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Guangzhou

China · Coast · CNY · 23.129100, 113.264400
Family friendly 7.7/10 · Rank 252 of 2 709
Best season: October-December

Best for

Suitable for gastronomy, urban tourism and nightlife lovers

Best season

October-December

Daily budget
$56.00 (≈ 4 700 ₽ · ≈ 403 CNY)
For 7 days
$392.00 (≈ 32 897 ₽ · ≈ 2 822 CNY)
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong province and one of China's largest port cities on the Pearl River. The city is famous for its Cantonese cuisine, considered one of the best in China, and the Canton Fair. Here you can see modern skyscrapers, ancient temples, and lively markets.
Summer
39.0°C
Winter
10.0°C
Sea
31.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

fast

Local character

Guangzhou residents are friendly, enterprising and proud of their city

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Famous cuisine
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Rich history
  • Nightlife
  • Affordable prices

Cons

  • Hot summer
  • High humidity
  • Traffic jams
  • Noisy city
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
29.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
33.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
39.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
14.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
18.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
10.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
29.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
31.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
April-June
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Nansha Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Jellyfish possible in the warm season, swimming on guarded beaches recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Several species of sea urchins inhabit the South China Sea off Guangzhou, particularly Glyptocidaris crenularis and Tripneustes gratilla. They are found on coral reefs and rocky bottoms.
  • For swimmers, urchins pose a risk on contact — their spines can cause painful punctures, so protective footwear is recommended when swimming near reefs.

Corals and reefs — details

  • In the coastal waters of Guangdong Province, including the Guangzhou area (Pearl River Estuary), 48 species of scleractinian corals belonging to 24 genera and 12 families have been recorded, with dominant species Porites lutea, Plesiastrea versipora, Montipora grisea and Porites agglomerans
  • Average live coral cover in the Pearl River Estuary is about 17.3%, while in some areas (Daya Bay, Dapeng Bay, Wanshan Islands) cover varies from 1.3% to 46.5%
  • Guangzhou hosts leading research centres for the study and restoration of coral reefs of the South China Sea, including the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the South China Sea Ecology Centre under the Ministry of Natural Resources
  • Since 2009, 120,000 to 150,000 corals have been planted in the South China Sea, covering over 200,000 square metres of seabed, as part of coral reef restoration programmes
  • In Hainan Province, adjacent to Guangdong, 55 species of scleractinian corals from 17 genera and 10 families have been recorded, with dominant families Acroporidae, Poritidae and Faviidae

Jellyfish — details

  • Sea nettle (Chrysaora) — found in coastal waters, stings are painful
  • Jellyfish appear in the warm season, especially in July-August

Sharks — details

  • About 30 shark species have been recorded in the waters of the South China Sea washing Guangdong Province, including species such as the blue shark (Prionace glauca), silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis), scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena) and shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus)
  • Guangzhou is the largest shark fin market in mainland China, dominated by species such as the blue shark (Prionace glauca), silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) and hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.)
  • In the coastal waters of Hainan Province, adjacent to Guangdong, shark species such as the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and zebra shark (Heterodontus zebra) have been recorded
  • In the Pearl River Estuary (Guangzhou area), mainly small bottom-dwelling shark species occur, such as catsharks (Scyliorhinidae) and houndsharks (Triakidae), which pose no danger to humans
Attractions

Canton Tower

Guangzhou's symbol, 600 metres high, with panoramic city views

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Ancient Buddhist temple with a pagoda and statues

Yuexiu Park

Largest park in the city with lakes and sculptures

Shamian Island

Historic area with colonial architecture

Best areas

Tianhe

Modern area with skyscrapers and shopping centres

Yuexiu

Historic area with parks and temples

Shamian

Colonial area with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Dim Sum

Traditional Cantonese snacks, served with tea

Rice Noodles

Thin rice noodles with meat and vegetables

Peking Duck

Crispy duck with pancakes and sauce

Where to go next

Shenzhen

Modern city with theme parks 1.5 hours away

Foshan

City with ancient temples and ceramics 1 hour away

Macau

Historic city with casinos and colonial architecture 2 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
high
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Гуанчжоу Байюнь (CAN).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
October-December
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 252 CNY
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$65.00
≈ 5 455 ₽ · ≈ 468 CNY
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽ · ≈ 936 CNY
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 864 CNY
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 324 CNY
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 36 CNY
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 25 CNY
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 18 CNY
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.60
≈ 50 ₽ · ≈ 4 CNY
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 43 CNY
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 36 CNY
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.40
≈ 34 ₽ · ≈ 3 CNY
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 324 CNY
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 36 CNY
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 72 CNY
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 288 CNY
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 576 CNY
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 504 CNY
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 130 CNY
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 72 CNY
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Frequently asked questions
Guangzhou: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is October-December. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Guangzhou: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +39.0°C, during the day — up to +33.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Guangzhou: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +10.0°C, during the day — up to +18.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Guangzhou: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +31.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Guangzhou: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on April-June. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Guangzhou: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, white sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Nansha Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Guangzhou: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Guangzhou: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Jellyfish possible in the warm season, swimming on guarded beaches recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Guangzhou: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $56.00 (≈ 4 700 ₽ · ≈ 403 CNY) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Guangzhou: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $8.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $35.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $65.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $130.00 per night, an apartment — $45.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Guangzhou: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.60. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Guangzhou: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.40, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Guangzhou: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Canton Tower — Guangzhou's symbol, 600 metres high, with panoramic city views; Temple of the Six Banyan Trees — Ancient Buddhist temple with a pagoda and statues; Yuexiu Park — Largest park in the city with lakes and sculptures; Shamian Island — Historic area with colonial architecture. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Guangzhou: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Dim Sum — Traditional Cantonese snacks, served with tea; Rice Noodles — Thin rice noodles with meat and vegetables; Peking Duck — Crispy duck with pancakes and sauce. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Guangzhou: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Tianhe — Modern area with skyscrapers and shopping centres; Yuexiu — Historic area with parks and temples; Shamian — Colonial area with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Guangzhou: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Guangzhou: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Гуанчжоу Байюнь (code CAN). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Guangzhou: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CNY. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $56.00 (≈ 4 700 ₽ · ≈ 403 CNY). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Guangzhou: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Guangzhou: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.
Guangzhou: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Shenzhen — Modern city with theme parks 1.5 hours away; Foshan — City with ancient temples and ceramics 1 hour away; Macau — Historic city with casinos and colonial architecture 2 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.7/10
Overall rank: 252 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 152