About Guangzhou
Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is the capital and largest city of Guangdong in southern China. Located on the Pearl River, about 120 kilometres (75 mi) northwest of Hong Kong and 145 kilometres (90 mi) north of Macau, Guangzhou has a history of over 2,200 years and was a major terminus of the Silk Road.
Where to stay in Guangzhou
Popular hotels in Guangzhou, out of 881 properties you can book.
Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich
From $152 per night
Asia International Hotel Guangzhou
From $79 per night
Holiday Inn Guangzhou Zhujiang New Town
From $106 per night
Paco Hotel (Guangzhouta Datang Metro Station)
From $40 per night
Paco Hotel Zoo Metro Guangzhou
From $53 per night
Paco Hotel Taojin Metro Guangzhou
From $58 per night
Paco Hotel Tianpingjia Metro Guangzhou
From $43 per night
Paco Hotel (Tiyuxilu Metro Guangzhou)
From $64 per night
Guangzhou Baiyun Hotel
From $89 per night
The Royal Garden Hotel
From $26 per night
Paco Hotel Beijing Road Metro Guangzhou
From $62 per night
Guangdong Hotel (Sheng Fu)
From $69 per night
Best time to visit Guangzhou
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Guangzhou is November to February, when average daytime highs are around 70–77°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Guangzhou weather forecast
- Thu 22 Oct 88° 72° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 89° 72° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 89° 71° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 91° 73° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 88° 75° 7%
- Tue 27 Oct 91° 74° 6%
- Wed 28 Oct 84° 71° 6%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Chinese yuan (CNY)1 US dollar ≈ ¥6.69
- Language
- Chinese
- Calling code
- +86
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/ShanghaiUTC+8
- Capital
- Beijing
Upcoming public holidays in China
- New Year's Day元旦
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)春节
- Labour Day劳动节
- Dragon Boat Festival端午节
- Mid-Autumn Festival中秋节
- National Day国庆节
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Guangzhou
These are the airports closest to central Guangzhou. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CAN Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport18 mi (29 km) from the city centre
Getting around Guangzhou
Guangzhou has a fairly efficient and rapidly expanding public transportation system. If you intend to stay in Guangzhou for a long time, buy a multi-purpose Lingnan Pass - Yang Cheng Tong (岭南通-羊城通) stored value card, similar to the Octopus Card in Hong Kong. The card can be used in most metro areas in Guangdong province (but not Shenzhen).
By metro
Guangzhou's Metro.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] opened in 1999 and has been expanding at a breakneck pace ever since. Most places in Guangzhou of interest to visitors are within walking distance of a metro stop. The Metro cannot be beaten for its combination of convenience and affordability.
By bus
There is also a comprehensive public bus service that covers Guangzhou from end to end. By far, it is the cheapest way to move around. Bus fares are ¥1 for the older buses and ¥2 for the air-conditioned ones, although the older buses have been mostly retired.
By BRT
The Bus Rapid Transit system went into service in early 2010. It is essentially a long segregated bus lane (not an elevated busway like in Xiamen) running along the Tianhe Road and Zhongshan Avenue corridor towards the eastern suburbs.
Guangzhou travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Guangzhou?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Guangzhou is November to February, when average daytime highs are around 70–77°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Guangzhou?
July is usually the warmest month in Guangzhou, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 55°F (13°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 433 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Guangzhou?
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the closest airport, about 18 miles (29 km) from the centre of Guangzhou.
What currency is used in Guangzhou?
Guangzhou uses the Chinese yuan (CNY). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ¥6.69.
What time zone is Guangzhou in?
Guangzhou uses the Asia/Shanghai time zone (currently UTC+8). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a fairly efficient and rapidly expanding public transportation system. If you intend to stay in Guangzhou for a long time, buy a multi-purpose Lingnan Pass - Yang Cheng Tong (岭南通-羊城通) stored value card, similar to the Octopus Card in Hong Kong.
Where should I stay in Guangzhou?
Popular areas for hotels in Guangzhou include Tianhe, Yuexiu and Haizhu. Well-reviewed options include Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich and Asia International Hotel Guangzhou.
How many hotels can I book in Guangzhou?
Destina Holidays currently lists 881 properties in and around Guangzhou, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
