How to Spend 2 Days in Guangzhou

With two days in Guangzhou, there’s enough time to explore the main highlights in the city, from historic attractions to modern landmarks, and to enjoy the city’s food, museums, and culture. Here are some ideas on how to spend 48 hours in Guangzhou, China.

Day 1: History and Culture

**Morning:**Spend your day seeing the highlights. Start off at Yuexiu Park, the largest in the city. It’s home to the Five Ram Statue and the Guangzhou Museum, located inside the historic Zhenhai Tower. Nearby is the Nanyue King Mausoleum, which dates back more than 2,000 years. End the morning at Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall.

**Afternoon:**Head to the Chen Clan Academy to admire its traditional South China architecture and the Guangdong Folk Art Museum. Afterward, stop at one of the most important temples in Guangzhou, the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees and its Flower Pagoda. Wrap up the afternoon at Shamian Island to stroll the streets lined with European-style architecture.

**Night:**Head to Canton Tower’s observation deck to enjoy the sunset. Then, hop on a nighttime dinner and sightseeing cruise along the Pearl River to see the illuminated city and landmarks such as Xinghai Concert Hall and the Leide and Haiyin bridges.

Day 2: A Modern Taste

**Morning:**Spend your morning on a guided walking tour to try dishes you might not otherwise encounter, such as osmanthus cake and bamboo noodles, and to find hidden gems among the city’s restaurants and food stalls. A cooking class can teach you how to make your favorite dishes.

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon at a museum. History buffs may want to visit the Guangdong Museum, which contains nearly 200,000 items, including artifacts related to the region’s history and culture. Art fans will enjoy the Guangdong Museum of Art and the Guangzhou Museum of Art. There is even a museum devoted to beer, the Zhujiang-InBev International Beer Museum.

**Night:**Grab dinner on Beijing Pedestrian Street or Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, then enjoy a classical Cantonese Opera performance, or a performance at the Chimelong International Circus. Wrap up the day with a nightcap at Huanshi Road or Binjiang Lu Bar Street.