Guangzhou is the largest city in the Pearl River Delta in southern China and home to one of the country’s most important ports. As such, it has long had a distinctly international flavour.
For years, the city was associated with unbreathable smog and relentless urban sprawl, but things are changing. The air is cleaner than its reputation suggests, the metro is excellent, and more travellers are beginning to add Guangzhou to their China itineraries rather than simply passing through on the way to somewhere else.
Having now spent time travelling through China on multiple trips, I’ve come to appreciate Guangzhou as one of the country’s most underrated big cities. It doesn’t have Beijing’s imperial grandeur or Shanghai’s polished skyline, but it feels more lived-in, more authentic, and arguably offers a better glimpse into modern urban China than either.
Guangzhou is also a gift to history enthusiasts, art fanatics and culture lovers… not to mention the food-obsessed (like me). This city holds a little piece of my heart as it blessed us with one of my favourite foods ever: dim sum.
Given the size of the city, figuring out where to stay in Guangzhou can be a daunting task. That’s exactly why I’ve put together this guide—to make your life a heck of a lot easier. I’ve compiled the best areas to stay in Guangzhou depending on your budget and travel style, along with the top places to stay and things to do in each neighbourhood.
After reading this guide, you should have a much clearer idea of where to stay in Guangzhou, and finding the area that best fits your style and budget will be a piece of cake (or dim sum).
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
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Yuexiu
Yuexiu is the oldest part of the centre of Yuexiu and used to be the old walled city of Guangzhou back in the day. As Guangzhou is the largest city in the Guangdong Province
Xiguan
Xiguan is considered to be the ancient Guangzhou town and used to be located just west of the walled city. In a sense, it was the first suburb of Guangzhou
Huanshi Lu
Huanshi Lu is one of the most popular spots in Guangzhou for nightlife. While Guangzhou is not shy when it comes to partying, Huangshi Lu is one of the liveliest areas with the best choice in the city
Haizhu
The Haizhu neighborhood is located on the southern bank of the Pearl River. It is a modern area where prices tend to be higher than in other central neighborhoods of the city.
Tianhe
Tianhe is Guangzhou’s new city centre, filled with modern buildings and shopping centres. It is also the main business area of the city. As it is centrally located and provides easy access to all the main sights
5 Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Guangzhou
At this point, you may still feel confused about where to stay in Guangzhou. Let’s take a closer look at each one of the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Guangzhou.
1. Yuexiu – Where to Stay in Guangzhou for Your First Time
Yuexiu is the oldest part of the centre of Yuexiu and used to be the old walled city of Guangzhou back in the day. As Guangzhou is the largest city in the Guangdong Province, Yuexiu was the political and cultural powerhouse, and still is today.
Several museums are located in Yuexiu, including the Guangzhou City Art Museum. There, visitors will find pieces of calligraphy, traditional Chinese paintings, and sculptures. Other museums include the Guangdong Museum of Art exhibiting contemporary Chinese artists, and the Guangzhou Sculpture Park.
Beijing Road is one of the most popular shopping areas in Guangzhou. It is a pedestrian street where you can find virtually anything. Shops are usually open late, so be prepared to spend a few hours around here!
While the old city wall has been mostly destroyed during the 20th century, a short 1 kilometre-long portion can still be seen inside the Yuexiu Park.
Best For: history lovers, first-time visitors, culture seekers, city explorers.
The Vibe: central, historic, urban buzz with a mix of tourist hotspots and everyday local life.
Proximity to Airport: ~30–32 km from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Transport Level: excellent – extensive metro lines, buses, taxis; easy to get around without a car.
Budget: budget to mid-range (lots of affordable hotels & guesthouses; fewer high-end options than Tianhe).
Crowds: moderate to high (popular with tourists and locals alike).
Top Things to Do in Yuexiu
- Shop til you drop on Beijing Road
- Head to Yuexiu Park to look at the remains of the old city wall
- Visit the Shishi Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, the largest church in South China
- Learn more about Chinese culture at the Guangzhou City Art Museum
Best Budget Hotel: Paco Hotel Guagzhou Zoo Metro Branch
The Paco Hotel Guangzhou Zoo Metro Branch is located in Yuexiu, just in front of the Guangzhou Zoo. It offers modern rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower, soundproofing and a flat screen TV with international channels. A good breakfast is served in the morning.
Best Mid-Range Hotel: Guangdong Yingbing Hotel
The Guangdong Yingbing Hotel offers spacious rooms in Yuexiu. Each room is fitted with an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV with international channels and a view over the garden. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and a fitness centre.
Best Hostel: Dongshan Gaga Hostel
The dongashan Gaga Hostel is located just between the two central neighborhoods of Yuexiu and Tianhe, in Guangzhou. It has been fully renovated in 2018 and offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom as well as bunk beds in male only or female only dormitory rooms. All rooms are air conditioned and a free Wifi connection is provided.
2. Xiguan – Where to stay in Guangzhou on a Budget
Xiguan is considered to be the ancient Guangzhou town and used to be located just west of the walled city. In a sense, it was the first suburb of Guangzhou! Today, Xiguan has kept well preserved ancient houses you can see while walking around the neighborhood. Some can also be visited to get an idea of how people used to live here.
Xiguan is also a great place for shopping, especially if you are looking for cheap clothing and items. In addition, Xiguan is the perfect place for foodies, as a lot of traditional and authentic Cantonese food can be found here. Dishes include wonton noodles (noodles with pork dumpling in soup), or fish skin in chentianji.
Hualin Jade Street specialises in the jade trade and should be on your list if you are looking to bring back this iconic Chinese stone. Shops sell retail, wholesale, and can create some unique jewellery designs.
Best For: historic architecture, culture & heritage lovers, traditional food seekers, old-city ambience.
The Vibe: authentic and charming with preserved Cantonese buildings, narrow lanes, markets, and lively local life — feels like old Guangzhou meets modern cafes and quirky shops.
Proximity to Airport: ~30–35 km from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
Transport Level: Easy – well-served by Guangzhou Metro (Lines 1, 5, 6 & 8 nearby like Xicun, Xichang, Chen Clan Academy stations) and buses; walking friendly within historic zones.
Budget: Budget to mid-range – lots of affordable eats and local guesthouses; accommodation prices generally lower than central business areas.
Crowds: Moderate – busy around popular spots
Top Things to Do in Xiguan
- Walk around Xiguan and look at the old traditional houses
- Try a peanut and sesame filled cake at the Ronghua Teahouse
- Buy some jade in Hualin Jade Street
- Go shopping for cheap clothes in Shang Xia Jiu
Best Mid-Range Hotel: White Swan Hotel
The White Swan Hotel is located right next to the Pearl River and offers modern rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub, and a flat screen TV with international channels. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool with views over the river and a great fitness centre.
Best Budget Hotel: Atour Hotel Lanzhou Xiguan Zhengning Road
The Atour Hotel Lanzhou Xiguan Zhengning Road is located near the Xiguan Ancient City and offers great service for an affordable price. Each room is modernly decorated and fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV with international channels and a view over the city. The hotel also offers free parking.
3. Huanshi Lu – Best Area to Stay in Guangzhou for Nightlife
Huanshi Lu is one of the most popular spots in Guangzhou for nightlife. While Guangzhou is not shy when it comes to partying, Huangshi Lu is one of the liveliest areas with the best choice in the city.
Around here, you can expect to find bars where beer flows freely, and a crowd that mixes locals, expats and tourists alike. Bars transmitting the local and international football games are particularly popular and can sometimes get rowdy when the stakes are high.
Popular clubs truly come to life on weekends and become so busy you could easily believe you are out in London or New York. However, many of the bars in the area are located in old houses, which gives them a special charm you will not find anywhere else.
During the day, the area is filled with little cafés where you can relax with a drink. Many upscale restaurants can also be found here.
Best For: central city access, shopping, dining, business travellers, first-time visitors.
The Vibe: busy urban thoroughfare with a mix of commercial hubs, big hotels, restaurants, and shopping; feels like Guangzhou’s heartbeat where locals work, shop, and hang.
Proximity to Airport: ~28–30 km from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
Transport Level: Excellent – major metro connections and buses run along/near it; easy to reach other city areas on foot or by public transport.
Budget: Mid-range to high – plenty of hotels, including business and internationally branded options, often with higher prices than fringe districts but convenient central location.
Crowds: High – this is one of Guangzhou’s main roads.
Top Things to Do in Huanshi Lu
- Mingle with the high society in Sleeper
- Dance the night away in one of the numerous bars
- Watch a football game with locals and expats in Guangzhou
Best Budget Hotel: Paco Hotel Guangzhou Ouzhuang Metro Branch
The Paco Hotel Ouzhuang Metro Branch offers comfortable rooms a few steps away from Huanshi Lu. Each room is fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower or a bathtub, soundproofing and a flat screen TV. A free Wifi connection is available everywhere in the hotel.
Best Mid-Range Hotel: The Garden Hotel Guangzhou
The Garden Hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub, and a flat screen TV with international channels. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool and a well-equipped fitness centre. A free wifi connection is available everywhere in the building.
4. Haizhu – Coolest Place to Stay in Guangzhou
The Haizhu neighborhood is located on the southern bank of the Pearl River. It is a modern area where prices tend to be higher than in other central neighborhoods of the city.
With its iconic twisted shape, the Canton Tower is the coolest building in the whole city of Guangzhou, and the highlight of Haizhu. Standing tall at almost 600 metres, it boasts a great observation deck from which you can get a bird’s eye view of the city down below. If you like a thrill, you can also travel around a track on the tower’s roof, tucked inside a transparent cart. At night, the tower becomes even more beautiful as it lights up in the sky.
On the Pearl River bank, Party Pier is a lively area where you can find lots of bars and restaurants. The plaza is fully pedestrian and boasts incredible views over Guangzhou’s skyline around.
Best For: local living, food lovers, business travellers, slower-paced city stays, Canton Fair visitors
The Vibe: residential and authentic with pockets of modern development; less touristy than central districts, very “real Guangzhou”
Proximity to Airport: ~35–40 km from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
Transport Level: Good – well served by metro lines (notably Lines 2, 3, 8, and Guangfo Line) and buses, though distances are larger than central districts
Budget: Budget to mid-range – generally cheaper accommodation and food than Yuexiu or Tianhe, with good value hotels and local eateries
Crowds: Low to moderate – busy in commercial zones and during trade fairs.
Top Things to Do in Haizhu
- Look at the city from above on the Canton Tower observation deck
- Get on a cruise along the Pearl River
- Have dinner on the river bank in Party Pier
Best Budget Hotel: Somerset Haizhu Centre Guangzhou
The Somerset Haizhu Centre Guangzhou is a budget hotel conveniently located in Haizhou. Its rooms are comfortable and fitted with an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, soundproofing and a view over the city. A free Wifi connection is provided for guests. In the morning, the hotel provides a free shuttle service to and from the exhibition hall during the Canton Fair.
Best Mid-Range Hotel: Shangri-La Guangzhou
The Shangri-La Guangzhou offers nice rooms in a residential part of Haizhu while being conveniently located. Each room features a private bathroom, a flat screen TV with international channels and air conditioning. Room service is provided on request and a buffet breakfast is served in the morning for an extra fee.
5. Tianhe – Best Neighborhood in Guangzhou for Families
Tianhe is Guangzhou’s new city centre, filled with modern buildings and shopping centres. It is also the main business area of the city. As it is centrally located and provides easy access to all the main sights, Tianhe is a great neighborhood in Guangzhou for families.
Tianhe is particularly popular with shopping lovers, as the largest mall in Guangzhou, the Grandview Mall, is located here. Inside, you will mainly find large Western retailers and food chains, and, more surprisingly, an amusement park and an ice rink to keep the little ones entertained.
The new Guangdong Museum is also in Tianhe. Unlike the old museum, located in Yuexiu, the new museum focuses on the history and the culture of Guangzhou. Visiting it provides great insight on the city you are calling home for a few days and will teach you a lot! However, only 5 000 people can get in every day so it is recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid disappointment.
Best For: modern city life, shopping, nightlife, business travellers, long stays, first-time visitors who want convenience
The Vibe: sleek, fast-paced, and modern — Guangzhou’s CBD energy with skyscrapers, malls, bars, and international restaurants,
Proximity to Airport: ~35 km from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
Transport Level: Excellent – major metro hub with multiple lines (1, 3, 5, 18, APM), easy access to trains, business districts, and the rest of the city.
Budget: Mid-range to high – plenty of international hotels and serviced apartments; budget options exist but prices are higher than older districts.
Crowds: Moderate to high – busy year-round, especially around Zhujiang New Town, shopping malls, and nightlife areas.
Top Things to Do in Tianhe
- Shop til you drop in Grandview Mall, the largest shopping centre in Guangzhou
- Learn more about Guangzhou’s history at the new Guangdong Museum
- Watch a show in the Guangzhou Opera House, designed by Zaha Hadid
Best Mid-Range Hotel: Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe
The Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe offers 5-star accommodation in Tianhe. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen with international channels and a minibar. The hotel has a beautiful rooftop outdoor swimming pool and has a well-equipped fitness centre. I recommend the good buffet breakfast in the morning!
Best Budget Hotel: Lavande Hotels·Guangzhou East Railway Station
The Lavande Hotels·Guangzhou East Railway Station is conveniently located near a train station in the Tianhe neighborhood. It offers comfortable rooms fitted with air conditioning and a private bathroom with a bathtub. The hotel is clean and provides free Wifi access for its guests. The Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area is less than 2 miles away.
Best Hostel: Dongshan Gaga Hostel
The dongashan Gaga Hostel is located just between the two central neighborhoods of Yuexiu and Tianhe, in Guangzhou. It has been fully renovated in 2018 and offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom as well as bunk beds in male only or female only dormitory rooms. All rooms are air conditioned and a free Wifi connection is provided.
FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Guangzhou
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Guangzhou and where to stay.
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Final Thoughts On Where to Stay in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is truly opening up to tourism and offers more and more options to visitors each year. People come here to enjoy the parks, the museums and the great shopping and leave mesmerised by the daringly modern architecture.
My favourite neighborhood in Guangzhou is Yuexiu. It is centrally located, easily accessible and offers a ton of options to stay entertained and learn more about the sprawling city of Guangzhou.
My favourite hotel in town is the Langham Place Guangzhou. If anything, the architecture of the building and the views over the Pearl river should be enough to convince you!
For backpackers, my top choice is the Dongshan Gaga Hostel. It has been fully refurbished and provides clean and comfortable beds in the heart of the city.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it to the list!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around China.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Guangzhou to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Guangzhou is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for China.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
