Some influential internet sites, like Wikipedia, claim that Chinese people consider Guangzhou to be cultureless and not especially interesting. We beg to differ: we absolutely loved the city! You’ll also find websites saying that it’s China’s richest city, yet somehow we felt it was more rundown than other Chinese megacities.
We chose well where to stay in Guangzhou so we could enjoy it in its uncorrupted form. Surely they are planning something big, and many old neighborhoods might disappear soon. So we were happy to visit Guangzhou before that happens.
The Best Guangzhou Districts
Guangzhou has three central districts. Yuexiu seems somehow monumental, typical of the city centers of major Chinese cities. Liwan, with its historic buildings and narrow streets, has an old Chinese vibe. Tianhe, on the other hand, is skyscraper central.
These three districts are quite large, so you have to stay in the right location. Hence, in Yuexiu District stay in the City Center, in Liwan District stay in the Old Town (Xiguan), and in Tianhe District, you have to stay around Huacheng Square.
Yuexiu District
Yuexiu is in the center of Guangzhou. That’s why most metro lines and major streets converge here. The city’s main shopping alley, Beijing Street, is in the center of Yuexiu.
Most of the important places to visit in Guangzhou are here: the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-Sen’s Memorial Hall, the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, the Guangxiao Temple andthe Sacred Heart Cathedral. Additionally, Guangzhou’s most popular green area, Yuexiu Mountain and Park, is in Yuexiu.
The Best Hotels in Yuexiu
Due to its central location, Yuexiu has a wide variety of options. We like the Guangdong Yingbin Hotel, near the Temple of Six Banyan Trees. The hotel offers classic design and nice views. The Sun Yat-Sen’s Memorial Hall and the Yuexiu Mountain and Park are just a step away.
Another option is to stay close to the Pearl River in LN Hotel Five. The newly opened hotel features slick design and magnificent river views from the roof. Lively Beijing Street is quite close too.
Liwan District
The Old Town – Liwan is our favorite Guangzhou district. We stayed close to the so-called Lychee Bay Scenic Area. It’s a beautiful street packed with authentic old houses surrounded by a lush park with a huge lake – Liwan Lake Park.
We loved strolling around this crumbling neighborhood and were ecstatic when we stumbled upon a lovely Chinese opera in the middle of Liwan Lake Park. We also loved walking down the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street and the amazing colonial neighborhood on Shamian Island. Outstanding!
The Best Hotels in Liwan
To us, the best place to stay in Guangzhou is the Old Town. It somehow feels magically stuck in time. We stayed in the Yun Collection Guangzhou Yong Qing Fang, within the iconic Yongqing Fang. The hotel is a beautiful building, part of a pedestrian area full of authentic old houses.
Shamian Island is another great location. The Guangdong Victory Hotel is a beautiful colonial building on the island. This elegant hotel offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a sauna.
Tianhe District
You’ll find neighborhoods like Tianhe, the Business Area of Guangzhou, in most other Chinese megacities. But there is one thing that sets this area apart: Its gigantic pedestrian zone. Yes, the skyscrapers are impressive, and the Canton Tower is truly beautiful, but the green oasis inside the Zhujiang Road called the Huacheng Square (Flower City Square) is quite unique.
That’s what cities should be all about: enjoying your time walking in peace. Don’t forget to check the Guangzhou Opera House and Guangdong Museum at the end of the square.
The Best Hotels in Tianhe
If you are wondering where to stay in Guangzhou when visiting for business, your best choice is Tianhe. You won’t find small family-owned hotels or guesthouses here. Instead, hotels are huge and geared to business travelers. The H’ Elite Hotel, right next to Huacheng Square in the heart of the district, blends contemporary and traditional design. Rooms are big and have superb views.
Another nice hotel nearby is the Leeden Hotel Guangzhou. This contemporary Chinese style hotel has all modern-day conveniences, including a gym and a pool. Of course, the views are pretty cool too.
How Many Days in Guangzhou
Depending on the purpose of your visit, you’ll probably have to spend at least a couple of days in Guangzhou. Most business travelers spend 2 – 3 days in the city and stay in Tianhe. The majority of hotels there offer shuttle service to Canton Fair.
If you are visiting for pleasure we suggest spending at least 3 nights in the city. Guangzhou is fairly big and there are countless things to do. You need at least 2 days to explore its main sites, plus one extra day for amazing day trips like Li River in Guangxi Province. Stay in Liwan or Yuexiu.
