Explore Guangzhou with 1,000 RMB per person｜3 Days 2 Nights Classic Cantonese Tour

1. Core Preparations Before the Trip

- Accommodation: Prioritize areas around Changshou Road or Beijing Road metro stations, within walking distance to multiple attractions. Recommended chain hotels like Home Inn and Hanting, about 140 RMB per night per person, totaling 280 RMB for two nights. For more savings, female dorm beds in hostels can be found for 100 RMB per night per person.
- Transportation: Purchase a 50 RMB Guangzhou Metro 3-day pass for unlimited metro and bus rides within 72 hours. For short distances in the old city, shared bikes are available at 2 RMB per 30 minutes, making total transport costs about 55 RMB.
- Essentials: Folding umbrella (for unpredictable weather), power bank (to keep capturing beautiful scenes), empty stomach (reserve 256GB appetite capacity).

2. Daily Itinerary + Food Map

Day 1: Xiguan Style Tour (Shamian → Shangxiajiu → Yongqingfang)

- Morning: European Romance and Faith Aesthetics
Head straight to Shamian Island at 9 AM (free entry). The riverside European-style buildings are naturally photogenic. The former HSBC building and Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel are popular photo spots. At 11 AM, walk 10 minutes to the Sacred Heart Cathedral (free, closed on Mondays), where the Gothic spires and stained glass windows are stunning. Please keep quiet.
- Noon: Culinary Delights on Baohua Road
Lunch at the old Baohua Road eateries: Chen Tian Ji’s fish skin is crispy and tender for 15 RMB, paired with Nanxin’s double-skin milk for 20 RMB, about 35 RMB per person to savor Xiguan flavors.
- Afternoon: Nostalgia in the Arcade Buildings
Stroll along Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street (free), admire the blend of arcade architecture and old shops. Zhan Ji’s chicken biscuits at 18 RMB per box make great souvenirs. In the evening, walk to Yongqingfang (free), where the red walls and black tiles of the Cantonese Opera Art Museum are very photogenic, and you might find some creative shops.
- Night: Street Food Feast
Head to Yuancun Fourth Horizontal Road food stalls, where 50 RMB can get you a sizzling claypot and stir-fried rice noodles full of wok hei.

Day 2: Cultural Journey Along the Central Axis (Beijing Road → Chen Clan Ancestral Hall → Huacheng Square)

- Morning: Dim Sum + Millennium Commercial Street
At 7:30 AM, have dim sum at Ronghua Lou (about 45 RMB per person). Shrimp dumplings and steamed chicken feet in black bean sauce are must-tries, with locals filling most seats. Then explore Beijing Road Pedestrian Street (free), check out the ancient road ruins, and buy 12 RMB Liyuan milk tea, avoiding the overpriced 28 RMB trendy bamboo tube milk tea.
- Noon: Authentic Cantonese Fast Food
Near Beijing Road, try Yin Ji rice rolls (about 20 RMB per person). The fresh shrimp rice rolls are paper-thin and drizzled with a secret soy sauce that’s exceptional.
- Afternoon: Lingnan Architectural Treasure
Take the metro directly to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (10 RMB entrance fee). The carved window frames and brick roof ridges are full of intricate details. The best photo time is at 3 PM when the sunlight slants. Ticket sales stop at 5 PM, so arrive early.
- Evening: City Nightscape Feast
Walk to Huacheng Square (free) and take night photos with Canton Tower as the backdrop. The APM metro line runs through here, serving as a moving observation deck.

Day 3: Urban Life Meets Landmarks (Dongshankou → Canton Tower → Pantang)

- Morning: Artistic Dongshankou Slow Life
Explore Dongshankou (free), where Republic-era villas and artsy shops create a charming scene. The arcade corner on Xugu Yuan Road is perfect for vintage-style photos. Breakfast options include roadside stalls serving rice rolls and soy milk for just 8 RMB.
- Noon: Creative Cantonese Casual Meal
Near Dongshankou, Guangjiu Restaurant offers soul-stirring rice with iced lemon tea for 40 RMB, excellent value.
- Afternoon: Landmark Check-in + Local Farewell
Take the metro to Canton Tower Station and shoot panoramic views of Canton Tower from Haixinsha Park (free), no need to spend 200+ RMB to go up the tower for great photos. Then visit Yuexiu Park (free) to see the Five Rams Statue, a symbol of Guangzhou. Finally, end the day at Pantang Road with 10 RMB water chestnut cake and 8 RMB radish beef offal, a perfect finish.

3. Detailed Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Item Cost Details
Accommodation 280 RMB Chain hotel 2 nights, 140 RMB per night per person
Transport 55 RMB Metro 3-day pass 50 RMB + shared bike 5 RMB
Meals 335 RMB Dim sum 45 RMB × 2 + main meals 40 RMB × 3 + snacks 60 RMB
Tickets 10 RMB Chen Clan Ancestral Hall ticket, other attractions free
Souvenirs 30 RMB Lotus Pavilion chicken biscuits 1 box + Zhan Ji almond biscuits 1 box
Emergency 270 RMB Flexible reserve, actual spending can be reduced
Total 980 RMB Strictly within 1,000 RMB budget

4. Blogger’s Private Tips

1. Photo Guide: Best light on Shamian Island at 4 PM, Yongqingfang arcade with red lanterns, white shirt + jeans at Dongshankou suits all scenes.
2. Food Pitfalls: The “3 items for 10 RMB” specials on Shangxiajiu are mostly wholesale goods; authentic souvenirs come from Lotus Pavilion and the old Tao Tao Ju store.
3. Money-saving Tips: Pay for dim sum before 11 AM for better deals; book Pearl River night cruises in advance via the “Pearl River Cruise” WeChat official account to avoid scalpers.

Guangzhou is never a city that requires heavy spending. With a 1,000 RMB budget, you can fully experience its history, cuisine, and vibrant local life. Follow this guide, and your friends will flood you with questions!