Victoria Lupascu 
Welcome to one of the largest cities in China! Good food, impressive architecture, skyscrapers, history, and lots of fun places like Beijing Road will be waiting for you in this town. Guangzhou was the country’s capital city not only once but 3 times throughout history, so we’ve got many things to see here!
I know you’ll be expecting a super modernized city, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised once you discover the historical spots and the old temples in Guangzhou! It really is one of the most fascinating cities in China!
But enough about that, you’ll have all the time to explore it once you get there! Now I want to talk about some other important things, like where to stay in Guangzhou, China. This city is so big that finding some good places to stay can be a daunting thought. But I’m here to help you with that process!
Keep in mind that this place is a super important travel destination in China, so I recommend booking your hotels in advance to secure a good spot!
Let’s start this adventure!
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Yuexiu – where to stay in Guangzhou for the first time
- 2. Tianhe – the best place to stay in Guangzhou for sightseeing
- 3. Liwan – where to stay in Guangzhou for history lovers
- 4. Haizhu – best place to stay in Guangzhou for the Canton Fair
- 5. Panyu District – where to stay in Guangzhou for families
- Frequently asked questions about Guangzhou
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book your hotels right now, there’s no reason to wait! Quickly browse this list with the best accommodations in Guangzhou, all located in Yuexiu District
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in Guangzhou that I will be talking about in this post:
- Yuexiu: for first-timers
- Tianhe: for sightseeing
- Liwan: for history lovers
- Haizhu: for the Canton Fair
- Panyu District : for families
1. Yuexiu – where to stay in Guangzhou for the first time
Central location? Check. Historical background? Check. Modern shopping areas? check! As it seems, Yuexiu District has everything you need for a perfect holiday in Guangzhou city!
Back in the day, Yuexiu District housed Guangzhou’s old city walls. Although most of the city walls were destroyed in the 20th century, there’s still a small portion left in Yuexiu Park, which I highly recommend visiting as it’s the town’s largest park.
Like any other city center, Yuexiu District is filled with attractions that will keep you as busy as a bee! The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees is probably one of the most important ones, but the Sun Yat-Sen’s Memorial Hall and Sacred Heart Cathedral are also stunning pieces of architecture that you shouldn’t miss.
What’s a holiday without a bit of shopping? Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is the largest shopping alley in Guangzhou, China and it’s located right in Yuexiu District! So get your purse with you and start treating yourself!
Personally, after a long day of exploring a new city, like Guangzhou, all I want to do is crash in my bed, and it should be one that’s super comfortable! You’ll find many awesome places to stay in this district, from luxury to budget, but I would make sure I book them in advance since everyone will want to stay in the city center.
Enjoy the skyline views by the outdoor pool of this luxury Guangzhou hotel with a fitness center and family rooms! Start your day with coffee and breakfast in your room, and then head to the wellness center to relax.
Other accommodation options in Yuexiu
This Guangzhou hotel has a great design, and it offers access to a business center, free wifi and to a restaurant
One of the best places to stay in town on a budget! This hotel has a restaurant, free wifi, and a bar
I like the modern design of this spacious apartment in Yuexiu that has a kitchen and a tv
Things to do in Yuexiu
- Go for a walk in Yuexiu Park and see the old city walls
- Shop until you drop on Beijing Road Pedestrian Street in Guangzhou
- Learn new things about the city at Guangzhou Museum
- Enjoy a moment of tranquility at Guangxiao Temple in Yuexiu District
- Visit The Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and the Sun Yat-Sen’s Memorial Hall
2. Tianhe – the best place to stay in Guangzhou for sightseeing
Located 10 km (6 miles) east of Yuexiu District, this neighborhood in Guangzhou resembles one of the most modern areas that you’ll find in China, but what sets it apart is its super large pedestrian street that allows you to get the best view of the skyscrapers!
It really is one of the best sights that you’ll get during your stay in Guangzhou city! The big tall buildings can only mean that this is the commercial business district of the town. It’s one of the best places to stay if you’re into sightseeing and modern architecture. Tianhe District is also home to a few shopping centers, so you can add that to your thing to-do list as well!
The district is also a bit more expensive than the rest, so be ready to pay a little more if you want to stay in a hotel in Tianhe.
You’ve also got good travel connections as the Guangzhou East railway station is located here. But before you head to other areas, make sure you’ve exhausted all the attractions in Tianhe District, like all the skyscrapers in the Zhujiang New Town area, the Guangdong Museum, and the Guangzhou Opera House!
I love the futuristic design of this luxury Tianhe hotel! The rooms have ceiling-to-floor windows so you can admire the city views from the moment you open your eyes! Swim in their cool pool and relax in the spa center. The Four Season Hotel also has a bar and family rooms for those with kids.
Other accommodation options in Tianhe
Wake up to the best city views in this great aparthotel that has rooms with a private sauna, a pool, and free wifi
Enjoy your stay in Guangzhou, Tianhe, in this great hotel that has a restaurant and a sun terrace
Relax after a day spent in the shopping malls in this spacious duplex that has a kitchen and free wifi
Things to do in Tianhe
- Admire the architecture of the Guangzhou Opera House
- Visit the Guangdong Museum
- Take a day to visit the Grandview, Tee, and Zhongtian Shopping Malls
- Head to the Zhujiang New Town part of Tianhe District and admire the skyscrapers
- Enjoy the lake views in Tianhe Park
- Go for a walk around Huacheng Square in Guangzhou, Tianhe District
- Head to Guangzhou East Railway Station and explore other areas of the city
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Liwan – where to stay in Guangzhou for history lovers
Located on the west banks of Pearl River, just 3 km (2 miles) southwest of Yuexiu District, this Guangzhou area is super charming. Its colonial architecture and the old houses will make history lovers so happy when they see that not all the districts were modernized.
This is where you’ll also find Shamian Island, the colonial neighborhood in Guangzhou city that every visitor wants to see when they’re in town. Immerse yourself in the history of this place and visit all its cultural attractions which will give you some insight into their past!
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the Hualin Buddhist Temple are great places to start your trip! If you want to spend some time outdoors, head over to Liwan Lake Park and get a break from all the city noise.
For the foodies, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is the place to go if you want to do some shopping or eat in this district as the street is lined up with stores and restaurants! As you can see, the Liwan District has something to do for every type of traveler!
Located along the Pearl River on the beautiful Shamian Island, this hotel has the coolest design! Swim all day in the outdoor pool and enjoy the views of Pear River from the comfort of your room. The White Swan Hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center on-site.
Other accommodation options in Liwan
This is such a cool and cozy place to stay in Liwan District! It’s decorated with plants and has a restaurant and a bar
A great option for people traveling to China on a budget! This hostel has rooms with private bathrooms
Hit the pool and relax in this spacious apartment that has 2 rooms, a kitchen, a balcony, and free wifi
Things to do in Liwan
- Explore the historical Shamian Island
- Shop and eat on Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
- Take a break from the city noise at Liwan Lake Park
- Visit the Sha Mian Tang on Shamian Island in Guangzhou
- Check out Guangzhou Zhengtian Dried Fruit Wholesale Market
- Dive into the history of Liwan District at Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the Hualin Buddhist Temple
4. Haizhu – best place to stay in Guangzhou for the Canton Fair
Suppose you’re planning to attend the Canton Fair, the oldest and biggest trade fair in China held every year in autumn and spring since 1957. In that case, I recommend finding places to stay in Haizhu District, which is located 10 km (6 miles) southeast of Guangzhou Yuexiu District.
The Canton Fair is held at the Pazhou International Exhibition Center, and it gathers business travelers and buyers from all around the world!
You’ll find the Pazhou International Exhibition Center on the south bank of Pearl River. The area around is quite industrial, however, it is home to one of the most fascinating buildings in Guangzhou, China, the Canton Tower (named after the fair).
At 610m high, Canton Tower is one of the tallest towers in the world, after the Skytree in Tokyo, and it’s super colorful! Definitely worth seeing it at night and if you want, you can visit the top of the Canton Tower and check the incredible views!
I highly recommend booking your hotels near the Pazhou International Exhibition Center in advance if you plan to come during the Canton Fair time, as everyone will be looking to find a room there and you don’t want to miss out!
A luxurious hotel in Haizhu District that offers a shuttle service to Canton Fair and has family rooms and a restaurant! Relax after a full day spent at the fair at the space center of this hotel and go for a swim in the pool afterward!
Other accommodation options in the Haizhu District
Enjoy your stay in Guangzhou in this modern hotel that is equipped with a restaurant and free wifi
Located a short walk away from the Kecun Metro Station, this budget hotel has family rooms and a restaurant
Such a cool and stylish apartment that has 2 spacious rooms, a kitchen, and free wifi
Things to do in Haizhu District
- Attend the Canton Fair at Pazhou International Exhibition Center
- Visit the Canton Tower
- Check out the Pearl River-InBev International Beer Museum
- Explore the Party Pier Plaza Guangzhou area
- Admire the river views from the Pazhou Bridge
5. Panyu District – where to stay in Guangzhou for families
Located 30 km (20 miles) southeast of Guangzhou Yuexiu District, this area is perfect for families who want a more tranquil setting during their trip to China. Given that it’s located a bit further away from the central part of the city, you won’t experience the hustle and bustle that some find a bit too much.
Don’t worry though, there are many things that will keep you and the kids entertained in Panyu District! Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park will probably be the first stop on your itinerary! The park is home to some cute animals like panda bears and giraffes, so definitely prepare because it will be hard to convince the little ones to leave this place.
But I’m sure they’ll be ready to say goodbye to the cute animals once they hear about the Chimelong Paradise, which is the largest amusement park in China! Yep, Panyu really holds the recipe for the perfect family trip!
And if you still want to spend some time in the center area of Guangzhou, you can always use public transport to get around!
Located on the banks of Pearl River in Guangzhou, this luxurious hotel is perfect for your family’s getaway to Guangzhou, China! Have fun with the kids at the swimming pool or play all day long on the tennis courts. The accommodation has family rooms, and they offer room service.
Other accommodation options in Panyu District
A modern hotel that offers breakfast and which has spacious family rooms, and a restaurant
Enjoy your stay in Guangzhou in this budget hotel that has family rooms and free wifi
This all-white house looks like it’s coming from the future! It has 2 rooms, air-conditioning, and a bathtub
Things to do in Panyu District
- Visit the cute animals at Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park
- Have the best time with your family at Chimelong Paradise
- Take the kids to Guangzhou Crocodile Park
- Spend a fun day at Chimelong Water Park
- Go for a walk around the Baomo Garden in Guangzhou
| 👑 Luxury price: | $150 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $100 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $50 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $70 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Low |
| 📍 Best area: | Yuexiu District |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Panyu District |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Doubletree by Hilton |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Paco Hotel Guangzhou |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Fenk Attitude Hotel |
Frequently asked questions about Guangzhou
⚠️ Is Guangzhou safe for tourists?
Yes, Guangzhou is safe for tourists, there is minimal risk for a crime to happen in this urban city, however, you should take care when walking alone at night and avoid secluded areas.
📅 How many days should I spend in Guangzhou?
You should spend 4 or 5 days in Guangzhou, as that will give you the chance to explore all the big attractions and visit some temples and historical spots.
💰 Is Guangzhou expensive?
Guangzhou is not an expensive city compared to other places in the world, the accommodation prices are low here and even the luxury hotels have a fair price.
✈️ What are the best hotels in Guangzhou near Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport?
Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is located a 30-minute walk away from the airport. Frida Hotels Guangzhou Baiyun is less than a mile away from Baiyun International Airport. Both have amazing reviews and offer a free airport shuttle.
❓What are the best hotels in Guangzhou near Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street?
433 Life is one of the best hotels where to stay in Guangzhou, and it’s located less than a mile (1 km) away from Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street.
🏨 What is the best mid-range hotel in Guangzhou?
Paco Hotel Guangzhou is the best mid-range hotel where to stay in Guangzhou. It’s located in Yuexiu District, and it has family rooms and a garden.
Conclusion
What a fun location! If you’re visiting this city for the first time, I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Guangzhou and which hotel to choose.
I know there are so many amazon hotel options here, so here are my top 2 favorites from the list to help you decide quickly which one to pick:
- Doubletree by Hilton – A luxury hotel that has a pool and a wellness center
- Paco Hotel Guangzhou – A great Guangzhou hotel that has family rooms and a restaurant
Don’t forget to book your Guangzhou accommodation in advance, that way you’ll get the best deals and prices!
Have the best time in this amazing city, explore all the cool areas like Beijing Road, visit all the shopping malls, and learn more about the culture and history of Guangzhou! Don’t forget to leave me a comment below if you have any questions about Guangzhou, where to stay in the city, or other things!
Safe Travels,
Victoria
