Summer is one of the best times to tour in Guangdong. From misty mountains and scenic coastlines to historic towns and dynamic cities, the province offers something for every traveler. Follow this guide as we journey across Guangdong, exploring the destinations, landscapes and local experiences that make summer here unforgettable.
Stop 2: Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area—Discover Lingnan's urban charm
Guangzhou
As Guangdong's capital, Guangzhou blends more than 2,000 years of history with the energy of modern city life.
The Guangzhou Branch of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture (中国国家版本馆广州分馆) showcases Lingnan's cultural heritage through an extensive collection of books, manuscripts and historical records.
Along the Pearl River, explore contemporary art at the Bai'etan GBA Art Center (白鹅潭大湾区艺术中心) and discover Lingnan's history and culture at the Guangdong Museum (广东省博物馆).
For a glimpse of old Guangzhou, stroll through Yongqing Fang (永庆坊), where Cantonese opera, Cantonese embroidery, paper-cutting and other traditional crafts thrive in a revitalized historic neighborhood.
End the day with a stroll along Litchi Bay Creek (荔枝湾涌), where time-honored dessert shops serve local favorites such as double-skin milk and mung bean soup.
Foshan
One of the birthplaces of Lingnan culture, Foshan is renowned for its martial arts, lion dance traditions and cuisine.
At Foshan Ancestral Temple (祖庙), lively lion dance performances bring centuries-old traditions to life. The Huang Feihong Lion Dance and Martial Arts Show at Xiqiao Mountain (西樵山) offers another window into the city's martial arts heritage.
Food lovers should not miss Shunde District, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and one of the birthplaces of Cantonese cuisine.
Zhaoqing
For a slower-paced getaway, Zhaoqing is an ideal destination, combining tranquil mountains and lakes with a relaxed atmosphere.
At Seven Star Crags (七星岩), seven limestone peaks rise above the lake and are reflected in it, forming one of Guangdong's most iconic landscapes. Around the spring and autumn equinoxes, visitors may see the spectacular "reclining Buddha embracing the sunset glow" phenomenon.
Dinghu Mountain (鼎湖山), home to China's first national nature reserve, offers shaded forest trails and fresh mountain air, making it a popular summer retreat.
Zhongshan
Set along the lower reaches of the Xijiang River, Zhongshan is known for its easygoing pace.
Head to Wugui Mountain (五桂山) for forest trails and panoramic views, and then sample local specialties such as Shiqi roast pigeon, almond cakes and Shenwan pineapple.
Shenzhen
Shenzhen brings together mountain retreats, sandy beaches and world-class museums.
Spend the morning on the Dapeng Peninsula (大鹏半岛), where Lanbaoshi Beach (蓝宝石海滩) and Judiaosha Beach (桔钓沙) offer crystal-clear waters and fine white sand.
In the afternoon, explore the Shenzhen International Museum of Art (深圳国际美术馆), the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum (深圳科学技术馆) and the Shenzhen Natural History Museum (深圳自然博物馆) for a journey through art, science and the natural world.
Zhuhai
Zhuhai's coastal charm unfolds along Lovers' Road (情侣路), where the landmark Zhuhai Grand Theater, known as the "Sun Moon Shell" (日月贝), overlooks the waterfront. Visitors can also take in the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (港珠澳大桥), an engineering landmark and one of the world's longest cross-sea bridge-and-tunnel systems.
For family fun, visit the Zhuhai Space Center (珠海太空中心), billed as China's first large-scale space-themed exhibition center. Hengqin Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort (横琴长隆国际海洋度假区) is another popular choice, offering an immersive look at marine life.
Huizhou
With mountains and coastline close at hand, Huizhou is ideal for scenic drives and seaside escapes.
Drive along the "218 Most Beautiful Tourism Highway," which circles Nankun Mountain and Luofu Mountain and links more than 200 attractions, and then head to Shuangyue Bay, where calm and rolling waters meet along a 20-kilometer beach. Nearby, the Huidong Harbor Sea Turtle National Nature Reserve and the Reef Bar round out the coastal experience.
Jiangmen
Jiangmen's overseas Chinese heritage comes alive in its historic towns and island landscapes.
Explore Chikan Overseas Chinese Ancient Town (赤坎华侨古镇) by vintage tram or boat, and then visit the Zili Village Diaolou Cluster (自力村碉楼群) to discover the stories of generations of overseas Chinese. For coastal scenery, head to Naqin Peninsula (那琴半岛), Shangchuan Island (上川岛) and Xiachuan Island (下川岛), where you can enjoy dramatic shorelines and coconut groves. Luckily enough, visitors can also spot Chinese white dolphins.
Dongguan
Known as China's capital of trendy toys, Dongguan also offers forest parks, historic gardens and ancient villages.
Yinping Mountain Forest Park (银瓶山森林公园) and Shuilian Mountain Forest Park (水濂山森林公园) offer cool summer escapes, while Keyuan Garden (可园) and Nanshe Ancient Village highlight the city's cultural heritage.
For an added summer highlight, visit the 16th China International Animation Copyright Fair from August 6 to 10. The event is set to bring together more than 2,200 high-quality IPs from around the world.
Stay tuned for Stop 3, where we'll head to western Guangdong for sun, sand and memorable seaside escapes.
Author | He Fengyu
Photos | CCTV News WeChat Official Account
The Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Fabu, Zhongshan Daily, netizen @庄与野, VCG, contributed to this report.
