Guangzhou Highlights Citywalk Guide｜2 Routes to Explore the Old Town + Night Views!

Perfect for weekends/short holidays! Explore historic neighborhoods and enjoy local snacks by day, admire the Pearl River’s shimmering lights by night, personally tested with no disappointments!

🌇 Route 1: Xiguan Style + European Architecture Line
🏮 Theme: Lingnan Culture · Colonial Heritage · Pearl River Night View
🕒 Duration: 1 day (recommended 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
📍 Route:
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (9:00 AM) → Lychee Bay (Xiguan Mansions + Boat Congee) → Yongqingfang (Cantonese Opera Museum + Zhongshuge Bookstore) → Shamian Island (European-style architecture photo spots) → Guangdong Customs Museum → Sacred Heart Cathedral (enter before 4:00 PM to see light beams) → Along Jiangxi Road (magical after lights on at 7:00 PM!)

✅ Must-Visit Highlights

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall See Lingnan’s three carvings (wood/stone/brick) ⏰1.5h, ticket ¥10
Yongqingfang Bruce Lee’s ancestral home + creative shops check-in
🍵 Enning Ice Cream Shop try the Sichuan pepper ice cream
Shamian Island Mint green Starbucks + former HSBC building 📸 Wear light-colored clothes for better photos!
Sacred Heart Cathedral Stunning stained glass dome ❌ No shorts/skirts allowed inside

🍜 Food Along the Way
Breakfast: Lychee Bay Panxi Restaurant shrimp dumplings + water chestnut cake
Lunch: Yongqingfang Kai Kee Desserts mango double-skin milk
Dinner: Along Jiang Road Guangzhou Restaurant classic Cantonese cuisine

🌃 Route 2: City Axis + Modern Night View Line
🏮 Theme: Historical Landmarks · Urban Scenery · Hilltop Night View
🕒 Duration: 1 day (recommended 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM)
📍 Route:
Yuexiu Park (Five Rams Stone Sculpture + Zhenhai Tower) → Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (blue tile dome) → Museum of the Nanyue King (see silk-thread jade burial suit in the tomb exhibition) → Beijing Road (Great Buddha Temple + ancient road over a thousand years old) → Baiyun Mountain (climb before 6:30 PM for sunset + night view) → Zhujiang New Town (Haixin Bridge + Canton Tower night view)

✅ Must-Visit Highlights

Museum of the Nanyue King Touch the 2,000-year-old palace foundation ⏰ Tomb exhibition is even more impressive!
Beijing Road Check in on the Song Dynasty ancient road under glass
🥤 Renxin double-skin milk a must-try
Baiyun Mountain Navigate to "Lianquan Gate" → 15-minute walk to the viewing platform 🌆 Night view known as "Guangzhou’s City of Philharmonic"
Haixin Bridge Photo spot for Canton Tower ("Little Waist") + Liede Bridge
📱 Book free bridge access in advance!

🍜 Food Along the Way
Lunch: Beijing Road Yinji Rice Rolls fresh shrimp rice rolls
Dessert: Baihua Dessert Shop Phoenix milk paste
Dinner: Zhujiang New Town Tao Tao Ju chilled sweet and sour pork

🚇 Transportation Tips
1️⃣ Old Town (Route 1): Metro lines 1/6 > bus > walking (dense attractions)
2️⃣ New Town Line (Route 2): Metro line 2 connects Yuexiu Park - Memorial Hall - Beijing Road
3️⃣ Baiyun Mountain: Taxi to Lianquan Gate (west gate) is easiest!
4️⃣ Pearl River Night Cruise: Choose "Zhongda Pier → Canton Tower" route (from ¥78)

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

Beijing Road Many food options + transport hub Lingnan No.5 / Guangzhou Hotel
Zhujiang New Town Near Canton Tower + upscale shopping Four Seasons Hotel / Rosewood
Shamian Island Vintage Western-style building atmosphere White Swan Hotel

💡 Key Reminders
🔹 Reservations:
Sacred Heart Cathedral (WeChat official account "Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Stone House")
Haixin Bridge (mini program "Haixin Bridge")
🔹 Avoid Pitfalls:
Be cautious buying "internet-famous snacks" on Beijing Road!
Choose official piers (Tianzi / Dashatou) for Pearl River night cruises
🔹 Gear:
Mosquito repellent + sun umbrella (hot and humid in summer)
Comfortable sports shoes (expect to walk 20,000 steps a day!)

✨ Classic Food List

Morning Tea: Dian Dou De / Tao Tao Ju red rice rolls + shrimp dumplings
Desserts: Nanxin Milk / Kai Kee mango pomelo sago + double-skin milk
Roasted Meats: Bing Sheng Pinwei black char siu + crispy roast goose