Discover Guangzhou's top spots ahead of 15th National Games

China's 15th National Games, jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, will open in Guangzhou this November. As of August 1, the countdown to this nationwide sports celebration has reached 100 days, making it the perfect time to experience Guangzhou. Here are some must-visit landmarks. Ready to play beyond the games?

Unleash urban energy

Destinations: Canton Tower ( 广州塔 ), Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort ( 长隆旅游度假区 ), Guangzhou Sunac Resort ( 广州融创文旅城 ), Grandview Mall ( 正佳广场 ), Pearl River Night Cruise ( 珠江夜游 ), Zhujiang Party Pier Beer Culture & Art Zone ( 珠江琶醍啤酒文化创意艺术区 )

Visitors can kick off their adventure at the Canton Tower, enjoying panoramic skyline views from the world's highest horizontal Ferris wheel and experiencing the thrilling Sky Drop ride. Just across the city, Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort features roller coasters, water parks, and global circus shows. For snow sports lovers, Guangzhou Bonski, the indoor ski area in Guangzhou Sunac Resort, offers a variety of snow-based entertainment options, including frisbee, zip lining, and adventure trails.

(Photo: Official website of Canton Tower)

(Photo: Sunac Resort)

In the evening, a Pearl River cruise reveals a different side of Guangzhou, where city lights shimmer across the water. Zhujiang Party Pier Beer Culture & Art Zone keeps the night alive with live music and stylish riverside bars, while Grandview Mall blends shopping with an indoor rainforest, aquarium, and many other entertainment venues.

(Photo: Zhujiang Party Pier Beer Culture & Art Zone)

(Photo: Grandview Mall)

Cultural soul of Lingnan

Destinations: Xiguang Yongqing Fang Tourist Area ( 西关永庆坊旅游区 ), Beijing Road Pedestrian Street ( 北京路文化旅游区 ), Guangdong Folk Art Museum (Chen Clan Ancestral Hall) ( 陈家祠 ), Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall ( 中山纪念堂 ), Nansha Tianhou Palace ( 南沙天后宫 )

Wandering through stone-paved lanes and old-style arcades in Yongqing Fang, you can see many passers-by in traditional Chinese costumes, comic exhibitions in the Xiguan Mansions, coffee shops, and bazaars. Don't miss a stroll down Beijing Road, where ancient pathways lie beneath your feet and street snacks tempt you at every corner.

Xiguang Yongqing Fang Tourist Area (Photo: Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau )

Dafo Temple on Beijing Road (Photo: Guangzhou Yuexiu Fabu)

The ornate Chen Clan Ancestral Hall stuns with intricate carvings and vibrant folk art, while the stately Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall offers a glimpse into the city's history. Visitors can also explore the Nansha Tianhou Palace, which honors the sea goddess Mazu with Southeast Asia's largest temple complex and sweeping ocean views.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (Photo: Guangzhou Yuexiu Fabu)

(Photo: Nansha Tianhou Palace Tourist Attraction)

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Fabu)

Chill in the city

Destinations: Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area ( 白云山风景名胜区 ), South China National Botanical Garden ( 华南国家植物园 ), Lotus Hill Tourism Area ( 莲花山旅游区 ), Baomo Garden ( 宝墨园景区 ), Bishuiwan Hot Spring Resort ( 碧水湾温泉度假村 )

Visitors can hike Baiyun Mountain for skyline views and forest trails, or stroll through exotic plants and greenhouses at the South China National Botanical Garden.

Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area (Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Fabu)

South China National Botanical Garden (Photo: Nanfang Daily)

Don't miss the red cliffs and ancient pagoda of Lotus Hill, or the elegant pavilions and koi ponds of Baomo Garden, a gem of Lingnan garden art. For a relaxing end to the day, you can also soak in the mineral-rich pools of Bishuiwan Hot Spring Resort, surrounded by quiet hills and fresh air.

(Photo: Lotus Hill Tourism Area)

(Photo:  Baomo Garden)

Kid-friendly escapes

Destinations: Guangzhou Zoo ( 广州动物园 ), Auswor ( 七彩澳游世界 ), SKOV River Wonderland ( 森林海旅游度假区 )

Families can start their day at Guangzhou Zoo, home to over 450 species, including the beloved giant pandas. At Auswor, kids can meet kangaroos, ride beach buggies, and try horseback riding in an immersive Aussie-style setting.

Giant panda at Guangzhou Zoo (Photo: Nanfang Plus)

To unwind, make your way to SKOV River Wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant boat trip on the shimmering lake or soak in the hot spring while admiring the beautiful scenery.

Source:South