Chen Clan Academy (陈家祠 chén-jiā-cí) Zhongshan 7th Road (中山七路) (Metro 1 Chan Clan Academy - Exit D). This is very well preserved architecture from the 19th century. It used to belong to a wealthy family by the name of Chen and now houses many articles including ivory sculptures and artistic statues. (Admission ¥10)
Shishi Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral (石室圣心大教堂 shí-shì-shèng-xīn-jiào-táng) 56 Yide Road (一德路旧部前)(Metro 2 Haizhu Square Exit B1).It is one of the oldest church structures in the city, and the largest of its kind of Southern China. It is currently in use for worship. Visiting hours are weekdays 8:30-11:30AM and 2：30-5：30PM; weekends 8:30AM-5PM. Free admission.
Memorial of the Huangpu Military Academy (黄埔军校旧址 huáng-pǔ-jūn-xiào-jiù-zhǐ) is on Changzhou Island (Metro 5, Yuzhu Exit D. take 431 bus to the Ferry to Changzhou Pier.). The original Military Academy was founded in 1924 by Sun Yat-sen, with support from the Chinese Communist Party and the Soviet Union. The mission of the Academy was to create an officer corps for the new Chinese Republic. Many famous Chinese war heroes were trained here. The original site was destroyed by the Japanese in 1938. Two exhibition halls on the Campus of the Academy cover the History of the Academy with English translations. Unfortunately the other exhibition halls, such as Heroes of the Academy, do not have English translations. The site is far from the city center. Free admission.
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (中山纪念堂 zhōng-shān-jì-niàn-táng) (Metro 2 Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall - Exit C) located on Dongfeng Middle Road, is dedicated to the founder of the Republic of China and local hero Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. It was constructed in 1931 and built on the original site of Sun Yat-sen's presidential office on Yuexiu Hill. Open 8AM-6PM. Admission is free for the park and ¥10 to go inside the hall.
Canton Tower (广州塔) (Metro 3, APM Chigang Pagoda) is the tallest structure in China. In additions to the observation deck, the tower features various restaurants, a 4-D theater and other entertainment venues. Admission is ¥150.
Xiguan Residence (西关大屋 xī-guān-dà-wū) (Metro 1 Changshou Lu) See the traditional Cantonese architectures from the Qing Dynasty. These houses can be found in Duobao Road (多宝路), Baohua Road (宝华路), Longjin West Road (龙津西路) and Shangxiajiu Road (上下九路). One of the most famous ones is located at 18 Baoyuan North Street (宝源北街18号). They were occupied by the upper class in the old days.
Guangzhou Traditional Buildings (骑楼) are slowly disappearing due to the rapid growth in the city. Remaining buildings can be found near Yide Road, Renmin Nan Road and Zhongshan Road. They make great photo spots.
Liurong Temple (六榕寺 liù-róng-sì) 87 Liurong Road (六榕路) (Metro 1 Gongyuanqian Exit I)– The Temple of Six Banyan Trees, which includes the 17 story, eight-sided Hua Ta, or Flowering Pagoda, is one of the most popular attractions in Guangzhou. The temple dates back to the 6th century, while the pagoda predates it by about 300 years. Admission is ¥5; Flower Pagoda ¥10.
Shamian Island (沙面岛) (Metro 1 Huangsha Exit D) The buildings and streets of the former British and French concession have been beautifully renovated, creating an oasis of tranquility in an otherwise bustling and hectic metropolis. One of the old structures is Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, located at 14 Shamian Street. The architecture reflects the colonial era of 19th Century, and it has a unique atmosphere.
Bright Filial Piety Temple (Guangxiao Temple) (光孝寺 guāng-xiào-sì) 109 Guangxiao Road (光孝路) (Metro 1 Ximenkou Exit C) – As the sixth patriarch of Zen Buddhism, Hui Neng, trained at this temple in the 7th Century, it is a popular pilgrimage site for Zen Buddhists. The temple has been destroyed several times by fire, and the current buildings date back to the mid-19th century. Admission is ¥10; free if you eat at the temple's vegetarian restaurant (菩提甘露坊). You can also apply your admission toward your meal.
Wu Xian Guan Temple (五仙观 wǔ-xiān-guān) Huifu West Road (惠福西路). (Metro 1 Ximenkou Exit C) Admission is ¥5.
Huaisheng Mosque (怀圣寺 huái-shèng-sì) 56 Guangta Road (光塔路) (Metro 1 Ximenkou Exit C). This is one of the oldest Muslim mosques in China, built in 627. The mosque is open to Muslims only and not open to the general public, but you can take a peek outside.
Sanyuan Temple (三元宫 sān-yuán-gōng) Yingyuan Road (Metro 2 Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Exit C). This is the largest and oldest Taoist temple in the city.
Hualin Temple (华林寺 huá-lín-sì) (Metro 1 Changshou Lu) Free admission.
Yuanxuan Taoist Temple (圆玄道观) is located in the Huadu District. It includes three Taoist buildings in one complex: Sanqing Hall, Taihe Hall and Yuanchen Hall. Sanqing Hall is the most architecturally important of the three structures, while Yuanxuan Taoist Temple has carvings of divine beings. The central hall is covered by yellow glazed tiles and decorated with the bright images of Yuqing, Shangqing and Taiqing, the three authoritative deities in Taoism. The temple is located near Bi Village in southwest Xinhua Town. You can take the No. 9 bus from Huadu Downtown. Admission is ¥10.
Xiaozhou Village (小洲村) The village is a short taxi ride from University City. It is famous for its historical buildings, fruit orchards and canals. In recent years, this has become artists' haven.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Guangzhou
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Guangzhou - updated May 2024
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Guangzhou Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
