The thought of traveling to Mainland China can intimidate many Filipinos. There’s the concern about applying for a visa (check out our guide here); there’s the hesitation brought about by the language barrier; and, well, China is HUGE. Where do you even start exploring in the third largest country in the world?
But if you’re ready to take the leap and don’t mind skipping the ever-touristy and ever-busy Beijing or Shanghai, we’ll tell you now that Guangzhou a.k.a. Canton is an excellent place to start.
As one of the country’s oldest trading hubs and the very core of Cantonese culture, the city packs centuries-old heritage, delectable cuisine (top-tier dimsum, anyone?), and marvelous sights for the ultimate culture trip.
Plus, with cheap flights connecting Manila to Guangzhou and back on the daily, budget and timing become less of a worry for Filipino travelers. All you have to do is sort out the visa situation, book a ticket, and go!
Here are the 10 best things to do in Guangzhou for first timers:
Climb the Iconic Canton Tower
No trip to Guangzhou is complete without a visit to Canton Tower, the city’s most recognizable landmark, so we’re putting it high up on our list!
Rising 604 meters (1,982 feet) high overlooking the Pearl River, it’s also one of the tallest towers in the world. Head up to the observation decks for panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis. The tower is especially stunning at sunset, when the city lights begin to flicker on, so time your visit for late afternoon so you can catch both daylight views and the evening skyline.
For thrill-seekers, try the Bubble Tram, a transparent cabin ride that circles the top of the tower, giving you a 360-degree view with nothing but glass beneath your feet. There’s also a sky drop for the brave. If heights aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the tower from below, where the tower’s colorful lights put on a dazzling show at night.
Step Back in Time at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
For a taste of traditional Cantonese art and architecture, make your way to the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as the Guangdong Folk Art Museum. Built in 1894, this complex is a masterpiece of southern Chinese design, with intricately carved beams, colorful ceramic ornaments, and elaborate stone sculptures.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits on traditional crafts like ivory carving, embroidery, and woodwork. Even if you’re not a history buff, the level of artistry here is jaw-dropping. It’s one of the best places to understand Guangzhou’s cultural roots before you explore its modern side.
Marvel at Guangdong Museum’s Exhibits
Zoom back into modern Guangzhou at Guangdong Museum. Located in Zhujiang New Town, it is a striking contemporary building designed by Rocco Design Architects Ltd., a Hong Kong-based firm that won an international competition for the project in 2004.
The museum houses impressive exhibits on the region’s natural history, culture, and art. It’s free to enter (though you may need to book tickets online in advance), and seeing the architecture of the building alone is worth the trip.
Take a Breather at Huacheng Square
Right next to Guangdong Museum is Huacheng Square, the largest public plaza in the city, surrounded by futuristic skyscrapers. At night, the whole area lights up, with the Canton Tower shining across the river. It’s a great place to feel the pulse of metropolitan Guangzhou.
Explore Yuexiu Park and Its Historic Landmarks
Yuexiu Park is your green escape in the heart of Guangzhou. Often called the “lungs of the city,” this massive park is home to historical and cultural landmarks like the Five Rams Sculpture, a symbol of Guangzhou’s legendary origins, and the Zhenhai Tower, also known as the Five-Story Tower, which now houses the Guangzhou Museum.
Stroll Through Shamian Island
If you’re in the mood for something charming, atmospheric, and, of course, Insta-perfect, Shamian Island is a must-visit. Once a foreign concession during the 19th century, this small island is lined with leafy avenues and colonial-era European buildings that house cozy cafés, boutique shops, and small museums. Compared to the busy streets of downtown, the vibe here is rather unhurried—perfect for leisurely walks and photo sessions.
Join a Traditional Craft or Food Workshop
One of the most unique things to do in Guangzhou is to immerse yourself in its living traditions. Several cultural centers and tour operators offer hands-on workshops, where you can learn how to make Cantonese dimsum and pastries like egg tarts or “wife cakes;” experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony; try Chinese calligraphy or paper cutting; or paint ceramics or learn silk embroidery.
Hike Baiyun Mountain for a Nature Break
If you want a scenic escape without leaving the city, Baiyun Mountain—which translates to “White Cloud Mountain”—is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike. The mountain has well-maintained hiking trails that lead to beautiful viewpoints overlooking Guangzhou’s skyline.
It’s not a difficult hike, and you can take a cable car if you prefer a more relaxed journey or are traveling with kids and seniors, who are not ready for a climb. The air is fresher up here, and the lush greenery offers a welcome contrast to the bustling urban center. If you visit on a clear day, the views from the top are fantastic.
Cruise the Pearl River at Night
One of the most memorable ways to experience Guangzhou is by taking a night cruise on the Pearl River. These cruises glide past the city’s illuminated landmarks, including Canton Tower, modern bridges, and the glowing skyline of Zhujiang New Town.
The atmosphere is romantic and laid-back, with many boats offering light snacks or dinner on board. For first-time Filipino travelers, this is a stress-free way to take in the sights without worrying about navigating the city at night. Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends, as the cruises are quite popular.
Shop and Snack at Pedestrian Streets
Cap off your Guangzhou adventure by exploring its bustling pedestrian streets, especially Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Beijing Road, and Yongqingfang.
You can find everything from trendy clothes to traditional souvenirs, and of course, more street food to sample.
Beijing Road is famous for its archaeological glass walkways, where you can see ancient roads beneath your feet. Shangxiajiu is perfect for night strolls, while Yongqingfang blends historic architecture with modern boutiques. It’s a fun way to people-watch and soak up the city’s energy, while also picking up unique pasalubong for your folks back home.
Big Sky Tips for First-Time Travelers to Guangzhou
If you’re a newbie to traveling in China, Guangzhou can feel a bit different, especially for Filipino travelers used to English-friendly cities like Singapore or Hong Kong. Here are 10 smart travel tips to help make your Guangzhou trip smooth and stress-free:
Download essential travel apps before your flight
Many apps require a China account to set up inside the country, so install them before traveling:
- Baidu Maps for navigation (Google Maps doesn’t work in China)
- WeChat for messaging, mobile payments, and translations
- DiDi for ride-sharing
- Metro Man for Guangzhou metro guide
Be ready for limited English
Outside of hotels and malls, English isn’t widely used. Use WeChat’s built-in translator to communicate with locals or learn simple Cantonese phrases.
Pay the China way: Mobile payments are preferred
China is a mostly cashless society, but now foreigners can link WeChat Pay or Alipay using a Philippine Visa/MasterCard. Cash still works, especially in small shops, but bring clean bills—China is strict about worn-out currency.
The metro is your best friend
Guangzhou has one of the easiest subway systems in China. It’s cheap, clean, and tourist-friendly. Buy a Yang Cheng Tong transport card or use QR code payments via WeChat for easy metro access.
Taking the taxi is cheap, too!
Taxis have a bad rep for being expensive, but not in Guangzhou! Here, taking the taxi is fairly affordable and not bank-breaking, so if you need to take a taxi for whatever reason at all, don’t be afraid of the cost! The regular flag-down rate is CNY12 (approximately PHP98) for the first 3km.
Have your passport on you wherever you go
Hotels, high-speed train stations, and tourist attractions may require ID checks. Foreigners must carry a passport at all times in China.
When dining, sharing is the norm
Cantonese meals are served family-style. In fact, sharing dishes is part of the experience! Also, tea is served before the meal. Use it to rinse your bowl and chopsticks before eating.
Western toilets are not everywhere
Bring tissue and wet wipes, especially in traditional areas. Some public restrooms use squat toilets and may not have toilet paper.
Learn simple local courtesies
Guangzhou locals are polite but reserved. Always greet restaurant staff and shop owners with a smile. When someone pours tea for you, tap the table with two fingers. This is the locals’ way of saying thanks.
Public Wi-Fi is rare—have your own internet
Most coffee shops and malls require a China phone number to access Wi-Fi. To avoid being stranded offline, use your own Wi-Fi device or get an eSIM before your trip.
Exploring Guangzhou’s top attractions is even more enjoyable when you’re always connected, whether you’re navigating subways, translating signs, or posting food pics in real time. Instead of relying on expensive roaming or unreliable public Wi-Fi, make sure you have a reliable travel Wi-Fi or eSIM before you fly out!
Big Sky Nation, the Philippines’ most trusted travel connectivity provider, offers affordable Wi-Fi rentals and travel eSIMs that work seamlessly across China and the rest of the world. It’s the easiest way to stay online, access maps, and keep in touch with loved ones hassle-free.
Big Sky Early Bird Promo: Get up to 50% OFF on Travel Wi-Fi Premium (shareable up to five devices) when you book 30 days before your trip. Plus, get a FREE upgrade to the Travel WiFi Premium! Send us a message to book now: info@bigskynation.com. You may also call us at 09177132855 or 09189647626 to place your order.
*Featured image by Wally Yang on Unsplash
