Guangzhou is southern China's trading capital. It hosts the Canton Fair twice a year, has wholesale markets for almost every product, and sits an hour or less from the factory cities of Foshan, Dongguan and Shenzhen. It is also one of China's great food cities, with a historic mosque at its centre.
Want Guangzhou planned for you? Hotels for your budget, tickets booked on release, halal meals and directions, in a free detailed plan. Plan Guangzhou free →
- Airports
- Baiyun International (CAN)
- Best time
- October–December and March–April
- How long
- 3 to 5 days
- Good for
- Trade fairs, sourcing, food
What to see
01
Canton Tower and the Pearl River
The city's landmark tower and evening river cruises.
02
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
A Qing-era hall famous for Lingnan wood, stone and brick carving.
03
Shamian Island
Quiet tree-lined streets and colonial-era buildings on the river.
04
Yongqingfang and Liwan
Restored arcade houses and old Canton streets.
05
Wholesale markets
Yide Road, Baima and Shisanhang for toys, stationery and clothing.
What to eat
- Dim sum (har gow, cheung fun)
- Roast goose
- Wonton noodles
- Double-skin milk
Halal food and mosques
Guangzhou has one of China's oldest Muslim communities and a large number of halal restaurants.
Mosques
- Huaisheng Mosque, Guangta Road, Yuexiu District: one of the oldest mosques in China, with halal restaurants nearby
Halal options
- Lanzhou beef noodles
- Middle Eastern restaurants in the Xiaobei area
- Halal Cantonese dishes around Huaisheng Mosque
Guangzhou for business
Guangzhou is where many buyers meet Chinese suppliers for the first time.
- Canton Fair, autumn 2026: 15 October to 4 November, Canton Fair Complex, Pazhou
- Wholesale markets: Yide Road (toys, stationery), Baima and Shisanhang (clothing)
- Factory cities nearby: Foshan (furniture, ceramics), Dongguan and Shenzhen (electronics, hardware)
Getting there and around
- Metro Line 3 connects Baiyun Airport with Tianhe and the city centre.
- Metro Line 8 serves the Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou.
- High-speed trains from Guangzhou South reach Shenzhen in about 30 minutes.
Questions
When is the Canton Fair in 2026?
The autumn session runs from 15 October to 4 November 2026 in three phases at the Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou.
Where can I find halal food in Guangzhou?
Around Huaisheng Mosque on Guangta Road, in the Xiaobei area, and at restaurants showing the 清真 (halal) sign.
Which factory cities are near Guangzhou?
Foshan for furniture and ceramics, and Dongguan and Shenzhen for electronics and hardware. All are an hour or less away.
Opening hours, routes and rules change. Check before you travel.
