a trip to China that’s not too far from Thailand and offers a mix of ancient Chinese vibes, modern cityscapes, and delicious food all in one place!

Our itinerary:
• Traveling with 3 people (teenager, working adult, and senior)
• Staying for 3 days and 2 nights
• Focused on temples, local markets, food, and leisurely city walks

Highlights of each day:

🏯 Day 1 – Strolling around Shamian Island & visiting famous temples
• Shamian Island: A small, quiet colonial-style island perfect for taking picturesque photos that feel like you’re in England!
• Liurong Temple (Six Banyan Trees): An ancient Chinese temple with a tall pagoda in the center. It’s stunning and has a peaceful atmosphere.
• End the day with light shopping at Beijing Road, a pedestrian street filled with food, clothing, and ancient road relics to explore.

🛕 Day 2 – Temple visits & local markets
• Start at Guangxiao Temple: The oldest Buddhist temple in Guangzhou, serene and ideal for seniors.
• Lunch with Cantonese-style dim sum at a historic local restaurant.
• Afternoon stroll at Qingping Market, which sells Chinese herbs, unique local items, and dried fruits.
• Evening boat ride along the Pearl River – The city views are spectacular, especially near Canton Tower with its dazzling LED lights.

🧳 Day 3 – Final shopping & heading back
• Before leaving, visit Yide Lu Market to buy souvenirs like snacks, dried fruits, and Cantonese tea.
• Wrap up the trip with a light schedule and return to Thailand in the afternoon.

✅ Pros of Guangzhou:
• A large city with convenient transportation via the metro, covering all zones.
• Locals in major cities are starting to communicate in English reasonably well.
• Delicious food at good prices, perfect for foodies.
• Offers both ancient and modern attractions in one city.

🧳 Small tips:
• If traveling with seniors, plan each day with a relaxed schedule and avoid peak crowded times.
• Download apps like Baidu Maps, Metro Man, and WeChat Pay on your phone.
• Exchange enough yuan as some small shops don’t accept foreign QR codes.

📌 Summary:
Guangzhou is an easy-to-navigate city with a unique charm. It’s not overly hectic for families and offers an authentic Chinese feel mixed with modernity. Perfect for spiritual travelers, food lovers, and photography enthusiasts – all in one city!

📍Location: Guangzhou, China
💰Average cost per person: Ticket price 4700 THB via 9air airline