Guangzhou/Yuexiu

Yuexiu is a central district in Guangzhou. The old walled city of Guangzhou was here, though it has been mostly redeveloped. Yuexiu is now the political and cultural center of Guangzhou, with many museums, holy sites, and urban parks.

Get in

By metro

Metro Line 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8 serve Yuexiu. Almost all the district is within walking distance of a metro station.

See

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Zhōngshān Jìniàntáng, Dongfeng Middle RoadMetro 2 Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, exit C).08:00-18:00. Dedicated to the founder of the Republic of China and local hero Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. It was constructed in 1931 and built on the original site of Sun Yat-sen's presidential office on Yuexiu Hill. Admission is free for the park and ¥10 to go inside the hall.

• Xiaobei / Siu Bak Xiǎoběi / "Little AfricaMetro Line 5, Xiaobei Station).Likely Guangzhou's most diverse neighborhood, with banners here written in at least 4 languages: Chinese, English, French and Arabic. You'll find delicious Middle Eastern and Uyghur restaurants on the main street Baohan Zhijie, before you meander into side streets full of Africans. Even the Chinese salespeople here have thick African accents when they speak English. You may feel like you're in Africa, but this is Guangzhou.
• Ancient City WallIn Yuexiu Park).Built in 1380, the city wall used to surround the entire city. But in the early 20th century it was torn down for redevelopment, except for a 1-km long section in Yuexiu Park. The wall reaches up to 10-m high. In some parts, there are trees growing from the top of the wall with their roots spreading picturesquely down the wall.
• Haixin BridgeGuangzhou’s first pedestrian-only bridge over the Pearl River, linking Ersha Island with Tianhe. Opened in 2022, its sleek white curves and sweeping river views make it as much a photo spot as a shortcut.

Parks

• Yuexiu Park Yuèxiù Gōngyuán) Metro 2 Yue Xiu Park Station, exit B1).06:00-18:00. The largest urban park in China and is a lush green area that flows over acres of hills and includes several lakes. It includes the Ming Dynasty Zhenhai Tower zhènhǎilóu, now home to the Guangzhou Museum with relics on five floors dating back 5,000 years ago and an up-to-date miniature of modern Guangzhou. ¥10. 09:00 - 11:30, 13:00 - 17:00. Also check out the Stone Statue of the Five Rams, the symbol of Guangzhou (See Understand).Free. Guangzhou Martyrs' Memorial Garden Guǎngzhōu Qǐyìlièshì Língyuán, Zhongshan 2nd Road Metro 1 Martyrs' Park Station, exit D).06:00-22:00. This park is dedicated to those who fought and died in the Communist Uprising in 1927. Free.
• East Ho Chung River Greenway, Green Walk) under the Metro 1, Peasant Movement Institute).This small river flowing through Yuexiu has been cleaned up, and is now home to a walking path. It is under the Donghaoyong Elevated Road motorway.

Huanghua Gang Commemoration Park Huánghuāgǎng Gōngyuán, 79 Xianlie Middle Road, ☏ +86 20 3758-8321. 06:00-20:30. This is a park that will set you in a poignant mood. The main attraction is the monument built to commemorate the 72 martyrs who died during the 1911 uprising. Free.

• Ersha Island is an attractive upscale area with lots of green open space. Towards its east end are the Museum of Art and the Concert Hall, see listings.

Religious buildings

Dafo Temple Big Buddha Temple Dàfó Sì, Beijing Road. An impressive and large Chan temple with a history of over one thousand years (though it has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. It is one of the five largest temples in Guangzhou. Guangxiao Temple Bright Filial Piety Temple Gwonghaau Si, 109 Guangxiao Rd Metro 1 Ximenkou, exit C).As the sixth patriarch of Zen Buddhism, Hui Neng, trained at this temple in the 7th century, it is a popular pilgrimage site for Zen Buddhists. The temple has been destroyed several times by fire, and the current buildings date back to the mid-19th century.

• Huaisheng Mosque Huáishèngsì, Lighthouse Mosque, 56 Guangta Rd Metro 1 Ximenkou, exit C).Guangzhou's main mosque, said to be have been built in 626 CE during the Tang dynasty, which would make it one of the oldest mosques in the world. In front is an enormous, distinctive minimalist minaret. Across the street are a handful of halal restaurants and shops where you might hear snatches of conversation in Uyghur. Free. Liurong Temple Liùróngsì, 87 Liurong Rd Metro 1 Gongyuanqian, exit I).The Temple of Six Banyan Trees, which includes the 17-story, eight-sided Hua Ta, or Flowering Pagoda, is one of the most popular attractions in Guangzhou. The temple dates back to the 6th century, while the pagoda predates it by about 300 years. Free.

• Sanyuan Temple Sānyuángōng, Yingyuan RoadMetro 2 Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, exit C).This is the largest and oldest Taoist temple in the city.

• Shishi Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral Shíshì Shèngxīn Jiàotáng, 56 Yide Rd Metro 2 Haizhu Square, exit B1).M-F 08:30-11:30 and 14:30-17:30; Sa Su 08:30-17:00. Built in the 1860s, it is one of the oldest church structures in the city, and the largest of its kind of Southern China. It is used for worship. Free. "Sacred Heart Cathedral (Guangzhou) on Wikipedia

• Taoist templeFive Fairy Taoist temple is in Hui Fu Xi Lu of the center of Guangzhou. It is the historical markers of that Guangzhou has been founded 2000 years.

• Wu Xian Guan Temple Wǔxiānguān, Huifu West Road Metro 1 Ximenkou, exit C).¥5.

Museums and galleries

• Guangzhou City Art Museum Guǎngzhōu Měishùguǎn, next to the Zhenhai Tower in Yuexiu ParkMetro 2 Yuexiu Park).This impressive gallery has more than 10,000 pieces of art work, including calligraphy, traditional Chinese paintings, sculptures and Tibetan Buddhist art (Thangka).¥10 with visit to Guangzhou Museum (See Yuexiu Park.
• Guangdong Museum of Art Guǎngdōng Měishùguǎn, 8 Yanyu Road, Er-Sha Island. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. It focuses on contemporary Chinese art with particular emphasis on Guangdong artists. Personal ID is required to obtain free tickets at ticket office. Visitors are limited to 3000 a day. Admission fee for special exhibits. Free.
• Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, 867 Jiefang Road N. Across from Yuexiu Park; Metro 2 Yuexiu Park, exit E, ☏ +86 20 3618-2920. 09:00-17:30. This is a tomb for the king of ancient South China during the Western Han era.¥12.
• Guangzhou Sculpture Park Guǎngzhōu Diāosù Gōngyuán, Tongxin Road at the foot of Baiyun Mountain. Free.
• Guangzhou Uprising Museum, 200 Qiyi Rd Metro 1, 2 Gongyuanqian, exit J).Tu-F 09:00-12:00 and 13:30–16:30; Sa Su 10:00-16:30. The Museum is at the site of the first Communist government building. Free.
• Guangzhou Zoo Metro 6 Huanghuagang, ☏ +86 20 38377572. Extensive zoo, seems well-run. It incorporates Guangzhou Ocean World, with over 200 kinds of fish and other rare ocean creatures.
• Guangdong Revolutions History Museum, 2 Lingyuan West Rd martyrs memorial park; Metro 1 Martyrs' Park, exit D).Sun Yat-Sen was sworn in here in 1921 as the president of Republic of China. The museum tells stories from the Opium War to the founding of the new China. Free. Peasant Movement Institute Nóngjiǎngsuǒ, 42 Zhongshan 4th Rd Metro 1, Peasant Movement Institute, exit C).Tu-Su 09:00-16:30. This is the site of Communist training center founded by Mao Tse-tung in the 1920s. Now it is a museum covering China revolutionary history. Free.
• Guangzhou Municipal MuseumIn Yuexiu Park.
• Guangdong Overseas Chinese Museum, Guangdong Museum of Chinese Nationals Living Abroad, Chinese Emigrant Museum, 32 Yanyu Road, Ersha Island opposite the Guangdong Museum of Art, ☏ +86 20 87353423, gdhqbwg@21cn.net.09:30-17:00, no admission after 16:30, closed on Mondays (public holidays excepted).Documents China's diaspora principally in the Americas. Free.
• Canton-Hong Kong Strike Memorial Museum, 3 Dongyuan Side Street Metro line 6, Tuanyida Square, exits A & B, ☏ +86 20 86153096. 09:00-17:30, no entry after 17:00, closed on Mondays. Museum dedicated to the Canton (Guangzhou)-Hong Kong Strike of 1925-1926, the largest and longest general strike in modern Chinese history. The museum is housed in the building where the strike committee was based. Free.

Do

• Xinghai Concert HallOn Ersha Island opposite the Museum of Art.

Buy

Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street Běijīng lù) Metro: Beijing Road).This is the main shopping thoroughfare, a pedestrian street where most stores are open from 09:00-22:00. Avoid individuals who solicit pirated DVDs and imitation goods. Don't follow anyone into the small dark alleys in between buildings to see their goods. There's been a road here for many centuries, and enclosed in glass you can see the ruins of gates and brick roads from dynasties past, below the current street level.

• China Plaza Zhōnghuá Guǎngchǎng, 33 Zhongshan 3rd Rd Metro 1 Martyrs' Park).This is another large shopping mall with brand name department stores, clothing stores, electronics stores and restaurants.
• Friendship Store Yǒuyí Shāngdiàn, 369 Huanshi East Rd Metro 5 Taojin).09:45–21:45. It is one of the oldest department stores targeting foreigners in Guangzhou. You will also find its branches in Grandview Mall and Times Square on 28 Tianhe North Road.
• Wangfujing Wángfǔjǐng, 40 Longlin Down Road.09:3M–21:30. This is a branch of the famous department store in Beijing, featuring mid to high-end products.
• Onelink Plaza Wànlíng Guǎngchǎng, 39 Jiefang South Rd Metro 2 Haizhu Square Exit B).At first glance, this looks like a regular shopping mall but it is actually a wholesale market. Each shop usually carries specific products with many selections of varieties. You will find products such as arts and crafts, jewelry, sporting goods, toys, key chains, collectibles and gifts of all types. Many store and boutique owners from all over the world come here to buy their products. You will get the best prices if you buy in bulk (usually 20 or more. Most shop owners will not bargain unless you buy in bulk. However, if you only buy small quantities, the prices are usually cheaper than elsewhere. Not to be confused with Onelink Centre in Tianhe.
• Mayflower Plaza Wǔyuèhuā Guǎngchǎng, 68 Zhongshan 5th Road, at the northern end of the Pedestrian StreetMetro 1 & 2 Gongyuanqian).This is a place where young people hang out and shop.

Street markets

• Flowers, Aquatic and Lightings StreetDanan Road near Beijing Road Metro 1, 2 Gongyuanqian.
• Household Merchandise Street, Gaodi Street. The street has become a shopping center selling everyday goods.
• Cultural Street /, Wende Road Metro 1 Peasant Movement Institute).A good place to look for antiques and traditional Chinese artistic goods.
• Haiyin Shopping District, at the northwest side of the Haiyin Bridge. Selling appliances, sporting goods, cloth, fabrics, camera accessories and electronics.

Traditional

• Liuhua Congee House, Renmin North Road In Liuhua Park. Metro 2 Yuexiu Park, ☏ +86 20 8668-0108. Open 24 hours. Excellent dim sum and Cantonese porridge in beautiful surroundings.
• Four Seasons Restaurant, 122 Liuhua Road Metro 2 Yuexiu Park Exit D2, ☏ +86 20 8666-6888. 11:00-14:30, 18:00-22:00. Classic Cantonese cuisine using fresh, quality ingredients. Renowned for its Roasted Suckling Pig and Peking Duck. Dim sum is served during lunch hours.¥200 per person.
• Food Street Restaurant, 122 Liuhua Road Metro 2 Yuexiu Park Exit D2, ☏ +86 20 8666-6888. 07:30-24:00. Serving local and regional cuisine, this casual restaurant resembles the open Kitchens of Old Canton. Try their famous wonton noodles, dim sum and fisherman's Congee.
• Lian Xiang Lou, 67 Dishifu Road, ☏ +86 20 8181-1638. M-F 06:30-22:00, Sa Su 06:30-23:00. Founded in 1889, Lian Xiang Lou is known for its tasty dim sum and pastries. There are now more than 20 bakery stores throughout the city.

Vegetarian

• Cai Gen Xiang, 167 Zhongshan 6th Road Metro 1 Ximenkou, ☏ +86 20 8334-4363. 06:30-14:30, 17:00-21:00.
• Yuan Yuan Su Shi Yuányuán Sùshí, 38-42 Jinghui Road next to the Guangxiao Temple, Metro 1 Ximenkou).06:30-14:30, 16:30-21:30. Vegetarian buffet. If it looks crowded, don't worry—there's more seating upstairs.¥15.

Southeast Asian

• Banana Leaf (GZTV Hotel), G/F, 8 Luhu Rd. Banana Leaf is an established traditional Thai restaurant chain.
• Banana Leaf (World Trade Center), 5/F, 371-375 Huanshi East Rd. Banana Leaf is an established traditional Thai restaurant chain.

Indian

• Vaastu, 13-15, 475 Huanshi Dong Lu ( 475 A 13 -15), ☏ +86 20 3825-8181. This high end restaurant opened its door in 2008. It serves traditional Indian food with vegetarian dishes available.
• Sharmaji Vegetarian Indian Restaurant1 Huang Tian Zhi Jie ( 1, 2), ☏ +86 15915727374. One of the most famous Vegetarian Indian restaurants in Guangzhou. Founded in 2001, it serves vegetarian Indian buffet only, in the Indian ghetto in Guangzhou, near the Dong Yue Hotel. It is on the 4th floor of the Gitic Hotel. No meat or alcohol served.

Western

• 136 Cafe Sleeping Wood, 195 Yanjiang Middle Road: Western style bar and bistro. Probably the most innocuous burritos in this or any other hemisphere.
• Prime Steakhouse122 Liuhua Road, ☏ +86 20 8666-6888. 11:00-14:30, 18:00-23:00. One of Guangzhou's finest steakhouses, serving Australian and Japanese prime cuts, seafood, pasta and desserts.
• Cafe Veranda122 Liuhua Road, ☏ +86 20 8666-6888. 06:30-22:00. Serves a lavish international buffet and also has à la carte menu. All Western and Asian delights can be found here and the breakfast buffet is simply excellent.
• Oggi PizzeriaG/F Tianlun Garden, Jianshe 4th Road, ☏ +86 20 8356-1196, oggitrattogz@gmail.com.24/7. The European theme style cafe and bar serves great pizzas and traditional Italian home dishes with wine carte and draught beer.
• Bosphorus Turkish Restaurants1 Jianshe 6th RdMetro 5 Xiaobei Exit A, ☏ +86 20 8376-7644. 10:00-23:00. There are two locations in GZ. Bosphorus Premium in ex Tang Club, and Bosphours Xiaobei in Zhaoqing Building. It has delicious and halal foods. The third location in Yiwu city. The Bosphorus premium has two floors, having lunch and dinner at 2nd floor, smoke and coffee at 3rd floor. The portions are large, price are acceptable according to food quality. This is a favorite for eating doner (one of famous Turkish food) and kebabs especially Iskender.
• Buongiorno Italian Restaurant Buongiorno, 3F Yian Plaza, 33 Jianshe 6th Road ( 33 3 304/310), ☏ +86 20 83633587. 11:00-23:00. The authentic Italian restaurant is Italian managed and prepared, serving pizza, pasta, meat and fish dishes.
• The Italian Restaurant, 3F Zhujiang Building East Tower, 360 Huanshi East Road Metro 5 Taojin, ☏ +86 20 8386-3840. 10:30-02:00. Despite the unimaginative name, this place offers good pizzas, pasta and beer. Buffet is available.
• [formerly dead link] K’S, Tao Jin Jia Yuan, ☏ +86 13533377784. They serve Western-style homemade kosher sandwiches, managed and prepared by Westerners. Delivery service is available.

Pubs

Hill BarOutside Baiyun Hotel and across from Garden Hotel).Reasonable price for drinks and live band performances nightly.¥35 pints.

• Paddy Field Irish Pub and RestaurantBehind Garden Hotel.
• Sapphire Lounge122 Liuhua Rd 122, ☏ +86 20 8666-6888. 15:00 to late. On the 4th floor of China Hotel, Sapphire Lounge serves an extensive selection of classic and contemporary martinis, cocktails, wines, liquor and more in a chic and upbeat atmosphere. Perfect for after-work drinks or a night out.
• Sleeping Wood CafeHappy hour before 20:00. Restaurant pub next to the old Holiday Inn City Centre. Serves western food and all kinds of alcoholic drinks. Bottled Tsingtao beer for ¥30. Nice and quiet place to unwind, especially in the open area. 2nd location along Pearl River.¥25–30.

Dance clubs

• C:Union, 115 Shuiyin Road. Great place to hear atypical live music like reggae or classic rock. Bar has both an indoor section consisting of a dance floor and couches and an outdoor section with patio seating and a basement. Wide beer selection and bartenders measure all drinks out in plain view. Early on the bar is populated mostly by locals, however as the night progresses the bar quickly fills with expats. Patrons tend to be very friendly open to meeting new people. There is usually at least one English speaking bartender at each station.¥25–50 beer, ¥15 shots.
• Club NaNaTianlun Garden, 26 Jianshe 4th Road up the street from Oggi's Pizza).Packs a variety of music, well-known throughout Guangzhou for its wild parties, including a singles lock and key party, a secret costume party, and live hip-hop shows. The owners may be seen handing out free drinks. Beware of the tequila shots. Begins as a largely Chinese club but around 23:30, the shaking switches from dice to dancing and it becomes a mix of East and West.
• Penthouse5 He Ping Rd. High class bar with dance floor. Variety of sparkling wine ensures you can live it up with standards. The DJs blast the hottest music.
• The Cave, 360 Huanshi East Road basement on the end of the Zhujiang Tower near Garden Hotel, ☏ +86 20 8386-3660. This is a favorite expat hangout. The resident DJ spins a wide range of music. The Cave features exotic dance performances, including live-python dances.¥30-40 standard drink.
• Gipsy King Bar, 360 Huanshi East Road opposite end of the Zhujiang Building from the Cave, ☏ +86 20 8387-5177. Underground bar similar to the Cave. Many local "working" girls sashay around. There are individual dance performances at one corner of the bar, while group performances start on the main dance floor at 22:00.
• Heihei Club2 Qiaoguang Road. Good crowd, blend of locals and foreigners. Good music though a little pricy. It was reported that pickpocketing is rampant here.
• True Colors, 276 Yanjiang Zhong Lu200 m east of the Tianzi Matou).Club has dozens of tables on the floor for groups to drink and play local dice games. The DJ booth overlooks the floor and between it and the massive windows runs a strip that can rise up for live performances and for models to runway walk. There's a dance floor that's maybe 25 m² where locals and expats dance. DJs come from all over the world and play their own mix of house occasionally punctuated with hip-hop.

Budget

• Binjiang Hostel, 405 Yanjiang East Road, ☏ +86 20 8383-4110. Dorm room ¥60, singles with shower ¥170. ¥180 Canton Fair.
• City Youth Hostel, 179 Huanshi West Road Metro 2 & 5, Guangzhou Railway Station, ☏ +86 20 8666-6889. Tiny single rooms and close to the train station but it does not provide the nicest environment.singles ¥80, ¥60 for members. ¥270 Canton Fair.
• Tielu Tong Tong Hotel, 101 Guangyuan West Road 101 Metro 2 & 5, Guangzhou Railway Station).A few blocks from the train station, the hotel is spacious but noisy. It is friendly to African travelers who are looking for lodging near Xiaobei and other wholesale trading markets.¥160.

Mid-range

• Lido Hotel, 182 Beijing Road Metro 6 Beijing Lu, ☏ +86 20 8332-1988. On Beijing Road Shopping Street.¥350.
• Baiyun Hotel, 367 Huanshi East Road across from Garden Hotel; Metro 5 Taojin, ☏ +86 20 8333-3998. Member of Best Western hotel chain.
• Liuhua Hotel, 194 Huanshi West Road Metro 2/5 Guangzhou Railway Station, ☏ +86 20 8666-8800.¥468.
• Hotel Canton, 374 Beijing Road Metro 1/2 Gongyuanqian, ☏ +86 20 8318-9888. This was once a glorious hotel, but it is now a bit outdated. However, it is just north of the Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street.¥390.
• Hotel Landmark, 8 Qiaoguang Road Metro 2 Haizhu Square Exit A, ☏ +86 20 8335-5988.¥500.

Splurge

• Asia International Hotel, 326 Huangshi East Road, Sec 1 Metro 5 Xiaobei, ☏ +86 20 6128-8888. One of a handful of hotels that feature separate bath and shower areas in a standard room. Internet access is free but slow. It also features Guangzhou's highest revolving restaurant on the top level.
• Garden Hotel, 368 Huanshi East Road Metro 5 Taojin, ☏ +86 20 8333-8989. The hotel has standard hotel rooms as well as apartments and offices for rent. Deluxe rooms are clean but basic; elite rooms are newly renovated and attractive. The Carousel Restaurant offers excellent dinner buffet with panoramic views of Guangzhou on the top level. The hotel also has various Shops, HSBC and Bank of China branches and a bus station serving express buses to the Guangzhou airport, the Hong Kong airport and nearby cities such as Zhuhai.
• Crown Plaza Guangzhou City Centre, 339 Huanshi East Road, ☏ +86 20 8363-8888, toll-free: +86 400 886 2255, fax: +86 20 8363-6666. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Previously the Guangdong International Hotel, this 63-storey building is now a Crown Plaza hotel under the Intercontinental Hotel Group. Rooms are adequately furnished and WiFi internet is provided for free. The hotel is in the middle of the city, right next to the Guangdong TV Station and nearby Taojin Metro Station (Line 5). The French consulate shares the same address. From the airport, there is an airport-express bus (Line 2A) that can bring you directly to the hotel for ¥19.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou, 391 Dongfeng Rd, ☏ +86-20-2833 2888, doubletreeguangzhou.info@hilton.com. A modern hotel featuring a ballroom, first-class meeting rooms, an outdoor terrace pool, five restaurants on-site, and a fitness center.¥850 up.
• China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, 122 Liuhua Road Metro 2 Yuexiu Park, ☏ +86 20 8666-6888. The 5-Star Luxury Marriott Hotel is in the heart of central Guangzhou. It features 850 guestrooms, 8 Food and Beverage outlets, Executive Lounge and Shopping Arcade. An entrance to the Metro is just outside.¥800 up.
• Dong Fang Hotel, 120 Liuhua Road Metro 2 Yuexiu Park, ☏ +86 20 8666-9900.
• Howard Johnson Riverview Hotel233 Yanjiang Middle Roadjcn of Peking Rd & Promenade, 10 min walk from Haizu Sq Metro, ☏ +86 208 319 9988. Big clean comfy rooms, south-facing have river view. Staff have decent English. Unclear of this place's relation to HoJo brand, who don't list it on their website. From ¥1000.

Go next

• Liwan
• Tianhe
• Haizhu
• Baiyun