📍Shenzhen to Guangzhou Day Trip: My CRAZY Long Walk! 🥾

[Wesley Parisian-Kerluke IV]

A One-Day Tour from Shenzhen to Guangzhou: Capturing the Old City's Charm + Landmark Hotspots, All in One!

For transportation, choose this convenient route for your trip:

• Depart from Shenzhen North Station by high-speed train at 7 AM, arriving at Guangzhou South Station approximately 30 minutes later.
• After arriving at Guangzhou South, transfer to Subway Line 2 directly. This will take you to Yuexiu District (an old city area with plenty of historical sites), so prepare for an exciting walking day!

First Stop: Liuhua Lake Park (located in Yuexiu)

• Time: From around 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
• What's special about it? It’s one of the four major man-made lakes in Guangzhou and a showcase of typical subtropical vegetation. Also known as the origin place of “Lingnan Penjing,” a famous Chinese style of potted plant art.
• Must-sees:
  • Frankfurt Park (a little taste of Germany!)
  • Egret Island (a good spot for bird-watching)
  • Liuhua West Yard (famously, the pots here were even gifted to Queen Elizabeth, quite amazing indeed!)
• Tip: The park is free. Early morning is the best time for photography due to the nice light reflection on the lake, nature-loving friends don't miss it!

️ Second Stop: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (also in Yuexiu)

• Time: Around 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• What is this? A grand octagonal and palace-like monument built to honor the great figure of modern China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen and his significant contribution towards modern China’s progress.
• Highlights:
  • Impressive roof span of up to 71 meters without any internal pillars.
  • Roof featuring beautiful blue-colored glazed tiles.
  • Engraved inscriptions "The World Belongs to Everyone" by Dr. Sun Yat-sen (meaning world is owned by all).
  • Architecture and design admirers will be delighted!

Third Stop: Agricultrual Training College (Máo zé dōng Hosted Peasant Movement Institute in full name)

• Time: Around 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• What is it? Red wall, yellow tiled, resembles a mini-scale Forbidden City with historical stories. Once hosted by Mao Zedong for peasant movement training.
• Tips: Red walls paired with green trees work great for beautiful pictures. Wearing traditional Han clothing or vintage style outfits enhances the picture.

Time for lunch! Recommended for you: Dongshan District (Yuexiu)

• Time: Around 13:00 PM to 15:00 PM
• Specialties: Numerous beautiful historical buildings, favorite of young people, both down-to-earth yet stylish district.
• Exploring strategy:
  • Vintage building photography stops include Ku Yuan, Chun Yuan (used to be where Chinese Communist Party meeting held), reminiscent of early 20th century China.
  • Must-eats: Try Renshen Double Skin Milk (a sweet treat made of milk), Cow Skewer Stew (various cow parts stewed with radish), each meal costs around 30RMB and fills you perfectly!
  • Art galleries or cafes like White Bird Song (containing art exhibition and coffee), Film Museum (must-love for old camera enthusiasts).

Fourth Stop: Shamian Island (Located in Liwan District)

• Time: Between 15:30 PM to 17:30 PM
• A tiny island along Pearl River, formerly leased to foreigners. Packed with charming European-style architecture, particularly lovely.
• How to play?
  • Take a leisure walk to see Roman Catholic Church and Lourdes Lady Church.
  • Plenty of romantic restaurants serve Western cuisine such as roasted lamb racks or Guangdong’s notable dim sum (Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed BBQ Pork Bun, Duck Feet and Spare Ribs, these four items often termed as “The Four Greats”).
• Photography tips: Green Starbucks building, many retro yellow wall buildings around Shamian, good light conditions in evening, perfect for taking great shots!
• ️ Important Note: Very inconvenient toilets on Shamian. Suggest solving personal issues beforehand!

Fifth Stop: Canton Tower (Haizhu District)

• Time: Recommend after 18:30 PM to till 21:00 PM
• Special about this tower? It’s former China’s tallest, nicknamed as “Slender Waist,” best place to have a stunning view of Guangzhou at night. Magnificent beyond words!
• Highlights include:
  • Ascend to sky viewing platform as high as 450 meters, over-looking the entire Zhujiangxin Cheng (Guangzhou's Central Business District). Or experience “Walking Above The Clouds” activity for the adventurous types.
  • Night cruise along the Pearl River. A perfect relaxation other than visiting the tower if prefer not going up. Beautiful lights lining the banks of the Pearl River.
• ️ Important Note: Avoid visiting Canton Tower during holidays! Crowdedness will drive you crazy.

A few final, considerate tips for you:

• Transport options: Subway within the city area is very convenient. In Yuexiu District, most spots are around each other or easily walkable.
• Choice of footwear: Comfortable sneakers/flat shoes recommended as you might walk more than 20,000 steps! Otherwise your feet will protest!