Transit Essentials
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is one of the world's busiest airports and a major hub for China Southern Airlines. It's the perfect stopover for flights between Europe/North America and Australia/New Zealand.
Airports
- Baiyun International Airport (CAN): Located about 30km north of downtown. It has two large terminals (T1 and T2).
Luggage Storage
Left luggage counters are available in both terminals. Look for the "Left Luggage" signs near the departure halls.
💡 Pro Tip: Metro Line 3
The airport is connected to the city by Metro Line 3 (North Extension). It's the cheapest and often fastest way to reach the city center (Tiyu Xilu or Zhujiang New Town), taking about 40-50 minutes.
Curated Itineraries
📅 1 Day: Dim Sum & Tower
Eat your way through a short stay.
- 09:00: Metro to Zhujiang New Town.
- 10:30: Visit Huacheng Square for photos of the Canton Tower (Slim Waist).
- 12:30: Lunch: Authentic Dim Sum at a legendary spot like Dian Dou De or Tao Tao Ju.
- 14:30: Stroll through Shamian Island to see the European colonial architecture.
- 16:30: Head back to the airport.
📅 2 Days: Greater Bay Area
Explore more of Guangdong province.
- Day 1: Explore Guangzhou's history at Yuexiu Park (Five Rams Statue). Night cruise on the Pearl River to see the city lights.
- Day 2: Take a high-speed train to Shenzhen (30 mins) to see the tech capital, or Foshan (20 mins) for martial arts history (Bruce Lee's ancestral home) and ceramics.
📅 3 Days: Lingnan Culture
Deep dive into traditional Southern Chinese architecture.
- Day 1 & 2: Follow the 1-Day itinerary and spend Day 2 in Foshan.
- Day 3: Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a masterpiece of Lingnan architecture with incredible wood and stone carvings. Then, hike up Baiyun Mountain for fresh air and city views before your flight.
Getting Around Guangzhou
🚇 Metro
Guangzhou Metro has 15+ lines. Key lines: Line 3 (Airport to city), Line 1/2 (major attractions). Fares: ¥2-16. Operating: 6 AM - 11 PM.
🚕 Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Starting fare: ¥12 for 3 km. Airport to city: ¥120-180. Didi works well in Guangzhou.
🚄 High-Speed Rail
Guangzhou South Station connects to Shenzhen (30 min, ¥75), Hong Kong West Kowloon (1 hr, ¥215), and beyond.
Budget Breakdown
Budget: ¥200-350/day | Mid-Range: ¥500-900/day | Luxury: ¥1,500+/day
Dim sum breakfast: ¥30-60. Metro rides: ¥2-6. Canton Tower: ¥150. Guangzhou is cheaper than Beijing/Shanghai but offers incredible food value.
Culinary Delights
Must-Try Dishes
- Dim Sum (Yum Cha): A morning ritual. Try Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu Mai (pork dumplings), and Char Siu Bao (BBQ pork buns).
- Char Siu: Cantonese BBQ pork. Sweet, savory, and tender.
- Wonton Noodles: Springy egg noodles with shrimp wontons in a clear, flavorful broth.
Where to Eat
Explore Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street for snacks, or Beijing Road for a mix of history and food.
Where to Stay
- Tianhe / Zhujiang New Town: Modern center, luxury hotels, near the Canton Tower.
- Liwan / Xiguan: Old Guangzhou, traditional vibes, best food.
- Haizhu: Near the Canton Fair complex (Pazhou).
Guangzhou Transit FAQ
Can I go to Shenzhen?
Yes! Since Shenzhen is in Guangdong province, it is fully included in the permitted travel area. You can take a high-speed train from Guangzhou South to Shenzhen North in just 30 minutes.
What is "Yum Cha"?
"Yum Cha" literally means "drink tea," but it refers to the Cantonese tradition of brunch involving tea and dim sum. It's a must-do experience!