GuangzhouGuangzhou is a rising tourism city and is ranked as one of the top 10 Chinese cities by TripAdvisor and Google. Different areas of the city may have different advantages or benefits for visitors. Read this article to find out the best places to stay for first-time visitors, families, couples, business trips, and a layover.
Where to Stay in Guangzhou - an Organized Guide
- If you are paying your first visit to Guangzhou: Yuexiu District
- If you are traveling with your family: Liwan District
- If you want a metropolis atmosphere: Tianhe District or Zhujiang New Town
- If you are traveling with the one you love: Shamian Island
- If you are visiting Guangzhou for the Canton Fair: stay near the site or in Haizhu District
- If you only have a one-night layover: stay near Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
1. Yuexiu District: Most Suitable for First-Time Visitors
Night view of Yuexiu DistrictAdvantages
Yuexiu District is Guangzhou's popular tourism district and a business center. If you are paying your first visit to Guangzhou, staying in Yuexiu District is a good option.
It is an ancient city cultural tourism area with attractions that include the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Yuexiu Park, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is a wonderful place for shopping. Some famous wholesale markets are also held there.
Guangzhou Railway Station is located in this district.
Subway
Metro lines 1, 2, and 5 go through this district.
Prices and Recommendations
The hotels in Yuexiu District are better value for money than those in Zhujiang New Town.
- Luxury: 120–160 USD (The Garden Hotel Guangzhou, Crowne Plaza Guangzhou City Centre)
- Mid-range: 50–70 USD (Paco Business Hotel Guangzhou, ibis Guangzhou Yuexiu Park Hotel)
- Budget: 40 USD (Guangzhou Hongcheng Hotel)
2. Liwan District - for Families
Chen Clan Ancestral HallAdvantages
Liwan District is also a popular tourism destination with ancient architecture and folk culture.
There, you can visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and walk around Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street to see what the city used to be like hundreds of years ago.
Although slightly far away from the CBD, the metro transportation is still convenient. This district is more suitable for a family.
Liwan is close to Foshan city. You can take an intercity metro line from Liwan to Foshan.
Subway
Metro lines 1, 6, and 8 take you to other districts in Guangzhou, and the Guangzhou–Foshan Line takes you between the two cities.
Prices and Recommendations
This location offers more favorable accommodation prices.
- Mid-range: 45–60 USD (Holiday Inn Shifu Guangzhou, Guangzhou Planet Hotel)
- Budget: 30–40 USD (The Harbour Hotel)
3. Tianhe District and Zhujiang New Town: Most Luxurious Choice in the CBD
Canton TowerAdvantages
Tianhe District is the new center of Guangzhou. Partly in Tianhe District, Zhujiang New Town is Guangzhou's CBD and its cutting-edge showcase.
You will have no problem finding some luxury shopping malls and restaurants, and there are many world-famous brand hotels.
Famous attractions, such as Canton Tower and Guangzhou Opera House, are located in this area.
The area is busy until late at night - it is wonderful for young people, party animals, and night owls, but may not be suitable for people who want a quiet rest.
This district is close to Guangzhou East Railway Station and Guangzhou Railway Station.
Subway
Metro lines 1, 3, and 5, and the APM go through this district.
Prices and Recommendations
The prices for hotels are the most expensive in this district because you are paying for the location.
- Luxury: 150–200 USD (Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, Conrad Guangzhou, Park Hyatt Guangzhou)
- Mid-range: 90–130 USD (H'ELite Hotel, Leeden Hotel Guangzhou)
4. Shamian Island - for Couples
Shamian IslandAdvantages
Shamian Island in Liwan District is like a European town with over 150 British or French architectural structures, such as Catholic or Christian churches and former foreign consulates. Parks, cafés, and bars are scattered across the island.
Traffic is restricted on the island so there are no traffic jams or exhaust emissions.
After night falls, the island becomes a romantic place to stroll around and admire the night view.
Subway
There is no metro station on the island but you can take Metro Line 1 or 6 to Huangsha Station (Exit D), then cross the river via the bridges to reach Shamian Island.
Prices and Recommendations
It is possible to stay in a historical hotel on Shamian Island.
- Luxury: 140 USD (White Swan Hotel)
- Mid-range: 60 USD (Guangdong Victory Hotel)
5. Near the Canton Fair - for Business Travelers
Canton FairAdvantages
The Canton Fair is the biggest trade fair in China. It is hosted twice a year in Pazhou International Exhibition Center, Haizhu District.
If you are going to attend the fair, you can stay near the fair site or in Haizhu District. Be aware that accommodation is booked very quickly during this time.
You can find a fantastic riverside bar street in Haizhu District.
Get more information about the top trade fairs in China.
Subway
Metro Line 8 takes you to the site of the Canton Fair.
Prices and Recommendations
The price for a room ranges from 70 to 100 USD.
The following hotels are just a few minutes' walk to the Canton Fair:
- Langham Place, Guangzhou
- The Westin Pazhou
- Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou
The following hotels are located in Haizhu District and you can get to the Canton Fair easily from them by metro or by using the free vehicles they provide to drive you there.
- InterContinental Guangzhou Exhibition Center
- Langyu Hotel Guangzhou
6. Near Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport - for Layovers
Baiyun International AirportAdvantages
If you only need a 1-night layover in Guangzhou and don't plan to visit the city, finding a hotel near the airport is a good option.
The service and facilities of budget hotels cannot compare with the chain hotels in the CBD. The location and airport shuttle service are good reasons to choose them.
Subway
Metro Line 3 (North Extension) is the express line connecting to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Be aware that Guangzhou Metro Line 3 and Line 3 (North Extension) are two different metro lines.
Prices and Recommendations
The following hotels are located within 1 kilometer of the airport:
- Luxury: 100 USD (Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Hotel)
- Budget: 20–30 USD (Guangzhou Airport Voyage Service Apartment Baiyun Airport, Guangzhou New Baiyun Airport Aviation Bright Pearl Apartment Hotel)
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