3 Days Guangzhou Historical and City Highlights Tour
Tour Overview
Guangzhou, with a history of more than 2,200 years, is one of the most prosperous cities in China. As one of the starting points of the Maritime Silk Road, the city is known as the “Thousand-Year Merchant Capital”, and has been a place where Chinese and foreign cultures have mingled since ancient times.
This itinerary is ideal for those who have 2-3 days to explore Guangzhou. We will take you to explore all aspects of the city, its history, architecture, daily life and Cantonese cuisine. This Guangzhou tour will not only take you on a city tour, but will also take you deep into the cultural origins of the region. You will be led by a professional guide to dig into this city – the frontier of Chinese Reform and Opening in the most classic way.
Travel destination: Guangzhou
Suitable for: Cultural Explorers, Architecture Enthusiasts
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Explore the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall’s intricate wood carvings and cultural artifacts.
- You will be guided to ascend Canton Tower for a breathtaking city view.
- Take an optional Pearl River night cruise to enjoy enchanting sight of Guangzhou’s illuminated skyline.
- Try authentic Cantonese cuisine including dim sum.
- Discover the 1,500-year-old ancient Temple of the Six Banyan Trees.
- Admire the 19th century European style architecture on Shamian Island.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in GuangzhouFree Time
Welcome to Guangzhou, an ancient and young metropolis in southern China with a rich cultural heritage! When you arrive at the airport, your private tour guide and driver will raise a welcome sign (with your name on it) to greet you. Afterwards, they will escort you to the selected hotel in the city center.
After completing the check-in procedures, you can take some time to explore the surroundings of the hotel on your own. Guangzhou is famous for its bustling streets. You can take a leisurely walk, try some local snacks, or go to a nearby restaurant to taste authentic Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its delicious dishes and a variety of Dim sum choices.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Guangzhou
Canton Tower - Day 2: Historic Guangzhou TourExplore Guangzhou's Rich Culture and Nature, with Optional Evening Pearl River Cruise
After breakfast, your private Guangzhou tour begins at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a well-preserved and representative folk building of the late Qing Dynasty (1616-1912) in Guangdong. The Ancestral Hall was originally built to provide accommodation for scholars from all over the region of the Chen who traveled to Guangzhou for the imperial examinations.
Visitors will enjoy a large number of exquisite wood and stone sculptures here. Apart from that, the scenic spot also displays art exhibitions and photo exhibitions.
Next, head to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (also known as Liurong Temple), with a history of nearly 1,500 years. Su Dongpo, a famous Chinese poet in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), once visited the temple and saw six old banyan trees. He was pleased to inscribe the words "Six Banyan", which led to the later generations calling the place Liurong (Six Banyan) Temple.
Visitors can also see the Thousand Buddha Pagoda inside the temple, which is a famous ancient high-rise building in Guangzhou.
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees Afterwards, your guide will transfer you to Yuexiu Park, which is beautifully landscaped and perfect for a stroll. Here you will see the Five Goats Sculpture, the symbol of Guangzhou. Nearby, you can see the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, which has a majestic and magnificent appearance. Your guide will tell you about Dr. Sun's great contribution to the country.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Finally, relax on Guangzhou's busiest shopping street - Beijing Road.
Optional activities in the evening: You can extend your 1-day Guangzhou tour with a night cruise on the Pearl River. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Canton Tower, Guangzhou Opera House, and other landmarks that light up the night sky.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Guangzhou
Pearl River Night Cruise - Day 3: Departure from GuangzhouModern Skyline, Ancient Treasures, Local Cuisine, European-style Architecture
Today, you will visit Guangzhou's landmark, the Canton Tower, which is 600 meters high. The tower has a slender waist and is also known as the "Xiao Man Yao". You can experience many entertainment programs, depending on your preference. On a clear day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city and the Pearl River.
Afterwards, your guide will take you deep into history at the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King. Discovered in 1983, it has a well-preserved chamber with a large collection of rare treasures. You will see China's earliest imperial seals, the world's earliest silk printing and dyeing tools, as well as more than 300 pieces of jade carvings and bronzes.
After the tour, enjoy an authentic Cantonese lunch including dim sum, which we have specially arranged for you.
In the afternoon, we will take you across the Pearl River to explore Shamian Island, featuring 19th-century European style architecture such as Baroque, Gothic, and Classical. Take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined streets.
At the end of the tour, your driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your flight or train to your next destination. Your Guangzhou tour ends here, have a safe trip!
Meal: Breakfast+Lunch
Accommodation: N/A
Shamian Island
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
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Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Yuexiu Park, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Huacheng Square, Exterior look of Canton Tower, Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven Star Park, Li River, Yangshuo West Street, Bamboo Rafting in Yulong River.
