WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN GUANGZHOU?

A typical weekend in Guangzhou can be as exciting as a family holiday- from residential compound pool parties to cultural day trips and ski domes! Join Mrs. Birka as she takes us through her favourite activities in this vibrant city.

Living in a city of 18 million people can be overwhelming for some, but for Mrs. Birka and her family, Guangzhou offers endless opportunities for excitement and adventure. Coming from the rural areas of Germany, Mrs. Birka finds this bustling metropolis to be a unique and ever-changing experience that she enjoys sharing with her loved ones.

 

One of the things that her family loves most about Guangzhou is the food. From street food stalls to high-end Cantonese restaurants, the city offers a culinary adventure that never disappoints. Whether it's a hot noodle soup or authentic Chinese specialties, there is always something new and delicious to try.

 

On hot summer weekends, her family often spend their afternoons at the outside pool of their residential compound, enjoying the company of people from all over the world. If they're feeling active, they might have a spontaneous badminton match or table tennis tournament on the sports facilities provided by their compound.

 

For a more cultural experience, the family enjoys visiting places like Shamian Island or the Liwan district, experiencing different aspects of Chinese culture. Guangzhou also boasts several green oases like Baiyun Mountain, the sculpture park, and the botanical garden, providing a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

 

For a thrilling experience, Mrs. Birka recommends visiting the Guangzhou Science Center or one of the many attractions like the Chimelong parks or indoor ski domes. And in the evenings, the family takes leisurely strolls around Zhujiang New Town or visit the Guangzhou Library that not only is great for the eyes with a fascinating architectural design but also offers so many English books. They often visit the Canton Tower which offers breath-taking views of the illuminated skyline and even some thrilling attractions like a rope course or a Guinness Book listed skydrop.

 

Weekends are also reserved for day trips to Macao or Hong Kong, easily reachable by car, train, or ferry within three hours offering a change of scenery and a chance to explore a different cultural experience. The beaches around Shenzhen or Yangjiang also provide a refreshing escape from city life.

 

When entertaining visitors from abroad, Mrs. Birka and her family love taking them to the Buddha in Foshan, showcasing the local culture, nature, and some exercise all in one trip. Guangzhou truly offers a diverse range of activities and destinations that never fail to impress.

 

With so much to see and do, Mrs. Birka and her family have found a home in BSG and Guangzhou that continues to surprise and delight them after nearly two years of living in this vibrant city. Life in Guangzhou is truly an adventure worth exploring.

Things to Do in Guangzhou | The British School of Guangzhou - Feature Quote
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Life in Guangzhou is full of excitement and adventure waiting to be discovered.
Mrs Birka Lalkens, Mother of Aurelia & Sidonia
BSG Parent

  • What other things are there to do in Guangzhou?

    Guangzhou boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, but is also modern and diverse. Here's some advice from our parents:

    • One of my favourite places in Guangzhou is the Mingchun Valley Aviary at Baiyun Mountain. We love the views of the city from the cable car. The kids love getting up close to peacocks and parrots. The best part? It only costs RMB10 to enter the aviary!
    • When we first came to Guangzhou, we were lost. I joined a book club and a craft club and made plenty of friends. Now we often go for lunches while the kids are at school. On weekends, we try to meet up with other families for outings and play dates.
    • We love watching shows and concerts at the Guangzhou Opera House. My daughter, who loves art and design, is in awe of architect Zaha Hadid’s creation. She says it makes her feel like she’s in Broadway.
    • When we are in need of a short but sweet getaway, we head over to Hong Kong or Macau. Guangzhou is very well-positioned and the journey is very convenient.
    • There’s never a dull moment in Guangzhou. On the weekends, we take the kids for laser tag, rock climbing, go-karting, ice skating, biking along Ersha Island… the list is endless.
    • One of the best ways to see the city is to take a night cruise along the Pearl River. It’s very scenic, with twinkling lights in the skyline. You can also see the Canton Tower in all its beauty.
    • Our children are aged 4 and 6. When it rains, we head over to Grandview Mall for some fun at their indoor play areas and to enjoy good meal. We also love Eday Town, the role-play theme park. They enjoy dressing up like chefs and pilots.
    • Yuntai Garden is a great place for a picnic. It’s very scenic and makes for a great day out with the family. We also love Baomo Garden. The giant koi’s are a sight to behold. Don’t forget to bring along some bread or fish food to feed them!
    • Our son loves dinosaurs and enjoys looking at the prehistoric fossils at the Guangdong Provincial Museum. The surrounding Zhujiang Park is also home to the Guangzhou Library where we can borrow books and attend a story-telling session. If we have time, we walk over to the Mall of the World to catch a movie and have some locally-brewed bubble tea.
  • Do you have any advice or tips that would help my family relocate to Guangzhou?

    Yes, we have a whole page of useful suggestions that have been given to us by our current families.

    Click here to view them.