Guangzhou is the largest city in the Pearl Delta, in the south of China and is home to China’s most important port. Let me tell you, this city sees its fair share of boats!
For a long time, the city has been associated with unbreathable smog and sprawling urbanisation, but as things are starting to change, more tourists are flocking to the city and paying a visit during their trips to China.
Guangzhou is God’s gift to history enthusiasts, art fanatics and culture lovers… not to mention the food-obsessed (like me). This city holds a little piece of my heart as it blessed us with one of my favourite foods ever – dim sum!
Given the size of the city, figuring out where to stay in Guangzhou can be a daunting task if you’ve never been to the city before. The best place to stay depends on your budget and what you want to do while you’re in the city.
But never fear! That is exactly why I’ve put together this guide – to make your life a heck of a lot easier. I’ve compiled the best areas to stay in Guangzhou depending on your budget and style. You’ll also find the top places to stay and things to do in each (you’re welcome, friend!)
After reading this guide, YOU will be the expert on where to stay in Guangzhou, and figuring out which neighbourhood fits your style and budget best will be a piece of cake (or dim sum…).
Without further ado, let’s get started. Here is my guide on where to stay in Guangzhou.
- Where to Stay in Guangzhou
- Guangzhou Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Guangzhou
- 5 Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Guangzhou
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Guangzhou
- What To Pack For Guangzhou
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Guangzhou
- Final Thoughts On Where to Stay in Guangzhou…
- Buy Us a Coffee!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Paco Hotel Guagzhou Zoo Metro Branch | Best Budget Hotel in Guangzhou
The Paco Hotel Guangzhou Zoo Metro Branch is located in Yuexiu, just in front of the Guangzhou Zoo. It offers modern rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower, soundproofing and a flat screen TV with international channels. A good breakfast is served in the morning.
Langham Place Guangzhou | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Guangzhou
The Langham Place Guangzhou is located in a modern building with an iconic architecture in Haizhu. The rooms are modern and spacious and include air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub, a flat screen TV with international channels and a view over the city. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and a well-equipped fitness centre.
Dongshan Gaga Hostel | Best Hostel in Guangzhou
The dongashan Gaga Hostel is located just between the two central neighborhoods of Yuexiu and Tianhe, in Guangzhou. It has been fully renovated in 2018 and offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom as well as bunk beds in male only or female only dormitory rooms. All rooms are air conditioned and a free Wifi connection is provided.
Yuexiu
Yuexiu is the oldest part of the centre of Yuexiu and used to be the old walled city of Guangzhou back in the day. As Guangzhou is the largest city in the Guangdong Province
Xiguan
Xiguan is considered to be the ancient Guangzhou town and used to be located just west of the walled city. In a sense, it was the first suburb of Guangzhou
Huanshi Lu
Huanshi Lu is one of the most popular spots in Guangzhou for nightlife. While Guangzhou is not shy when it comes to partying, Huangshi Lu is one of the liveliest areas with the best choice in the city
Haizhu
The Haizhu neighborhood is located on the southern bank of the Pearl River. It is a modern area where prices tend to be higher than in other central neighborhoods of the city.
Tianhe
Tianhe is Guangzhou’s new city centre, filled with modern buildings and shopping centres. It is also the main business area of the city. As it is centrally located and provides easy access to all the main sights
Guangzhou is a sprawling city located on the Pearl Delta River, in the south of China. Not far from the hustle and bustle and hostels of Hong Kong, Guangzhou has long been the Chinese manufacturing capital. As a consequence, it has mainly attracted business visitors for years, especially during the Guangzhou Fair organised every year in the spring.
There are so many epic places to visit in Guangzhou and it’s best to base yourself in one of these prime locations when visiting…
Tianhe is the new city centre of Guangzhou and also the main business district. There, you will find many skyscrapers and grand shopping malls. The Guangdong Museum is also located in this neighborhood and covers the history and culture of the city. Tianhe is a convenient neighborhood to stay in as it is the main transportation hub in the city.
Yuexiu is also a centrally located neighborhood, and the oldest area in downtown Guangzhou. In the past, it used to be where the walled city was standing, although it has almost completely disappeared today. Visitors will find several parks and museums in Yuexiu, as well as political institutions.
Guangzhou is quite rich when it comes to nightlife, but one of the most popular areas is definitely Huanshi Lu. Both locals and expats come party around there and every style is represented, from bars showing football games to trendy nightclubs.
On the south bank of the Pearl River, visitors will find the iconic Canton Tower which dominates the landscape. It is also one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Guangzhou, and hotels can tend to be pricier around there.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
5 Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Guangzhou
At this point, you may still feel confused about where to stay in Guangzhou. Let’s take a closer look at each one of the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Guangzhou.
1. Yuexiu – Where to Stay in Guangzhou for Your First Time
Yuexiu is the oldest part of the centre of Yuexiu and used to be the old walled city of Guangzhou back in the day. As Guangzhou is the largest city in the Guangdong Province, Yuexiu was the political and cultural powerhouse, and still is today.
Several museums are located in Yuexiu, including the Guangzhou City Art Museum. There, visitors will find pieces of calligraphy, traditional Chinese paintings, and sculptures. Other museums include the Guangdong Museum of Art exhibiting contemporary Chinese artists, and the Guangzhou Sculpture Park.
Beijing Road is one of the most popular shopping areas in Guangzhou. It is a pedestrian street where you can find virtually anything. Shops are usually open late, so be prepared to spend a few hours around here!
While the old city wall has been mostly destroyed during the 20th century, a short 1 kilometre-long portion can still be seen inside the Yuexiu Park.
Paco Hotel Guagzhou Zoo Metro Branch | Best Budget Hotel in Yuexiu
The Paco Hotel Guangzhou Zoo Metro Branch is located in Yuexiu, just in front of the Guangzhou Zoo. It offers modern rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower, soundproofing and a flat screen TV with international channels. A good breakfast is served in the morning.
Guangdong Yingbing Hotel | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Yuexiu
The Guangdong Yingbing Hotel offers spacious rooms in Yuexiu. Each room is fitted with an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV with international channels and a view over the garden. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and a fitness centre.
Dongshan Gaga Hostel | Best Hostel in Yuexiu
The dongashan Gaga Hostel is located just between the two central neighborhoods of Yuexiu and Tianhe, in Guangzhou. It has been fully renovated in 2018 and offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom as well as bunk beds in male only or female only dormitory rooms. All rooms are air conditioned and a free Wifi connection is provided.
Things to see and do in Yuexiu
- Shop til you drop on Beijing Road
- Head to Yuexiu Park to look at the remains of the old city wall
- Visit the Shishi Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, the largest church in South China
- Learn more about Chinese culture at the Guangzhou City Art Museum
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI2. Xiguan – Where to stay in Guangzhou on a Budget
Xiguan is considered to be the ancient Guangzhou town and used to be located just west of the walled city. In a sense, it was the first suburb of Guangzhou! Today, Xiguan has kept well preserved ancient houses you can see while walking around the neighborhood. Some can also be visited to get an idea of how people used to live here.
Xiguan is also a great place for shopping, especially if you are looking for cheap clothing and items. In addition, Xiguan is the perfect place for foodies, as a lot of traditional and authentic Cantonese food can be found here. Dishes include wonton noodles (noodles with pork dumpling in soup), or fish skin in chentianji.
Hualin Jade Street specialises in the jade trade and should be on your list if you are looking to bring back this iconic Chinese stone. Shops sell retail, wholesale, and can create some unique jewellery designs.
White Swan Hotel | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Xiguan
The White Swan Hotel is located right next to the Pearl River and offers modern rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub, and a flat screen TV with international channels. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool with views over the river and a great fitness centre.
Atour Hotel Lanzhou Xiguan Zhengning Road | Best Budget Hotel in Xiguan
The Atour Hotel Lanzhou Xiguan Zhengning Road is located near the Xiguan Ancient City and offers great service for an affordable price. Each room is modernly decorated and fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen TV with international channels and a view over the city. The hotel also offers free parking.
Things to see and do in Xiguan
- Walk around Xiguan and look at the old traditional houses
- Try a peanut and sesame filled cake at the Ronghua Teahouse
- Buy some jade in Hualin Jade Street
- Go shopping for cheap clothes in Shang Xia Jiu
3. Huanshi Lu – Best Area to Stay in Guangzhou for Nightlife
Huanshi Lu is one of the most popular spots in Guangzhou for nightlife. While Guangzhou is not shy when it comes to partying, Huangshi Lu is one of the liveliest areas with the best choice in the city.
Around here, you can expect to find bars where beer flows freely, and a crowd that mixes locals, expats and tourists alike. Bars transmitting the local and international football games are particularly popular and can sometimes get rowdy when the stakes are high.
Popular clubs truly come to life on weekends and become so busy you could easily believe you are out in London or New York. However, many of the bars in the area are located in old houses, which gives them a special charm you will not find anywhere else.
During the day, the area is filled with little cafés where you can relax with a drink. Many upscale restaurants can also be found here.
Paco Hotel Guangzhou Ouzhuang Metro Branch | Best Budget Hotel in Huanshi Lu
The Paco Hotel Ouzhuang Metro Branch offers comfortable rooms a few steps away from Huanshi Lu. Each room is fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower or a bathtub, soundproofing and a flat screen TV. A free Wifi connection is available everywhere in the hotel.
The Garden Hotel Guangzhou | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Huanshi Lu
The Garden Hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub, and a flat screen TV with international channels. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool and a well-equipped fitness centre. A free wifi connection is available everywhere in the building.
Things to see and do in Huanshi Lu
- Mingle with the high society in Sleeper
- Dance the night away in one of the numerous bars
- Watch a football game with locals and expats in Guangzhou
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!4. Haizhu – Coolest Place to Stay in Guangzhou
The Haizhu neighborhood is located on the southern bank of the Pearl River. It is a modern area where prices tend to be higher than in other central neighborhoods of the city.
With its iconic twisted shape, the Canton Tower is the coolest building in the whole city of Guangzhou, and the highlight of Haizhu. Standing tall at almost 600 metres, it boasts a great observation deck from which you can get a bird’s eye view of the city down below. If you like a thrill, you can also travel around a track on the tower’s roof, tucked inside a transparent cart. At night, the tower becomes even more beautiful as it lights up in the sky.
On the Pearl River bank, Party Pier is a lively area where you can find lots of bars and restaurants. The plaza is fully pedestrian and boasts incredible views over Guangzhou’s skyline around.
Somerset Haizhu Centre Guangzhou | Best Budget Hotel in Haizhu
The Somerset Haizhu Centre Guangzhou is a budget hotel conveniently located in Haizhou. Its rooms are comfortable and fitted with an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, soundproofing and a view over the city. A free Wifi connection is provided for guests. In the morning, the hotel provides a free shuttle service to and from the exhibition hall during the Canton Fair.
Shangri-La Guangzhou | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Haizhu
The Shangri-La Guangzhou offers nice rooms in a residential part of Haizhu while being conveniently located. Each room features a private bathroom, a flat screen TV with international channels and air conditioning. Room service is provided on request and a buffet breakfast is served in the morning for an extra fee.
Things to see and do in Haizhu
- Look at the city from above on the Canton Tower observation deck
- Get on a cruise along the Pearl River
- Have dinner on the river bank in Party Pier
5. Tianhe – Best Neighborhood in Guangzhou for Families
Tianhe is Guangzhou’s new city centre, filled with modern buildings and shopping centres. It is also the main business area of the city. As it is centrally located and provides easy access to all the main sights, Tianhe is a great neighborhood in Guangzhou for families.
Tianhe is particularly popular with shopping lovers, as the largest mall in Guangzhou, the Grandview Mall, is located here. Inside, you will mainly find large Western retailers and food chains, and, more surprisingly, an amusement park and an ice rink to keep the little ones entertained.
The new Guangdong Museum is also in Tianhe. Unlike the old museum, located in Yuexiu, the new museum focuses on the history and the culture of Guangzhou. Visiting it provides great insight on the city you are calling home for a few days and will teach you a lot! However, only 5 000 people can get in every day so it is recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid disappointment.
Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Tianhe
The Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe offers 5-star accommodation in Tianhe. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat screen with international channels and a minibar. The hotel has a beautiful rooftop outdoor swimming pool and has a well-equipped fitness centre. I recommend the good buffet breakfast in the morning!
Lavande Hotels·Guangzhou East Railway Station | Best Budget Hotel in Tianhe
The Lavande Hotels·Guangzhou East Railway Station is conveniently located near a train station in the Tianhe neighborhood. It offers comfortable rooms fitted with air conditioning and a private bathroom with a bathtub. The hotel is clean and provides free Wifi access for its guests. The Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area is less than 2 miles away.
Dongshan Gaga Hostel | Best Hostel in Tianhe
The dongashan Gaga Hostel is located just between the two central neighborhoods of Yuexiu and Tianhe, in Guangzhou. It has been fully renovated in 2018 and offers private rooms with an ensuite bathroom as well as bunk beds in male only or female only dormitory rooms. All rooms are air conditioned and a free Wifi connection is provided.
Things to see and do in Tianhe
- Shop til you drop in Grandview Mall, the largest shopping centre in Guangzhou
- Learn more about Guangzhou’s history at the new Guangdong Museum
- Watch a show in the Guangzhou Opera House, designed by Zaha Hadid
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Guangzhou
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Guangzhou and where to stay.
What To Pack For Guangzhou
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Guangzhou
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts On Where to Stay in Guangzhou…
Guangzhou is truly opening up to tourism and offers more and more options to visitors each year. People come here to enjoy the parks, the museums and the great shopping and leave mesmerised by the daringly modern architecture.
My favourite neighborhood in Guangzhou is Yuexiu. It is centrally located, easily accessible and offers a ton of options to stay entertained and learn more about the sprawling city of Guangzhou.
My favourite hotel in town is the Langham Place Guangzhou. If anything, the architecture of the building and the views over the Pearl river should be enough to convince you!
For backpackers, my top choice is the Dongshan Gaga Hostel. It has been fully refurbished and provides clean and comfortable beds in the heart of the city.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it to the list!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around China.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Guangzhou to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Guangzhou is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for China.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
