Guangzhou — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Guangzhou.
Southern China's trade hub near Hong Kong/Macao — CAN is the busiest hub in the Greater Bay Area.
🍜 Signature dishes in Guangzhou
- 点心Dim Sum
- 白切鸡White Cut Chicken
- 烧鹅Roast Goose
- 艇仔粥Seafood Congee
- 肠粉Rice Noodle Rolls
- 叉烧包Char Siu Bao
- 双皮奶Double-skin Milk
- 老火靓汤Cantonese Soup
- 牛杂Beef Offal
- 流沙包Custard Bun
🎟️ Top things to do
- Canton Tower
City icon by the Pearl River
- Kaiping Diaolou
Fortress towers, 2h drive
- Dim sum brunch
Cantonese morning tea
- Shangxiajiu
Free food street.
- Beijing Rd
Pedestrian arcade
- Chen Clan Academy
Entry ticket, buyable on site.
- Shamian Island
Free, no booking.
- Yuexiu Park
Free, no booking.
- Baiyun Mountain
Entry ticket; cable car extra.
- Shenzhen day trip
1h by high-speed rail
- Beijing Road Pedestrian St
Free, no booking.
- Pearl River Night Cruise
Cruise tickets online or at the pier.
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Guangzhou?
Take the metro or a taxi from CAN (Baiyun) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Guangzhou on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Guangzhou. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Guangzhou visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
Other cities
Data provided by PivotCN · airport (CAN (Baiyun)) · verify with official sources before travel.