Gorgeous Guangzhou is a clean, green and super smart city that’s marching boldly towards the future, without losing sight of its incredible 2000-year history. China’s third-largest city with a population of almost 16 million, it’s one of the world’s fastest-growing tourist cities. And, I’m ashamed to admit, a few short months ago I didn’t know about any of the many things to do in Guangzhou.
In fact, all I did know was that it used to be called Canton and was the birthplace of the epic Cantonese cuisine I devour frequently Being a card-carrying glutton, I didn’t need any more of a reason than that to visit. But it turns out that Guangzhou holds loads of appeal for families, and the city’s world-class museums, sprawling parks, arts and culture, ultra-modern architecture, grand ancient temples – and yes, that showstopping Cantonese cuisine – soon had us wrapped around its not-so-little finger.
GZ, as it is known to the lovely locals, is a city working hard at becoming a sustainable super city with award-winning sustainable transport, loads of green spaces, virtually no litter and some truly forward-thinking environmental programs in place.
But in a megacity that’s growing and changing at hyperspeed, where do you even begin?
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29 of the best things to do in Guangzhou with kids in 2026
1. Devour Guangzhou’s famous dim sum
What kid doesn’t love dim sum? The culinary art originated here in Guangzhou, so you know it’s going to be good. But it’s also going to be confusing, because there are no trolleys and the picture-free dim sum menus are written entirely in Mandarin. Famous dim sum dishes in Guangzhou include plump shrimp-filled har gau and siu mai steamed dumplings, fluffy pork-stuffed Char Siu Bao, sticky rice in lotus leaf, unctuous steamed rice-flour rolls with assorted fillings and fèngzhǎo (chicken feet). You’ll also find our new favourite food ever on the menu. Red rice noodle rolls are an addictive combination of springy shrimp rolled in a crisp fried noodle net, then wrapped in a steamed rice noodle and served with peanut and soy sauce. They are a revelation of texture and taste.
2. Take a stroll around Guangzhou’s pretty Lychee Bay Park
This sprawling expanse of green is crisscrossed by a tangle of creeks and lakes that flow south-west to the Pearl River and is one of our family’s favourite spots in the city. A morning stroll delivers a breath of fresh air as well as delightful people-watching opportunities as shuttlecocks bounce back and forth, people play hacky sack, locals start their day with tai chi and eager amateurs perform Chinese opera. There are timber boats to punt under the park’s ancient bridges, and the area is surrounded with great places to eat. Which we do, of course.
3. Get crafty at Chen Clan Academy
The Chen Clan Academy is one of Guangzhou’s most popular attractions. The ornately decorated compound consists of nine halls, six courtyards and nineteen buildings connected by corridors; it is the ancestral shrine of the Chen family and was at one time a school for students of the clan. In 1959, the complex became a folk art museum housing a collection of contemporary and historical art from around China, as well as traditional craft demonstrations. The academy is the largest traditional structure in Guangzhou and home to a confection of intricate carvings in wood and stone depicting birds, animals and exciting figures from Chinese mythology that leave my kids’ jaws slack with wonder.
→ Discover Guangzhou’s food and culture on this full-day private Klook experience
4. Scale Guangzhou’s Canton Tower and ride the bubble tram
The 604-metre-tall Canton Tower is the landmark of Guangzhou and one of the highest free-standing towers in the world. Take the lift to the 109th floor for gobsmackingly gorgeous 360-degree views of Guangzhou. There are also booths with transparent glass floors jutting out over the city for people who aren’t me to stand on. Other people who also aren’t me might also like to head to the 110th floor for a ride in the Bubble Tram, a series of spherical, glass-enclosed cabins clinging to the outside edge of the building that rotate around the tower. Come nighttime the whole thing lights up like a unicorn horn with rainbows of colours pulsing up the tower.
5. Take a Pearl River cruise through Guangzhou
The Pearl River is the third largest river in China and a highlight of a visit to Guangzhou. One of our favourite things to do in Guangzhou with kids is a night dinner cruise. Not only can you munch on local Cantonese delights, but you also soak up the views of iconic architectural sights along the sparkling waterway as you do it. Highlights include the rainbow-hued Canton Tower and the surreal Guangzhou Opera House illuminated at night. Visit during Chinese New Year to see many of the buildings lit up with graphic LED imagery to celebrate the festivities.
→ See Guangzhou by night on a Pearl River cruise
6. Visit Yuexiu Park and the Five Ram Statue
The Five Ram Statue in Yuexiu Park is the symbol of the town and one of the most popular things to see in Guangzhou. Legend says that 2000 years ago five immortals came riding in to the then barren town on five rams said to be holding sheaves of rice in their mouths. After the mystical visitors blessed the city with an abundance of food and prosperity forever, they buggered off to wherever it is immortal types go after working their magic, leaving behind the rams who had turned to stone.
7. Visit the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
The striking Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, located in Yuexiu Park, dates back to AD537 and the Liang Dynasty. Imaginatively named because of six banyan trees originally located on the site, the stunning temple complex includes a red and white pagoda that’s a whopping nine-storeys high. The pagoda was constructed in 1900 after a fire destroyed the original in 1373 and its replacement was damaged in the 1800s. Boasting several huge statues of Buddha and Guanyin, the gorgeous Goddess of Mercy, locals make the pilgrimage to pray for luck amongst swirls of incense smoke.
8. Explore Shamian Island
While its history is far from pretty, modern-day Shamian Island is. Guangzhou’s sandbank island was once a base for British and French colonial powers and a hub for the trade of opium. It wasn’t much more than a swanky, cashed-up drug den until the Chinese halted the destructive opium trade in the 19th century and cleaned up its rather stunning act. Today you’ll find atmospheric, tree-lined streets and a Parisian vibe with grand buildings and pretty Victorian houses along with gorgeous gardens, a statue trail and an abundance of quaint cafes.
9. Enjoy a night at the Guangzhou Opera
An insanely cool tangle of glass, granite and steel, Guangzhou Opera House is a magical musical grotto inspired by the concept of two rocks washed away by the Pearl River. The whole twisting, curving architectural confection was the creation of the first female winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Zaha Hadid. Opened in 2011, this gleaming monument to girl power houses an 1,800-seat theatre plus a 400-seat multifunctional hall, rehearsal rooms and entrance hall and houses performances of everything from classic operas to mainstream musicals like School of Rock.
10. Hang about in Guangzhou’s Huacheng Square
Located on the edge of the Pearl River in Zhujiang New Town, this enormous public space is a mecca for local families and offers awesome views of the famous Canton Tower, incredible museums and entertainment complexes, including the stunning Guangzhou Opera House, plus a 150,000-square-metre underground shopping complex. But, according to Raffles and Sugarpuff, the most fun is to be found joining the local kids flying their flapping paper birds and twirling rainbow ribbons in the square.
11. Hit the epic Guangzhou food markets
Whether your kids are foodies or not, it’s a must to hit up a food market like Huifu Snack Street for steaming, sizzling and sometimes smelly (yes, we’re talking about you, stinky tofu) street eats. You’ll find unidentifiable things on sticks, alien-impersonating seafood, steamers packed full of random dim sum, sizzling stuffed chicken wings, all manner of balls (fish, tofu, etc.), stir fries, noodles, soups and the slightly less appealing organ stew. But everyone’s a winner at the street markets, so if you have a fussy eater, just do as Sugarpuff does and hit up the waffle stand for a giant rolled waffle stuffed with strawberry ice cream slathered with cream and fruit.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, a guided food tour can take the guesswork out of it, with a local guide helping you navigate the markets, identify the dishes and find the good stuff without resorting to pointing at something and hoping for the best.
→ Explore Guangzhou’s old town and food scene on a guided food tour
12. Celebrate Chinese New Year in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is one of the best places to celebrate Chinese New Year. It’s a time for family and feasting, but the city dons its party best for the occasion with red lanterns and zodiac imagery strewn across the city. There are also enormous flower fairs overflowing with blooms, edible sugar paintings, and tangerine and kumquat trees, which all hold special significance when proffered as gifts during the holiday. Raucous lion and dragon dances break out across the city to bring good luck and fortune, and children are gifted red packets, some bearing real cash, others the chocolate variety. The whole shebang is fun, fabulously colourful and definitely worth timing your visit for.
13. See the Guangzhou Spring Festival Lantern Fair
The sheer scale and detail of the lantern fair held in Yuexiu Park during the Spring Festival is like nothing we’ve ever seen before, and we couldn’t resist joining the local families to see the 50-plus enormous lanterns on display. Themed around animals from the Chinese Zodiac, there are illuminated multi-storey rabbits, dragons, goats, fish, pandas, pigs and dogs that leave us utterly mesmerised. Pedal boating under the glow of a lake full of illuminated creatures and lotus blooms provides added enchantment. And, as Guangzhou is committed to becoming a sustainable city, the lanterns are all made from recycled products and environmentally friendly materials. Go Guangzhou!
14. Take a stroll down Guangzhou’s Beijing Road Pedestrian Street
Sometimes referred to as Beijing Pedestrian Street, this long stretch of road is packed with shops and malls. Think Hong Kong style bargains as well as designer finds. For those not planning to shop, there are a few impressive temples and trees adorned with pretty red lanterns that make it photogenic too! And at CNY a visit to the buzzing flower market is a must.
15. Dive into history at Guangdong Museum
This epic museum, housed in a stunning landmark building in the new financial hub of Zhujiang Xincheng (Pearl River New Town), is an icon of ultra-modern architecture on the outside, with a yin-yang interior that reflects traditional Chinese design. Packed with exquisite paintings, ceramics, calligraphy and carvings, there are plenty of interactive displays to keep kids entertained.
16. Stop to smell the flowers at Guangzhou’s Yuntai Garden
Located at the southern foot of the Baiyun Mountain, Yuntai Garden is the largest landscaped garden in China. Integrating both Eastern and Western design and covering an area of over 120,000 square metres, Yuntai is often referred to as the Pearl of the Flower City. The exquisite botanic garden is carpeted with hundreds and thousands of flowers with stunning water features that add a wonderfully tranquil effect.
17. Dress up for battle
If, like my Raffles and Sugarpuff, “tranquility” is not in your vocabulary, you can always skip the flowers and head to one of Yuntai Garden’s costume booths to dress up warrior-style and recreate an ancient Chinese fight club, albeit with a backdrop of beautiful blooming tulips.
18. Soak up the sunshine in the Guangzhou Sunflower Garden
Located in Guangzhou’s Xinken Town, the sprawling, sunshiny Sunflower Garden is carpeted with millions of yellow blooms. This place is a riot of colour with more than 20 varieties of sunflowers on display in the park, along with rose and lavender gardens and rare flowers from around the world. Kids will especially love the garden’s Squirrel Paradise, which more than 1,000 squirrels call home.
19. Ride a tuk-tuk or a robotaxi through Guangzhou
We decided to ditch the taxis and electric buses to instead defy death gadding about Guangzhou in an open-air tuk-tuk. They’ve always been the kids’ favourite form of transport in Asia, but we are kind of surprised to spot them in this ultra-modern city. It should be noted that they are becoming increasingly uncommon in 2026.
Or, if tuk-tuks aren’t your speed, skip the driver altogether and let a robotaxi take you around the city. Yep, there is no driver. Guangzhou is already putting autonomous cars on its roads alongside regular traffic, so climbing into one feels considerably more futuristic than calling another cab.
→ Take a driverless robotaxi tour of Guangzhou
20. Go bananas at VeRyland Wonderland
On those days when the heavens open and outdoor plans go out the window, VeRyland Wonderland is your new best friend. China’s first large-scale indoor VR entertainment complex opened in late 2024 at Baixin Plaza in the Baiyun District, and it’s a proper sensory overload in the best possible way. Spread across 6,000 square metres, it packs in VR robotic arms, VR bungee jumping, VR skiing, VR racing and more than 80 games, plus indoor go-karting for good measure. Best suited to older kids and teenagers who’ll happily lose an entire afternoon in here, and probably drag you back the next day too.
21. Kick back in Yongqing Fang
Take time to explore Yongqing Fang, a creative neighbourhood with unique alleys packed full of cool cafes and modern art. A highlight of any visit is the ancestral home of Bruce Lee. The house is open to the public and filled with mementoes of the kung fu legend’s career.
22. See tech meet tradition at the Guangzhou Art Museum of Cantonese Opera
While Chinese Opera may not be the first thing to spring to mind for holidaying kids, the interactive, technology-infused Art Museum of Cantonese Opera brings traditional opera to life with sensory exhibits they will love. There’s also a pretty garden complete with a lake and a stage where the ancient art is performed live throughout the day.
23. Marvel at the Bai’etan Greater Bay Area Art Centre
One of the most exciting new additions to Guangzhou’s cultural landscape, the Bai’etan Greater Bay Area Art Centre opened in April 2024 along the Liwan waterfront and it is seriously impressive. The building alone is worth the trip. Designed to resemble either a swan in repose or a ship setting sail depending on your imagination, the gleaming 145,000-square-metre complex houses three major institutions under one roof. There’s a new branch of the Guangdong Museum of Art focused on contemporary and international works, the Guangdong Literature Museum, and the one that really gets the kids going, the Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, with hands-on craft workshops where little ones can try their hand at traditional skills. It’s a beautiful, genuinely engaging half-day and a welcome reminder that Guangzhou keeps building things worth seeing.
24. Go herbal at Guangzhou’s Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Guangzhou Shennong Caotang Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine offers more than just an educational dip into the origin, traditions and culture of traditional Chinese medicine. It’s home to a beautiful garden full of medicinal plants and enigmatic statues that provide a perfect spot for herbal hide and seek.
25. Unleash your inner tomb raider at the Mausoleum of the Nányuè King
Let your little archaeologists loose (though not too loose) in the 2000-year-old tomb and burial site of Nanyue King Zhao Mo. One of China’s most impressive historical sites, the tomb was discovered completely intact in the 1980s. Now it’s a three-storey museum, packed with cultural artefacts and show-stopping exhibits, including the remains of more than a dozen sacrificial courtiers who were buried alive with the king, the dusty remains of a concubine, and a remarkable
26. Dig deep at The Site of Nanyue Kingdom Palace
The Nanyue Kingdom Palace Museum has been cleverly designed to both explain and protect the archaeological remains of the Nanyue Kingdom Palace. Located in the city centre, the site of the Nanyue Kingdom Palace houses an excavated area which includes remnants of a garden, waterways and palace walls dating back to 203 B.C. – 111 B.C.
27. Explore Huifu East Road and the old city laneways
Beyond the big-ticket sights, some of the most memorable moments in Guangzhou happen in its older neighbourhoods. The laneways around Huifu East Road and the Liwan District are a wonderful wander with crumbling colonial shophouses, elderly locals playing mahjong in doorways, tiny noodle shops and traditional herbal tea houses. It’s a world away from the gleaming towers of Zhujiang New Town and all the better for it.
28. Duck duck goose!
We can’t possibly leave out one of our favourite Guangzhou eating experiences, the gobbling of goose! This city is big on braised and roasted meats, including pork and duck, but it is their roasted, lusciously fatty goose that is one of Guangzhou’s most famous dishes. Blown, smeared with fragrant seasoning, boiled, chilled, air-dried and then roll-roasted over flame for the perfect crispy skin, we can’t resist.
29. Run wild at Baiyun Children’s Park
If you’re travelling with little ones, this is a brilliant and budget-friendly stop. The Baiyun District Children’s Park completed a major renovation in 2024 and emerged bigger, better and more exciting than ever, and best of all, entry is completely free. With sprawling play areas, open green spaces and facilities designed with young children firmly in mind, it’s the kind of place where kids disappear into their own world for hours while parents actually get to sit down. A solid half-day that won’t cost you a cent.
A note on Chimelong
You’ll notice Chimelong Safari Park and Chimelong Circus are not included on this list. It’s Guangzhou’s biggest family drawcard, but animal welfare groups have raised consistent concerns over the years about enclosure conditions and the circus-style animal performance shows, so we’ve chosen not to include it here.
Where to stay in Guangzhou with kids
Guangzhou is a sprawling city, so where you base yourself matters more than usual depending on which side of it you’re prioritising..Here are seven options, each with a genuinely different reason to stay.
Historic splurge | White Swan Hotel
For a slice of old Guangzhou, the White Swan Hotel sits right on Shamian Island, the colonial-era river island that’s its own entry on this list. Opened in 1983, it’s tree-lined, quiet and a welcome change of pace from the rest of the city, with the Pearl River outside and plenty of space for kids to stretch their legs. The pools and family-friendly room options make it a particularly easy choice if you want somewhere special without giving up the practicalities of travelling with children.
→ Check current rates for White Swan Hotel
Family resort feel | Shangri-La Guangzhou
If your kids need a hotel that can hold its own against a day of sightseeing, Shangri-La Guangzhou is the one to look at. It’s beside the Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou, a little removed from the main tourist areas, but has 5,800 square metres of gardens, a huge outdoor pool and a separate children’s pool, along with play equipment and family activities. There are even dedicated family stays for two adults and two children under 12.
→ Check current rates for Shangri-La Guangzhou
CBD luxury | The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou
For a modern CBD base, The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou in Zhujiang New Town puts you close to the Opera House, Canton Tower and Huacheng Square. The heated outdoor pool helps with downtime and the hotel has a proper Ritz Kids programme, with child-friendly activities, a scavenger hunt, welcome treats and a kids’ menu. It’s a good option when you want the hotel to feel like part of the holiday rather than somewhere everyone collapses after sightseeing.
→ Check current rates for The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou
Canton Fair base | Langham Place Guangzhou
For something further from the tourist core, Langham Place Guangzhou sits in Pazhou, close to the Canton Fair Complex. It’s particularly useful if you’re combining sightseeing with the fair, or simply want a hotel with plenty of facilities for downtime. The 25-metre heated indoor pool comes with a separate 0.6-metre-deep children’s pool, which could be handy after a day pounding the pavements.
→ Check current rates for Langham Place Guangzhou
Mid-range and historic | voco Guangzhou Shifu by IHG
For a mid-range base with a serious dose of old Guangzhou, voco Guangzhou Shifu sits in Liwan, close to Yongqing Fang, Lychee Bay and the city’s Cantonese cultural sights. The hotel was renovated in 2024 and has family rooms, child-themed suites and a rooftop pool, so there’s somewhere to escape for a swim when everyone’s had enough sightseeing. It’s a good option if you want to stay in the older, more atmospheric part of Guangzhou rather than the glass towers of the CBD.
→ Check current rates for voco Guangzhou Shifu by IHG
Serviced apartments | Fraser Suites Guangzhou
If you’d rather have an apartment than a hotel room, Fraser Suites Guangzhou gives families considerably more room to spread out. The serviced apartments have separate living areas, proper kitchens and washing machines, with two- and three-bedroom options for larger families. It’s in Tianhe, right by Shipaiqiao metro station and close to shopping malls, so you get the convenience of a central hotel without having to spend your entire trip sharing one room.
→ Check current rates for Fraser Suites Guangzhou
More affordable historic base | Five Rams City Hotel
If you’re after a more affordable base in the historic heart of Guangzhou, Five Rams City Hotel puts you close to Yuexiu Park, the Five Rams statue and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Booking.com currently lists rooms with two full beds, although room occupancy varies, so check the configuration carefully when booking for a family.
→ Check current rates for Five Rams City Hotel
Guangzhou with kids – Need to know before you go
When to visit
The best time to visit Guangzhou is from late October to mid-December, when the weather is generally cooler and drier. Guangzhou’s main rainy season runs from April to September, with July and August among the hottest months. Typhoons can affect southern China from May to November, so check the forecast if you’re travelling during these months.
Visa & Passport Requirements
Great news for Australians! Australian passport holders can currently enter China visa-free for tourism, business, family visits, exchange or transit for stays of up to 30 days. The current visa-free arrangement is valid until December 31, 2026. You’ll need a valid ordinary Australian passport that remains valid for the duration of your stay. It’s also a good idea to carry your accommodation bookings and return or onward travel details, as Chinese border officials may ask for documents supporting the purpose of your trip. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel.
Language
Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China; however, Cantonese is also widely spoken in Guangzhou.
Currency
The Renminbi (RMB) is the official currency; the Yuan (the basic unit of the renminbi) is also used to refer to the Chinese currency.
Power
Standard 220V voltage. Power outlets usually have two parallel pins or 3 flat pins, the lower pair angled.
Health
Dengue fever is present in Guangzhou, so apply child-safe insect repellent as recommended. Be mindful of air quality, particularly if you or one of your children has asthma or other respiratory conditions. There are no essential vaccinations for travellers to Guangzhou, but we always recommend visiting your GP at least six weeks before travel for up-to-date advice on immunisations.
Food Safety
Avoid tap water and opt for bottled water throughout your stay. Avoid raw foods and food stalls with dubious hygiene standards, and avoid tummy troubles by following our safe eating mantra of “cook it, peel it or forget it.
Getting there
China Southern offers direct daily flights to Guangzhou from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Read more about the awesome service on China Southern here.
Last updated: June 2026
An award-winning travel writer and photographer, Aleney de Winter was fresh from school when she first set off to explore the far reaches of Australia with a two-man tent and a beaten-up Kingswood for company. Three decades, and two kids later, and she's still on the go, with her itchy-footed offspring in tow. 