Guangzhou tours

Things to do in Guangzhou

Welcome to Guangzhou, a city that beats to the pulse of innovation while cradling centuries-old traditions. Picture yourself wandering through the bustling markets, where the scent of dim sum mingles with the sweet aroma of lychee. With your local guide, you’ll uncover the layers of this dynamic metropolis, far beyond its dazzling skyline. Dive into a food and wine tour that tantalizes your taste buds, savoring bites of the city's culinary treasures and sipping on exquisite local brews. A private tour in Guangzhou lets you skip the line at popular spots and delve into hidden gems, like the serene beauty of Shamian Island or the vibrant art district of Redtory. Feel the energy and warmth of Guangzhou as your guide shares the city's secrets, turning each moment into a cherished memory. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Guangzhou. Explore Guangzhou your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Guangzhou tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Guangzhou for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Start your morning birding at Nansha Wetland Park, spotting egrets and herons from reed-lined boardwalks, then wander the South China Botanical Garden’s cycad conservatory and medicinal plant beds with your guide explaining local uses. For a green escape, hike shaded trails up Baiyun Mountain to Moxing Summit and pause at teahouses tucked along the way. Off the beaten path tours: Trace Xiguan culture in Liwan’s Enning Road lanes, step into old qilou arcades and a tiny Cantonese opera props workshop, then sample clay‑pot rice or a classic dim sum set at a no‑frills spot your guide loves. Visit Huangsha Seafood Market at dawn to watch the auctions, choose your catch, and have it cooked to order nearby. Off the beaten path tours: Ride the ferry to Changzhou Island to see the Whampoa Military Academy site and quiet temple courtyards, then continue to the Nanhai God Temple in Huangpu for riverfront history with few crowds. Or head to Panyu’s Shawan Ancient Town to explore clan halls and try double‑skin milk dessert in a family shop. Getting around is easy on the metro and key neighbourhoods are walkable, but distances between areas can be long; you can ask your local guide to organise chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation for a smoother day. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Guangzhou inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Consider taking a private walking tour in Guangzhou to dive into the city's diverse neighborhoods with a local guide. This dynamic city is a blend of old and new and offers a unique mix of experiences. - Shamian Island: Families will love this peaceful, tree-lined neighborhood with its historical European-style architecture. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk and a peek into colonial history. - Yuexiu District: For cultural tourists, this district is home to the famous Five Rams Statue and the Guangzhou Museum. It's a perfect place to soak in the local history and culture. - Tianhe District: If you're in search of modern experiences, this bustling area is for you. It’s a hub for shopping and entertainment, attracting those interested in contemporary urban life. Day trip ideas from Guangzhou From Guangzhou, nearby cities and green escapes sit within easy reach by metro or high‑speed rail, so day trips fit smoothly into your plans and your tour can focus on food, heritage, design, or nature. Foshan: Explore the Lingnan‑style Ancestral Temple complex, peek into lion dance courtyards, and see ceramic workshops in Shiwan, and if you’re into craft, kung fu stories, or traditional architecture, compact old streets and shaded squares make the day simple to navigate between bites of classic Cantonese snacks. Kaiping Diaolou: Head into the countryside to find watchtowers rising over rice fields and low villages like Zili, where overseas Chinese history meets striking concrete and brick façades, and this trip works well for architecture fans and photographers who want layered stories with open space to frame each shot. Zhaoqing: Lakes dotted with karst peaks at Seven Star Crags and forested paths around Dinghu Mountain give you calm water views, light hikes, and a taste of temple life, which suits nature walkers and families who prefer scenic stops and steady pacing over long climbs. Shenzhen: A fast train brings you to a modern skyline, creative warehouses at OCT Loft, gadget markets in Huaqiangbei, and easy green time at Lianhuashan Park, and if design, tech, and city photography are your thing, you can mix storefront browsing with park views without squeezing in too much. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Guangzhou most travellers miss.