Exploring the myriad things to do in Guangzhou, from the bustling markets of Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street to the serene beauty of Baiyun Mountain, can be an exhilarating experience for any visitor. For those who wish to delve deeper into the cultural and natural splendor of the region, day trips from Guangzhou offer a gateway to explore beyond the city’s vibrant life. These excursions provide a perfect blend of historical sites, traditional villages, and natural landscapes, enriching your travel experience with the diverse offerings of Guangdong Province.
Venturing out from Guangzhou opens up a treasure trove of things to do in China, inviting travelers to experience the majestic scenery of the Li River in Guilin or the ancient watchtowers in Kaiping. These journeys not only highlight the stunning diversity of China’s landscapes but also offer a glimpse into its rich cultural tapestry and historical depth.
Choosing where to stay in Guangzhou is crucial for maximizing your exploration of both the city and its surrounding attractions. The right accommodation strategically positions you close to key transport links for day trips, while offering a comfortable retreat to recharge after a day of adventures. This ensures that each day of your stay in Guangzhou is as fulfilling and memorable as possible.
Discover Best Day Trips from Guangzhou, China
1. Kaiping Diaolou, China
Kaiping Diaolou are unique multi-story towers built in the Kaiping area, combining Chinese and Western architectural styles. They were constructed by overseas Chinese from the late Qing Dynasty to the early 20th century for protection and as status symbols.
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Travel Time: It takes about 2 hours to reach Kaiping from Guangzhou by car or bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Unique multi-story towers combining Chinese and Western architectural styles
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Zili Village: $8
- Jinjiangli Village: $8
- Li Garden: $10
Budget: Approximately $30-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Zili Village, Jinjiangli Village, Li Garden
Travel Tip: Hire a local guide to gain insight into the history of these structures, and visit the villages of Zili and Jinjiangli for the most impressive diaolou clusters.
2. Qingyuan, China
Qingyuan is known for its natural landscapes, including rivers, hot springs, and the picturesque Gulongxia Scenic Area. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities like rafting, hiking, and exploring the Gulongxia Glass Bridge.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: The drive to Qingyuan from Guangzhou takes about 1.5 hours
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Natural landscapes, rivers, hot springs, Gulongxia Scenic Area
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Gulongxia Scenic Area: $15
- Hot Springs: $20
Budget: Approximately $40-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Gulongxia Glass Bridge, Huangteng Gorge, Xinyinzhan Hot Springs
Travel Tip: Pack a swimsuit for the hot springs and check if any outdoor activities need prior booking, especially on weekends.
3. Foshan, China
Foshan, a city with a rich history in ceramics and martial arts, is famous for its ancient temples, Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, and the Ancestral Temple. It’s also the hometown of Wong Fei-hung, a martial arts legend.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: You can reach Foshan in about 30-45 minutes from Guangzhou by metro or car
Transportation: Metro, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Ancient temples, Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, Ancestral Temple
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Ancestral Temple: $6
- Nanfeng Ancient Kiln: $5
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Liang’s Garden, Zumiao Temple, Shiwan Ceramics Market
Travel Tip: Visit the Shiwan Ceramics Market for unique souvenirs and try the local Cantonese cuisine in Zumiao Commercial Street.
4. Zhaoqing, China
Zhaoqing is renowned for its scenic beauty, especially the Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain. These natural attractions offer stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and serene lakes.
Distance: Approximately 110 km
Travel Time: The journey to Zhaoqing by car or bus takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from Guangzhou
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Seven Star Crags, Dinghu Mountain, ancient temples
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Seven Star Crags: $8
- Dinghu Mountain: $10
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Star Lake, Dinghu Mountain, Ancient Temples
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the crags and mountain, and consider a boat trip on the Star Lake for a different perspective.
5. Shenzhen, China
Shenzhen, a modern metropolis bordering Hong Kong, is known for its shopping, theme parks like Window of the World, and the vibrant Dafen Oil Painting Village.
Distance: Approximately 140 km
Travel Time: High-speed trains from Guangzhou to Shenzhen take as little as 30 minutes
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Shopping, theme parks like Window of the World, Dafen Oil Painting Village
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Window of the World: $30
- Dafen Oil Painting Village: Free
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Window of the World, Dafen Oil Painting Village, Huaqiangbei
Travel Tip: For technology enthusiasts, a visit to Huaqiangbei, the largest electronics market in China, is a must.
6. Huizhou, China
Huizhou is famous for its natural beauty, particularly the West Lake scenic area, which has inspired many poets and painters. The city also offers beaches and hot springs.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Travel Time: It takes about 2 hours to reach Huizhou from Guangzhou by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: West Lake scenic area, beaches, hot springs
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- West Lake: Free
- Hot Springs: $15
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: West Lake, Huamao Complex Towers, Local Beaches
Travel Tip: Explore the ancient architecture around West Lake and try the local specialty, Huizhou salt baked chicken.
7. Dongguan, China
Dongguan, known for its manufacturing industry, also offers attractions like the Opium War Museum and the Keyuan Garden. The city’s history and culture are quite diverse, reflecting its role in China’s modernization.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: Traveling to Dongguan from Guangzhou by car or train takes about 1 hour
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Opium War Museum, Keyuan Garden, manufacturing industry history
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Opium War Museum: $3
- Keyuan Garden: $5
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Humen Bridge, Opium War Museum, Keyuan Garden
Travel Tip: Visit the Humen Bridge for a panoramic view of the Pearl River and learn about the Opium Wars at the museum for a historical perspective.
8. Conghua, China
Conghua district, located in the northern part of Guangzhou, is famous for its hot springs, waterfalls, and the Liuxi River National Forest Park. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying nature.
Distance: Approximately 75 km
Travel Time: The drive from Guangzhou to Conghua takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Hot springs, waterfalls, Liuxi River National Forest Park
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Hot Springs: $10
- Liuxi River National Forest Park: $8
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Hot Springs, Liuxi River, National Forest Park
Travel Tip: Bring swimwear for the hot springs and comfortable attire for hiking in the forest park.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Guangzhou, China
What are the best day trips from Guangzhou?
Top day trips from Guangzhou include exploring the ancient city of Foshan, visiting the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages, enjoying the scenic beauty of Conghua hot springs, and experiencing the cultural heritage of Shenzhen.
Is visiting the Kaiping Diaolou worth it?
Yes, visiting the Kaiping Diaolou is highly recommended. These unique multi-story tower houses, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and culture.
Can I take a day trip to Macau from Guangzhou?
Absolutely! Macau is easily accessible from Guangzhou by high-speed ferry or bus. Known as the ‘Vegas of China’, it offers a blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, world-class casinos, historical sites, and delicious cuisine.
Are there guided tours to the Pearl River?
Yes, there are various guided tours available for the Pearl River, including evening river cruises that offer stunning views of Guangzhou’s skyline and landmarks like the Canton Tower, beautifully illuminated at night.
What natural landscapes can I explore near Guangzhou?
The Baiyun Mountain offers a great escape into nature, with panoramic views of Guangzhou, hiking trails, and scenic spots. Another option is the Lotus Mountain in Panyu, known for its beautiful lotus flowers and ancient quarry sites.
Is a trip to the Chimelong Safari Park recommended?
Definitely! The Chimelong Safari Park is one of the largest wildlife theme parks in China, offering a chance to see rare animals like giant pandas, white tigers, and koalas up close. It’s an excellent choice for families and animal lovers.
Can I visit traditional villages on a day trip from Guangzhou?
Yes, you can visit traditional Lingnan-style villages such as Liwan District’s Xiguan or the ancient village of Huangpu. These areas offer a glimpse into Guangzhou’s traditional architecture, culture, and lifestyle.
Are there any tea plantation tours near Guangzhou?
While Guangzhou itself is more urban, the surrounding regions offer tea plantation tours, particularly in areas like the Phoenix Mountain. Visitors can learn about tea cultivation, enjoy tastings, and experience the serene beauty of the tea gardens.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/guangzhou-l184?activity_type=dayTrip
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