Guangdong Province

Huacheng Square is a long green promenade among the skyscrapers of Zhujiang New Town, looking across the river towards Canton Tower. Visitors particularly praise its evening lights and the chance to combine a walk with the Opera House, Library and Guangdong Museum; the main drawbacks are crowds at popular photo spots and considerable walking distances.

Kaiping Diaolou features unique fortified towers blending Chinese and Western architecture, built by overseas Chinese in the early 20th century.

Situated on the banks of the Pearl River next to the Pazhou Exhibition Center, this hotel is a luxury haven for business and leisure travelers alike. Guests rave about the spectacular river views, the highly personalized butler service via WeChat, and the legendary buffet breakfasts. It offers a sophisticated Silk Road-themed design, spacious rooms, and premium amenities like Byredo toiletries.

Perched above the city with rooms from the 50th floor, Jumeirah Guangzhou blends Tang Dynasty aesthetics with Dubai-style luxury in Tianhe's business heart. Guests are treated to state-of-the-art loft suites, a personalized WeChat concierge, and high-end services like a live harpist during breakfast. It is an exceptional urban sanctuary perfect for both discerning business and leisure travelers.

The Summer Palace is a sprawling imperial garden offering a serene escape with stunning landscapes, intricate architecture, and a rich history. Visitors consistently praise its vastness, the beauty of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, and the opportunity to explore various pavilions and bridges, often recommending boat tours for a unique perspective.

As in other branches of this Singapore-based chain, the kitchen team never fails to deliver quality dishes thanks to inspired insights and honed skills. The must-try black pepper mud crab exudes an intoxicating aroma and seafood flavour, while double-boiled fish maw soup with shark bones warms the heart and soul. Their dim sum lunch is to die for – deftly crafted translucent rice noodle rolls and tofu skin rolls stuffed with shrimps and chives.

A museum with a silvery “Cloud” inside and exhibitions about the development of Shenzhen and Guangdong. Visitors particularly praise the architecture and city models; the contemporary art experience depends on the current programme, and some galleries require a separate ticket.

Rocky headlands and narrow sand pockets with strong sea breeze — popular for cliff walks, coastal views and local seafood stalls.

Long sandy beach with calm swimming zones and a lively coastal promenade — great for sunbathing, evening strolls and skyline views of Shenzhen.

Shuanggang Station (双岗) is a railway station in Guangdong (广东省). Train tickets can be purchased at https://www.trip.com/trains/china/.

Zhongshuge at Shenzhen’s OH Bay is known for a huge horizontal spiral of red-and-white bookshelves. X+Living’s interior resembles a tunnel of books, with a mirrored ceiling adding depth. It makes an easy stop on a walk along Bao’an’s waterfront.

Guangzhou is a sprawling port city northwest of Hong Kong on the Pearl River. The city features avant-garde architecture such as Zaha Hadid’s Guangzhou Opera House (known as the “double pebble”); the carved box-shaped Guangdong Museum; and the iconic Canton TV Tower skyscraper, resembling a thin hourglass. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a temple complex from 1894, also houses the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum

Foshan shines with martial arts (Wing Chun's birthplace), ancient kilns, and lively Ancestral Temple with lion dances.