First Time in Guangzhou? Don't Mess Up the Order!

Just back from Guangzhou, and I've compiled a guide based on hard-won lessons! Follow this itinerary to avoid the crowds, savor authentic Cantonese cuisine, and fill up your 256G memory card with amazing photos. DAY 1: Exploring the Old City (Don't! Go! Backwards!) 9:00 AM Yuexiu Park → Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Don't be silly and enter Yuexiu Park through the main gate! I recommend exiting from Exit D of Xiaobei subway station and walking along the tree-lined path straight to the Five Rams Sculpture 🗿. After taking photos with the sculpture, walk through the west gate to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, just in time for the free 10:00 AM guided tour (every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). Remember to touch the bronze cauldron in front of the memorial hall; locals say it brings good luck. 1:30 PM Snacking on Xihuan Road This is where Cantonese food shines! Skip the trendy spots and head to Sanhe Meishi for beef brisket cheung fun (add a spoonful of chili sauce for an extra kick) and Zhi Ma Hu Shi Jia for freshly ground sesame paste with peanut dumplings 🍡. Afterwards, stroll through Xihuan Market, where the sour and spicy fruits at 5 yuan/jin are more refreshing than any milk tea! DAY 2: A Journey Through Time 10:00 AM Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King First, visit the Palace Exhibition Area to see the ruins of the Quli Stone Canal and catch the 11:00 AM sluice gate demonstration (it's like ancient drainage black magic!). Don't miss the jade burial suit in the Tomb Exhibition Area; zoom in with your phone to see the intricate carvings on the jade pieces 🔍. 5:00 PM Chasing the Light on Yanjiang West Road Navigate to the Guangdong Customs Museum. At 4:30 PM, the setting sun paints the entire street gold 🌇. Stand on Renmin Bridge and photograph the Aiqun Mansion using long exposure for a "La La Land" cinematic effect! DAY 3: An Artistic Adventure 9:30 AM Yuyin Garden Don't let the name fool you! This Qing Dynasty Lingnan garden hides a "Four Seasons Window" surprise: look through the blue-violet glass at the courtyard, and you'll be transported from summer to autumn 🍁. Take photos in Hanfu at the Linglong Waterside Pavilion; your friends will think you're in Suzhou. 3:00 PM Taikoocang Wharf Escape the crowds at Shamian Island and come here to see the red brick warehouses against the river. I recommend the lychee cold brew. Grab a seat by the river and wait for the sunset 🌅. There are open-air movies every Friday night; bring a lemon tea and snag a spot—it's super chill. Lifesaving Tips ✅ Transportation Tip: Avoid Line 3 during rush hour; it gets unbelievably packed! Take the APM line to the Canton Tower; it has transparent floors and is super fun 🚇 ✅ Photography Tip: The Sacred Heart Cathedral has rainbow light on Tuesdays through Fridays at 3:00 PM! Wear a white dress and stand in the nave to look like an angel ✨ ✅ Hidden Gem: Book the "Amber Exhibition" at the Guangdong Provincial Museum in advance. Seeing the insects in amber under UV light is amazing (a must for kids!) 🦕 I've watched the sea of clouds from the Canton Tower 🌁, tasted boat congee under the Xiguan arcades 🥣, and touched the stones of the ancient city walls 🧱—this is the Guangzhou that locals love. Remember, from the streets to the clouds, from history to everyday life, the right order unlocks the best experience!