Guangzhou Historical Day Tour By Metro & Boat

Guangzhou , China

Guangzhou Historical Day Tour By Metro & Boat

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About this experience

This tour will let you know the history of the city of Guangzhou with a local guide by public metro, who will show you the history and the cultural attrations. Please bring your passport for the tour.
At 9:30am, we will meet you outside Exit B1 Yuexiu Park station on metro line 2 in Guangzhou. Then you will start to explore Guangzhou with a local guide.
Using public transport makes for easy exploring while providing real insight into city life. See the Five Rams statue, visit the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, enjoy a Pearl River day cruise, and more. A dim sum lunch, selected entrance fees and transport included.
The tour concludes at Canton Tower.
Note: Museum of Nanyue King Tomb closes on Mondays, Academy of Clan Chen closes on Tuesday, we will arrange to visit YongQingFang instead. The Nanyue King Tomb limits the number of daily visitors into the tomb site. While we cannot guarantee access into the tomb site itself, you still can view it from the upper level.

Available options

Tour

Tour package

What's included

Local guide

Lunch

Transport by public metro

River boat

Detailed itinerary

At 9:30am, we will meet you outside Exit B1 Yuexiu Park station on metro line 2 in Guanzhou. Then you will start to explore Guangzhou with a local guide. Firstly you will visit the nice Yuexiu Park where you will view the old city wall and 5-Ram Statue.

Stop 2

Afterwards, you will visit the Tomb Museum which was excavated in 1984. There are original king tomb, the exhibitions, and documents in the museum. Close on Mondays. We will arrange to visit YongQingFang instead of it is closed.

Stop 3

Next, you will head to the Chen Clan Academy, which was built in 1894. As a folk art museum today, there are brick carvings, iron carvings, wood carvings etc. in the Cantonese houses. Closed on Tuesday, we will arrange to visit YongQingFang if it is closed.

Stop 4

Then you will go to Shamian Island, a small island in the Pearl River, which used to the British and French colony 200 years ago. It is nice to wander around the old street between the Western architectures. Depending time, you will have included Cantonese dim sum lunch.

Stop 5

Later, you will take a day cruise on the Pearl Rive, which offers you an opportunity to view the buildings beside the river. Then we will head to Canton Tower, which was built in 2010 with a height of 600 meters. If you wish, you can buy a ticket(excluded) to take the lift to the observation floor to view the entire city.

Your trip then concludes at the tower square, where you can take a metro or cab back to your hotel by your own.

tour operator

What's not included

Entrance fee for Canton Tower

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please wear comfortable walking shoes

Adult pricing applies to all travelers over 3 years old

Meeting point

Outside Exit B1 Yuexiu Park station on metro Line 2 in Guangzhou

Important notes

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, known as Canton, is a vibrant metropolis in southern China, renowned for its rich history, bustling markets, and iconic Cantonese cuisine. As a major commercial and cultural hub, it offers a unique blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional temples, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Canton Tower

The Canton Tower is an iconic landmark and one of the tallest towers in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city and has a variety of entertainment options, including a revolving restaurant and an observation deck.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥150-200

Shamian Island

Shamian Island is a historic area known for its colonial-era buildings and serene environment. It's a great place to learn about Guangzhou's past and enjoy a peaceful walk along the Pearl River.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is a beautifully preserved example of traditional Lingnan architecture. It houses a museum showcasing the history and culture of the Chen Clan, one of the most influential clans in Guangdong.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥10

Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Mountain is a scenic area known for its lush greenery and panoramic views of Guangzhou. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty just outside the city.

Nature Half-day Free (cable car costs ¥25)

Shanghai Street

Shanghai Street is a bustling commercial area known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic buildings, and a variety of shops and restaurants. It's a great place to experience the local culture and enjoy some shopping.

Cultural 2-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dim Sum

A variety of small dishes served in bamboo steamers, including dumplings, buns, and rolls. Dim sum is a must-try for any visitor to Guangzhou.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian and vegan options available

Roast Duck

Cantonese-style roast duck is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, often served with a sweet and savory sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Wonton Noodle Soup

A comforting bowl of noodles with wontons, typically served in a clear broth made from pork or chicken.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Chai Ming

A traditional Cantonese dessert made from sticky rice, sugar, and various fillings, such as lotus paste or sesame paste.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Baiyun Mountain Cycling around Shamian Island Tea tasting at a traditional teahouse Beach relaxation in Zhuhai Exploring the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Watching a Cantonese opera performance Boat cruise on the Pearl River Visiting the Canton Tower for panoramic city views

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

18°C to 25°C 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Cantonese, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Guangzhou is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like DiDi to avoid overcharging
• Be cautious of street vendors and markets, as prices may be inflated for tourists

Getting there

By air

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport • 28 km from city center

By train

Guangzhou Railway Station, Guangzhou East Railway Station

By bus

Guangzhou Bus Station, Tianhe Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Guangzhou Metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It consists of multiple lines that connect major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Tianhe Liwan Zhengjia Haizhu

Day trips

Shenzhen

120 km from Guangzhou • Full day

Shenzhen is a modern metropolis known for its futuristic architecture, vibrant shopping scene, and as the gateway to Hong Kong.

Zhuhai

140 km from Guangzhou • Full day

Zhuhai is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning beaches, scenic islands, and the famous Zhuhai Fisher Girl Statue.

Foshan

30 km from Guangzhou • Half day

Foshan is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional Cantonese opera, and the famous Ancestral Temple.

Festivals

Canton Fair • April and October (two sessions per year) Guangzhou International Light Festival • December Lunar New Year • January or February (based on the lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Use the Guangzhou Metro and public transportation system to get around the city efficiently and affordably.
Try local Cantonese dishes and street food for an authentic culinary experience.
Visit popular attractions during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and long lines.
Carry small denominations of cash for street vendors and markets, as they may not accept large bills or credit cards.