Looking for a different way to experience Guangzhou during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays? From hands-on Lingnan crafts to a journey into the art of Dunhuang and Vincent van Gogh, several hotels and cultural venues in the city center are offering experiences that combine local traditions, art and leisure.
Here are some experiences worth adding to your Guangzhou itinerary.
1. Experience Lingnan culture through interactive activities
This National Day holiday, October 1 to October 5, every afternoon, Hotel Indigo Guangzhou Haixinsha brings the charm of Guangzhou's neighborhoods indoors.
Across four interactive activities, guests can experience local culture through sound, taste and traditional crafts—from the familiar call of gick gong lam, a traditional street snack, to the Cantonese phrase (得闲饮茶, dak haan yam caa, or "Have tea when you're free"). They can also print Guangzhou-inspired images and make fragrant sachets with Lingnan plants.
A special guidebook offers another way to explore Guangzhou through its neighborhoods, while specialty drinks are available during the activities.
Located on the eastern side of Haixinsha Island and surrounded by water on three sides, the hotel is a convenient base for visiting Canton Tower, Guangdong Museum, Guangzhou Library and Guangzhou Opera House. Guests can stroll along the riverside, enjoy Pearl River views and unwind at the rooftop bar. The hotel's design blends Lingnan water-town elements with the distinctive character of Haixinsha.
2. Discover Dunhuang art over afternoon tea
You don't have to travel to the deserts of Northwest China to experience the beauty of Dunhuang.
In collaboration with the Guangzhou Museum of Art, Grand Hyatt Guangzhou has launched a Dunhuang-inspired afternoon tea to complement the museum's "A Single Thought: Dunhuang-Grotto Art Grand Exhibition."
Inspired by the Nine-Colored Deer, flying apsaras and Silk Road motifs, the menu combines the aesthetics of Dunhuang's ancient grottoes with creative Cantonese pastries. Desserts draw on the mineral colors of Dunhuang murals, while savory treats and specially crafted Chinese-style teas complete the experience.
For families and art lovers, the exhibition offers interactive experiences, including digital mural restoration for children and a star-themed light installation inspired by ancient mural art.
Combine the afternoon tea with a visit to the museum for a cultural day out.
3. Explore Guangzhou's culture and art
W Guangzhou invites guests to discover Guangzhou's cultural heritage and contemporary art this holiday season.
As part of the Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy program, guests can explore the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (locally known as Chen Clan Academy) through its architecture, traditional crafts, festive riddles, board games and the stories hidden in its decorations. The package includes up to two admission tickets to the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a complimentary souvenir and an information booklet.
In partnership with the Guangdong Museum, the hotel also invites guests to step into Van Gogh's world through Impression Van Gogh: Immersive Digital Art Experience, an exhibition created by a team led by Italian digital artist Massimiliano Siccardi. High-resolution projections and surround sound bring highlights from Van Gogh's 10-year artistic career to life, including The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers and The Starry Night. The package includes two exhibition tickets and an official exhibition guidebook.
4. Make traditional Lingnan crafts
Jumeirah Guangzhou is offering a series of hands-on workshops that introduce guests to traditional Lingnan crafts at The Café on the 8th floor.
Fish Lantern Making
When: 11 a.m. to noon, September 25 to September 26
Learn how to make a traditional Lingnan fish-shaped lantern using bamboo and gauze, then add scales and decorative details to bring it to life.
Bamboo-Woven Round Fan Making
When: 1 to 2 p.m., October 1, 3, 5 and 7
Try your hand at bamboo weaving and create a traditional round fan to take home.
Woodblock Printing
When: 11 a.m. to noon, October 2, 4 and 6
Explore the art of traditional printing by making impressions of local Cantonese expressions and designs.
Note: Workshop schedules, access arrangements and availability are subject to change. Please check with the relevant hotel or venue for registration details and to confirm availability before visiting or making your plans.
Author | Liu Lingzhi
Photos | Hotel Indigo Guangzhou Haixinsha, Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, W Guangzhou, Jumeirah Guangzhou
