Guangzhou's landmarks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Canton Tower | A 600-metre tower on the Pearl River, with observation decks and stunning night views. | Haizhu, facing Zhujiang New Town |
| Pearl River night cruise | A boat between banks lit up by towers and bridges, one of the city's finest evenings. | From piers in the city centre |
| Shamian Island | A small river island of old European buildings and quiet, tree-lined streets. | Liwan |
| Huaisheng Mosque | Considered China's oldest mosque, with its historic minaret and quiet courtyard. | Yuexiu |
| Chimelong | A safari park you tour by train among the animals, plus a theme park and family shows. | Panyu, south of the city |
Trade and wholesale markets
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Canton Fair complex | China's largest trade fair, held in two sessions a year with three phases each. The autumn 2026 session runs from 15 October to 4 November. | Pazhou, metro line 8; the buyer badge is free if you pre-register |
| Baima Garment Market | One of Guangzhou's best-known wholesale clothing markets, with floors of women's and men's fashion. | By Guangzhou Railway Station, 9 am to 5:30 pm |
| Beijing Road pedestrian street | The city's best-known shopping street, with shops and restaurants. | Yuexiu |
| Xiaobei | The quarter of Arab and Muslim traders, with many Arabic and halal restaurants. | Yuexiu |
Shenzhen and Foshan
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Huaqiangbei electronics market | China's best-known electronics street, with about 35 specialist markets and thousands of shops for phones, parts and devices. | Shenzhen, about half an hour by high-speed train from Guangzhou |
| Window of the World | A park of miniature replicas of the world's famous landmarks, with evening shows. | Shenzhen, 9 am to 10:30 pm |
| Lecong furniture market | China's largest furniture market, with showrooms stretching for kilometres along the road. | Foshan, about an hour from central Guangzhou |
Tips before you go
- During the Canton Fair, hotels near Pazhou fill up, so book early, and register your buyer badge on the fair's official website before you travel.
- Bring plenty of business cards and a translation app on your phone: most sellers speak Chinese.
- Google apps and WhatsApp are blocked in China, so arrange alternatives and a payment app before you travel.
Hotels in Guangzhou
Flights to Guangzhou
More places nearby
Visa
Frequently asked questions
When is the Canton Fair 2026?
The autumn session runs in three phases: 15–19 October for electronics and machinery, 23–27 October for home goods and building materials, and 31 October–4 November for clothing and food.
How far is Shenzhen from Guangzhou?
About half an hour by high-speed train from Guangzhou South to Shenzhen North.
Do I need a visa for a business trip to China?
No, Saudi passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism and business until 31 December 2026.
Where can I find Arabic food in Guangzhou?
In Xiaobei, in Yuexiu district, which has many Arabic and halal restaurants.
Planning your trip to China? Read Travel to China from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.