In late October, the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou will host the 138th edition of the Canton Fair, one of the world’s biggest trade fairs. Yet regardless of the time of year, this vast and bustling metropolis — a hub of new technology with a deep-rooted heritage — offers travelers an unforgettable encounter with the coexisting past and future of China. While renowned as a cradle of commerce and a hotbed of entrepreneurship, the capital of Guangdong Province has been profoundly shaped by its millennia-old cultural identity. In this curated three-day journey, we direct you to the city’s most compelling neighborhoods and attractions, from avant-garde museums and futuristic towers to reimagined historic districts and hip youth enclaves.
DAY 1
Introducing you to Guangzhou’s identity and innovation
Delving into history is perhaps the most enriching way to acquaint yourself with an unfamiliar city. In Guangzhou, the ideal point of departure is the Guangdong Museum (Tues-Sun: 09:00-17:00), a state-of-the-art institution with a striking multilayered design inspired by traditional Cantonese ivory puzzle balls. Once inside this architectural marvel, you can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the sprawling collection of regional artifacts, from rare antiques and ethnographic treasures to dinosaur fossils. Admission is free, making it accessible to all.
A short walk away sits the Guangzhou Opera House, the largest performing arts venue in Southern China, designed by the late Zaha Hadid. Its undulating, futuristic silhouette stands as a testament to both architectural audacity and cultural aspiration. On a clear day, it also doubles as one of the city’s most photogenic spots.
These two sites are both in Zhujiang New Town, a gleaming financial district defined by iconic skyscrapers like the CTF Finance Centre. Just a short stroll from here brings you to a scenic riverside viewpoint overlooking the Pearl River. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a striking view of the iconic Canton Tower – one of Guangzhou’s most recognizable and architecturally distinctive landmarks – soaring into the clouds on the opposite bank.
Head to the IFC (International Finance Center Building) for a Michelin-starred lunch at Tao Tao Ju (daily: 10:00-16:30, 17:30-22:00), a dim sum restaurant with a history dating back to 1880. Signature dishes include the century-old Tao Tao Ju roast goose, translucent shrimp dumplings, and the luxurious seafood red rice rolls.
Continue your afternoon with a quick ride on the city’s metro line to Parc Central, an upscale shopping mall in the Tianhe District. Here, tea lovers will find a special treat: HEYTEA Lab, an experimental outpost of the beloved tea brand offering imaginative concoctions like coconut mango fusion, very grape cheese, mango grapefruit sago, and bayberry cheese. What makes this store special is that it also serves delicious desserts which are different from those offered at other locations. Orders can be made in advance via the Alipay app.
DAY 2
Flit from high culture to sky high
Begin your second day by immersing yourself in the creative pulse of the Bai’etan Greater Bay Area Art Center, a cultural cornerstone in the Guangdong- Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. The gleaming white complex houses the Guangdong Museum of Art (Tues-Sun: 09:00-17:00), the Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Center, and the Guangdong Literature Museum. Their elegant architectural silhouettes resemble a ship’s prow slicing through the waves – a graceful fusion of motion and form that captures the spirit of maritime exploration.
