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Quick Summary
🗺️ Location: Pearl River Delta, Guangdong Province
⏱️ Recommended Stay: 4-5 days
💲 Daily Budget: $80-$250 per family
🌡️ Best Time: October-December, March-May
🏠 Best Area: Tianhe District (near Canton Tower)
🚇 Getting Around: Metro system and DiDi
💡 Known For: Canton Tower, colonial heritage, amazing food
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In any other country, I would never recommend visiting big cities with kids, but China is different. We really enjoy everything big cities have to offer here. Guangzhou is one of the 4 most prosperous so-called tier-1 cities alongside Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, but somehow it doesn't get as much attention from international tourists and expats.
And we were guilty of that ourselves — it took us four trips to China before we finally made it to Guangzhou. I'm so glad we did!
Guangzhou is definitely worth visiting thanks to its fascinating mix of colonial heritage, modern development, incredible greenery, and abundance of tourist attractions. Plus, it's actually a fantastic place to take your kids — there are tons of cool things to do, and the attractions aren't too packed or overwhelming like they can be in Beijing or Shanghai.
Table of Contents
Best Time to Visit Guangzhou
We visited Guangzhou in the peak of summer heat (and monsoon season!), and I strongly advise against that. While we still enjoyed it, the heat was absolutely exhausting for both us and the kids. We had a mix of prohibitive heat and torrential rains that we constantly had to plan around.
The best time to visit: October through December and March through May.
Seasonal Breakdown
- Spring (March-May): Perfect weather, comfortable temperatures around 20-25°C, occasional rain
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid (30-35°C), monsoon season, avoid if possible with kids
- Fall (September-November): Ideal conditions, mild temperatures, less humidity
- Winter (December-February): Cool and dry, around 10-18°C, great for walking around
Weather to Expect
The subtropical climate means it's generally warm and humid. Summer can be brutal with kids, especially when you're walking around outdoor attractions like Shamian Island or Yuexiu Park.
Where to Stay in Guangzhou
Our Family Hotel Recommendations
Family-Friendly Choice: Ascott IFC Guangzhou
- Why we love it: Indoor and outdoor playground, swimming pool, and suites with kitchenettes
- Perfect for: Families wanting practical amenities and space
- Location: Near Canton Tower
- Special features: Separate bedrooms and small kitchen make life so much easier with kids
- 🏨 Check rates at Ascott IFC Guangzhou
Luxury Option: Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou
We didn't stay at the Ascott — we opted for a bit of luxury instead. What's amazing about China is that once you're outside Beijing and Shanghai, prices for luxury hotels become surprisingly affordable. We always struggle between saving money and treating ourselves to a top hotel for a reasonable price!
We chose the Four Seasons Hotel (also near Canton Tower) and were extremely happy with our choice. We got a free upgrade to a high-floor room — something we've found relatively common in China when you're staying at a good hotel and traveling with kids. They seem to understand families need more space.
- Why parents will love it: Swimming pool with Canton Tower views, excellent gym, afternoon tea with adorable little cakes, and cocktails that can be delivered to your room after the kids are asleep
- Why kids will love it: Large rooms, amazing pool, and friendly staff
- 🏨 Check rates at Four Seasons Guangzhou
Best Areas to Stay
Tianhe District (our recommendation)
- Close to Canton Tower and major attractions
- Excellent metro connections
- Best hotel options for families
- Plenty of restaurants and shopping
How to Get There
From Major Chinese Cities
From Shanghai:
- High-speed train: 6-7 hours direct, very comfortable with kids
- Night train: Available direct, kids love sleeping on trains
- Flight: 2.5 hours, multiple daily options
From Beijing:
- High-speed train: 8 hours direct
- Flight: 3 hours, most convenient with kids
From Hong Kong:
- High-speed train: 1 hour from Hong Kong West Kowloon
- Bus: 3 hours, budget option
From Shenzhen:
- Train: 1-2 hours, super convenient
- High-speed train: 30 minutes
We were continuing to Chengdu after Guangzhou and broke our journey in Guiyang — you could add Miao minority villages (e.g. Zhaoxing) along the way if you have extra time!
Airport to City Center
- Metro: Line 3 connects directly to city center (45 minutes, ¥8)
- Taxi: 45-60 minutes depending on traffic (¥80-120)
- Airport express: Fast and comfortable option
- 🚕 Book airport transfer
Getting Around
Metro System
Guangzhou's metro is excellent and very family-friendly:
- Clean and modern stations
- English signage throughout
- Elevators at most stations (great for strollers)
- Affordable (¥2-8 per journey)
Family Transport Tips
- Download the Guangzhou Metro app
- Get a rechargeable metro card for convenience
- Taxis are affordable and plentiful
- Most attractions are metro-accessible
Top Things to Do with Kids
Day Activities
1. Canton Tower (Guangzhou Tower) This is absolutely unmissable! The bubble tram ride around the top is incredible — like being inside a giant hamster wheel with amazing city views. If you're seeking more thrills, they also have a free-fall ride on top (definitely not for little kids!).
Pro tip: Book the bubble tram 1-2 days in advance as it sells out, especially around golden hour and sunset. We learned this the hard way!
- Cost: ¥150-300 depending on level
- Best time: Late afternoon for sunset views
- 🎟️ Book Canton Tower tickets
2. Shamian Island This colonial heritage neighborhood is full of old European-style residences, tons of greenery, and now houses cool cafes and great restaurants. It's perfect for a family stroll, and kids will love the life-like sculptures of people going about their daily lives scattered throughout the area. There's lots of shade, making it ideal for hot days.
3. Yuexiu Park Famous for the statue of five rams (Wuyang Diaoxiang), which is a symbol of Guangzhou. Kids love spotting people exercising and socializing, plus there's plenty of shade and a pond. Great for letting kids run around after being cooped up in hotels or transport.
Evening Activities
4. Chimelong International Circus We absolutely loved the performances and so did the kids! It's part of the larger Chimelong complex which has additional attractions if you want to make a full day of it.
- Shows: Usually evening performances
- Duration: About 2 hours
- 🎟️ Book Chimelong Circus tickets
Magda Sawyer
5. Pearl River Cruise A relaxing way to see the city skyline, especially beautiful at sunset. Kids enjoy being on the water and spotting landmarks from a different perspective.
6. Fountain Music Show I know it might sound boring, but it's incredibly atmospheric! The combination of lights, music, and water splashing as high as the treetops creates a magical experience for kids.
Food Adventures
7. Xihua Road for Street Food Perfect for adventurous families! Let kids try different snacks and experience authentic Guangzhou street food culture. Follow it up with a stroll through nearby Liuhua Park to walk off all that delicious food.
FAQs
Q: Is Guangzhou good for families with young kids?
A: Absolutely! The attractions aren't overwhelming, there's lots of green space, and the city is very child-friendly. Just avoid summer if possible.
Q: How many days do you need in Guangzhou?
A: 4-5 days gives you time to see the main sights without rushing. We extended our stay and were glad we did.
Q: Is it easy to get around with kids?
A: Yes, the metro system is excellent and most attractions are easily accessible. Taxis are also affordable and convenient.
Q: What's the best area to stay with family?
A: Tianhe District near Canton Tower offers the best combination of family hotels, attractions, and transport connections.
Q: Is the food safe for kids? A: Yes, but start with milder options and stick to busy, popular food stalls for street food. Hotel restaurants are always safe options.
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Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
Magda Sawyer
