Canton Tower and Guangzhou skyline by the Pearl River
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广州 arrival guide

Guangzhou arrival plan for first-time visitors.

Food-focused travelers, Canton Fair visitors, business trips, and routes connecting into Shenzhen, Hong Kong, or the Pearl River Delta.

Arrival airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

CAN is a practical southern China gateway. Decide early whether your base is Guangzhou city center, Pazhou, or a Pearl River Delta connection.

Last verified: 2026-07-01

First 24 hours

  • Choose a hotel near your real purpose: food, Canton Fair, or rail connection.
  • Test mobile payment before ordering at smaller restaurants.
  • Keep your first meal simple and nearby; Guangzhou rewards slow wandering.

Starter routes

Choose a realistic first itinerary.

3 days

Food and river city

  • Yuexiu Park
  • Shamian Island
  • Pearl River night view

5 days

Guangzhou with business buffer

  • Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
  • Pazhou area
  • Dim sum morning

7 days

Pearl River Delta base

  • Shenzhen transfer
  • Foshan half day
  • Flexible Hong Kong connection

Common mistakes

Avoid the first-day friction.

  • Canton Fair periods can change hotel prices sharply.
  • Restaurant queues are common; plan meals earlier than peak time.
  • Confirm whether your next train leaves from Guangzhou South or another station.

Survival card preview

Driver-facing phrases unlock in the paid pack.

Please take me to Guangzhou South Railway Station.

Chinese version included in Survival Pack.

Do you have an English menu?

Chinese version included in Survival Pack.

Please pack this to go.

Chinese version included in Survival Pack.

Build my Guangzhou plan