Busy at the Canton Fair? Take a short break and head out for a walk! From historic streets and cultural landmarks to riverside walks, these routes offer an easy way to experience Guangzhou beyond the fairgrounds.
Xinhepu Historic and Cultural Block (新河浦历史文化街区)
Xinhepu Historic and Cultural Block, located in the Dongshankou area, is where old Guangzhou meets a more creative, contemporary vibe. It is home to the city's largest cluster of early modern residences that blend Chinese and Western styles, with more than 400 preserved villas reflecting a century of overseas Chinese heritage.
(Photo: Guangzhou Yuexiu Fabu)
Streets such as Xinhepu Road, Yandun Road, Xuguyuan Road and Peizheng Road weave through the neighborhood. With its quiet courtyards, vine-covered walls and shaded lanes, the area feels like a step back in time, perfect for a slow walk or photography. Around almost every corner, you'll find something unexpected—from art exhibitions at Kui Yuan Gallery to a rare Islamic-style villa tucked inside Bai Yuan, as well as cafés and boutiques set inside former residences.
Getting there: Metro Line 1, Dongshankou Station, Exit F
Highlights: Chun Yuan (春园), Bai Yuan (柏园), Kui Yuan (逵园), Ming Yuan (明园), Jian Yuan (简园), Chen Shuren Memorial Hall (陈树人纪念馆)
Zhongshan 4th Road (中山四路)
A short walk here feels like stepping back in time. The Peasant Movement Training Institute, originally built as the Panyu Academy in the Ming dynasty, is often dubbed "Guangzhou's Forbidden City" because of its red walls and yellow tiles.
(Photo: Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau)
Just nearby, the Site of Palace and Garden of the Nanyue King Museum reveals the remains of a royal garden from over 2,000 years ago. Stone ponds, winding channels and ancient corridors still outline the layout of the Nanyue Kingdom.
(Photo: Nanyue King Museum)
Visitors can also stop by Dongping Pawnshop, a Qing-dynasty pawnbroker's building that now houses both a museum and a contemporary art space, and visit the Guangzhou Lu Xun Memorial Hall to learn more about this famous writer's life.
Getting there: Metro Line 1, Peasant Movement Institute Station, Exit A
Highlights: Peasant Movement Training Institute (农讲所), Site of Palace and Garden of Nanyue King Museum (南越王博物院王宫展区), Guangzhou Lu Xun Memorial Hall (广州鲁迅纪念馆), Dongping Pawnshop (东平大押)
Yingyuan Road (应元路)
Stretching just 1.3 kilometers, Yingyuan Road packs centuries of history into a 20-minute walk. Built along the southern slope of Yuexiu Mountain, the road curves gently with the terrain, lined with trees, historic sites and city landmarks.
(Photo: China Guangzhou Fabu)
At its heart are the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Yuexiu Park. The former features a grand octagonal structure, red columns and blue-tiled roofs, while the latter marks the starting point of Guangzhou's historic central axis.
(Photo: Guangzhou Yuexiu Fabu)
Walk north from the memorial hall into the park, where a stone staircase leads up to the Sun Yat-sen Monument. At its base stretches more than 1,100 meters of the Ming Dynasty city wall. Follow the path to the right to reach landmarks such as Zhenhai Tower (Guangzhou Museum) and the iconic Five Rams Sculpture.
(Photo: Guangzhou Yuexiu Fabu)
Not far away, Sanyuan Palace, Guangdong's oldest Taoist temple, sits quietly on the hillside, bringing a unique touch of history to the journey.
Getting there: Metro Line 2, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station, Exit C
Highlights: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (中山纪念堂), Sanyuan Palace (三元宫), Yuexiu Park (越秀公园), Yuexiu Stadium (越秀山体育场), Zhenhai Tower (镇海楼)
Yanjiang West Road (沿江西路)
This riverside stretch was once Guangzhou's historic shipping hub and commercial center. Today, it's a living record of the city's past, where early 20th-century buildings line the Pearl River. Landmarks include Aiqun Mansion, the Canton Customs House with its iconic clock tower, and the Guangzhou Postal Museum, all within walking distance.
(Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Fabu)
For a wider view, head to Renmin Bridge. From here, you can take in both sides of the Pearl River, where historic European-style buildings meet the modern skyline. As night falls, golden lights illuminate the old facades, reflecting on the river and creating one of the city's most photogenic night views.
(Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Fabu)
Getting there: Metro Line 6/8, Cultural Park Station, Exit A
Highlights: Aiqun Mansion (爱群大厦), Nanfang Building (南方大厦), Canton Customs House (粤海关旧址), Postal Museum (邮政博览馆), Pearl River views
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
