Ultimate 9-Day Guangzhou Itinerary: Exploring Culture, Cuisine, and Historic Charm

Day 1: Arrival and City Centre Tour

Guangzhou, China on June 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Dian Dou De

Enjoy traditional Cantonese dim sum breakfast at Dian Dou De, a popular spot known for its authentic dishes and lively atmosphere.
CNY50, 1h

10:30am

Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Explore this exquisite historic building showcasing traditional Cantonese architecture and folk art, including intricate wood carvings and ceramics.
CNY10, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bingsheng Pinwei

Savour authentic Cantonese cuisine including fresh seafood and roasted meats at this well-known restaurant near the city centre.
CNY100, 1h

2:00pm

Yuexiu Park and Five Rams Statue

Relax and stroll in Yuexiu Park, the largest park in downtown Guangzhou, and admire the iconic Five Rams Statue, symbolising the city.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Canton Tower Visit

Head to Canton Tower for panoramic city views from the observation deck. The tower is open until 10pm, perfect for sunset and night views.
CNY150, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Guangzhou Restaurant

Dine at one of Guangzhou's oldest and most famous restaurants serving classic Cantonese dishes in a refined setting.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic and Cultural Sites

Guangzhou, China on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lin Heung Tea House

Enjoy traditional dim sum in this historic tea house known for its lively atmosphere and authentic Cantonese offerings, opens early.
CNY40, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Tour this grand hall dedicated to the 'Father of Modern China', an important symbol of modern Chinese history and architecture.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

Discover archaeological treasures and artifacts from the tomb of the ancient Nanyue king, a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
CNY40, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Taotaoju Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Cantonese dishes in a nostalgic setting dating back to the Qing Dynasty, famous for its roast meats.
CNY90, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll through Shamian Island

Explore this peaceful, historic island featuring colonial architecture, tree-lined avenues, and quaint shops and cafes.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lei Garden Restaurant

Dine on exquisite Cantonese delicacies at this Michelin-starred restaurant known for fresh seafood and creative dishes.
CNY150, 1h30m
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Day 3: Nature and Scenic Views

Guangzhou, China on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Start the day with a light breakfast at your hotel or one of the local cafes offering Western and Cantonese options.
CNY40, 45m

9:00am

Hike Baiyun Mountain

Enjoy nature and panoramic city views at Baiyun Mountain, known as the 'lung of the city'. The park opens from 7am to 6pm.
CNY5, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Streamer Coffee Company

Relax with speciality coffee and light meals at this popular cafe located near Baiyun Mountain area.
CNY60, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Guangdong Museum

Explore a variety of exhibits focusing on the natural history, culture and art of Guangdong province. Open 9am-5pm, closed Monday.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Zhujiang New Town

Stroll through Guangzhou’s modern business district with its impressive skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Social&Co

Try modern fusion dining in this trendy restaurant known for blending Cantonese ingredients with international styles.
CNY130, 1h30m
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Day 4: Art and History

Guangzhou, China on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local dim sum breakfast spot

Enjoy a traditional early breakfast of dim sum to fuel the day’s activities in Liwan District.
CNY40, 1h

9:30am

Visit Shamian Island’s historic buildings

Walk through the peaceful colonial-era streets filled with churches, consulates and cafes dating to the 19th century.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Panxi Restaurant

Dine in a traditional Chinese garden setting with authentic Cantonese cuisine, especially famous for fresh-water fish dishes.
CNY100, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Guangzhou Museum and Zhenhai Tower

Discover the city’s history and culture at the museum housed in the ancient Zhenhai Tower in Yuexiu Park.
CNY10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea tasting at a local tea house

Experience traditional Chinese tea culture and enjoy a serene moment sampling regional teas.
CNY50, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Jade Garden Restaurant

Finish the day with exquisite Cantonese dishes in an elegant setting well known for dim sum and seafood.
CNY140, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Foshan

Foshan, China on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or local cafe

Start your day with a quick breakfast before heading to Foshan by train (approx. 30 minutes).
CNY40, 45m

9:00am

Visit Foshan Ancestral Temple

Explore the ancient temple complex dedicated to Northern God and a centre of Lingnan culture and architecture.
CNY20, 1h30m

11:00am

Foshan Lingnan Tiandi

Discover the renovated historic area with shops, cafes and traditional Lingnan architecture, capturing the old city vibe.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Xiangxueji Dumpling Restaurant

Enjoy delicious local dumplings and other Foshan specialties for a typical Cantonese lunch experience.
CNY70, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nanfeng Ancient Kiln

Tour this historic ceramic kiln in operation for over 500 years, a must-see for ceramics and culture enthusiasts.
CNY40, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Guangzhou

Take the train back to Guangzhou and prepare for dinner.
CNY20, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hualian Restaurant

Enjoy an upscale Cantonese dinner with a modern twist in Guangzhou’s city centre after a day trip.
CNY140, 1h30m
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Day 6: Modern Art and Shopping

Guangzhou, China on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Australian Cafe Chain

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast to change pace, with good coffee and fresh bakery products.
CNY50, 1h

9:30am

Guangdong Museum of Art

Browse through exhibitions focusing on modern and contemporary art from Guangdong and other areas. Open 9am-5pm, closed Monday.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Jiang by Chef Fei

Taste modern Cantonese cuisine with innovative dishes crafted by a renowned local chef.
CNY120, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping at Taikoo Hui Mall

Explore this luxury shopping mall housing international brands, designer stores and unique boutiques.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Evening walk at Huacheng Square

Experience the vibrant nightlife and illuminated skyscrapers at Guangzhou’s central square.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bistro 77

Relax with a diverse menu of international and Cantonese dishes in a trendy, casual setting.
CNY130, 1h30m
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Day 7: Relaxation and Discovery

Guangzhou, China on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a Local Street Market

Sample a variety of local breakfast foods including rice rolls, congee and pastries from street vendors.
CNY30, 1h

9:30am

Visit Redtory Art and Design Factory

Explore urban art galleries, design shops and trendy cafes at this revitalised factory turned creative space.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fat Cow Steakhouse

Try premium steaks and western cuisine in a stylish restaurant popular among locals and visitors alike.
CNY150, 1h

2:00pm

Spa and reflexology session

Pamper yourself with a traditional Chinese massage or foot reflexology treatment at a well-reviewed spa.
CNY200, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Guangzhou Restaurant

Return to classic Cantonese dining to savour roasted goose and other Cantonese specialities in an iconic venue.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 8: Pearl River Cruise and Nightlife

Guangzhou, China on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with pastries and coffee before the evening's river cruise.
CNY40, 1h

10:00am

Visit Sacred Heart Cathedral

Explore this beautiful Gothic-style cathedral and one of Guangzhou’s architectural landmarks. Open 9am-5pm.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dian Dou De

Enjoy a second chance to taste excellent dim sum and Cantonese dishes at this famed restaurant.
CNY90, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Huacheng Square and Opera House

Walk around the modern architectural highlights and take photos at Guangzhou Opera House and iconic buildings.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Pearl River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing two-hour evening cruise on the Pearl River, viewing illuminated city landmarks and bridges. Typical cruise 6-8pm.
CNY100, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at a riverside restaurant such as River South

Dine while enjoying views of the river, featuring Cantonese seafood and other regional specialties.
CNY140, 1h30m
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Day 9: Shopping and Departure

Guangzhou, China on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local cafe

Have a light breakfast and prepare for your day's activities before departure.
CNY40, 1h

9:00am

Visit Beijing Road Shopping District

Shop for souvenirs, clothes, and electronics while exploring ancient archaeological sites embedded in the pedestrian street.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Panxi Restaurant

Enjoy one last sumptuous Cantonese meal in a lovely garden setting before your departure.
CNY100, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Hotel and Prepare for Departure

Collect belongings and check out. Arrange transport to airport or train station depending on your next destination.
Variable, 2h
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