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Where to Stay in Guangzhou: Best Districts and Areas For Every Traveller
Updated! Avoid these common hotel booking mistakes! Discover the best areas and reputed hotels first-timers to Guangzhou praise for comfort and convenience.
Ben
July 11, 2025
Visiting Guangzhou for the first time? Awesome! But finding the right hotel in this Tier 1 city can feel a bit overwhelming. Which district/area should you stay in Guangzhou? Which hotels should you pick? It's easy to get lost in all the options, and nobody wants to book a place that doesn't quite fit. We went through the same struggle too!
That's why we put this guide together after our visiting Guangzhou. We'll walk you through the top neighbourhoods, share specific hotel recommendations, and crucial tips to ensure easy communication and a comfortable stay.
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Which District to Stay in Guangzhou and What to Look Out For When Booking Hotels
Okay, first big question: where in Guangzhou should you actually stay? This city is massive, so picking the right district allows you to experience it differently. You want somewhere that's easy to get around from, has the vibe you're looking for, and puts you close to what matters most.
There are 4 districts (in no particular order) we recommend in Guangzhou. Each are distinct and unique on it’s own:
Zhujiang New Town at Tianhe District
Haizhu District
Yuexiu District
Liwan District
While it is convenient and cheap to Didi every in Guangzhou. We favour places that are near metro stations, attractions and good food. This allows us to roam aimlessly in the evening. Our luxury recommendations go for $200+ per night, and the best value recommendations are around $100 a night, not withstanding peak periods. Here are the 4 districts we recommend for first-timers, breaking down what makes each one special.
Stay at Zhujiang New Town at Tianhe District: Modern Pulse & Business Hub
View of Pearl River from Canton Tower
If you love sleek skyscrapers, high-end shopping, and buzzing city life, Zhujiang New Town is your spot. It is Guangzhou's central business district, so it's super modern, well-connected by metro, and packed with international restaurants and cool cafes.
The eastern side contains high-rise residential apartments centred around Zhujiang Park that is modelled on New York’s Central Park. The western side is the CBD, also home to the tallest structure in Guangzhou - Canton Tower.
Why stay here: Excellent metro links, major shopping malls (天环 Parc Central, 太古汇 Taikoo Hui), international dining, business convenience, lively nightlife.
Our top hotel recommendations in Zhujiang New Town:
Luxury - Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou. Great views of Canton Tower and Pearl River. Several Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from.
Luxury - Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou. The ideal choice for families with kids, conveniently located at the heart of the shopping district.
Best Value - Park Hyatt Serviced Apartments. Fully fitted kitchens and fridge, stove, microwave and washer-dryers.
Stay at Haizhu District: Best Place to Stay for Canton Fair
If your main goal is to be close to the Canton Tower for those iconic views, or if you're attending Guangzhou’s Canton Fair, Haizhu District is your go-to. It's across the river from Tianhe, offering great photo ops of the city skyline, and has lovely riverside walks. It's a bit more relaxed than Tianhe but still very modern in its newer parts. We recommend staying in Haizhu if you are visiting Guangzhou for the Canton Fair.
Why stay here: Best Canton Tower views, proximity to Pazhou Exhibition Center, pleasant riverside areas.
Our top hotel recommendations in Haizhu:
Luxury - The Westin Pazhou. Directly connected to Canton Fair. Perfect for Canton Fair trade attendees.
Luxury - The Xanadu Guangzhou. One of the top scenic hotels in Guangzhou, surrounded by the Pearl River on both sides.
Best Value - Courtyard By Marriott Guangzhou Pazhou. Also near Canton Fair with a highly rated breakfast spread.
Stay at Yuexiu District: History, Culture & Central Convenience
Dafo Temple 大佛寺 at Night
Want to soak in Guangzhou's rich history and culture? Yuexiu District is where it's at. It's home to some of the city's most famous landmarks like Yuexiu Park (with the Five Rams Statue, the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (Liurong Temple), and Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street 北京路步行街 for food and shopping.
This area offers a more traditional Cantonese feel, with charming old streets mixed with modern conveniences. It's central, well-connected, and great if you're into sightseeing and history.
Why stay here: Close to historical sites, traditional atmosphere, good metro access, central location for exploring.
Our top hotel recommendations in Yuexiu:
Luxury - Guangdong Hotel. Next toSun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the metro station. Only 1 stop away to Yuexiu Park and Beijing Lu.
Best Value - Mercure Guangzhou Beijing Road. Situated right at the famous Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street. You will be spoiled for food and shopping options here.
Best Value - Yingbin Hotel. Ideal for families with kids.
Stay at Liwan District: Old Guangzhou Charm & Foodie Heaven
For a true taste of 'Old Guangzhou,' head to Liwan. This is one of those special areas in Guangzhou where historic Cantonese culture genuinely meets modern Chinese vibes. You can actually stroll through ancient alleyways, some dating back hundreds, even thousands, of years. The traditional brick-stone buildings now house cool art galleries, trendy drink stalls, or classic family-owned restaurants.
Waxed Meat at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
It's also famous for its unique Xiguan culture, traditional architecture (think grand Cantonese mansions), and an incredible local food scene. Popular attractions include Liwan Museum, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street and Shamian Island.
Why stay here: Authentic local culture, traditional architecture, famous local eateries, historical sites.
Our top hotel recommendations in Liwan:
Luxury - White Swan Hotel. Located on historic Shamian Island, this hotel has hosted many famous heads of states.
Best Value - The Yun Collection Guangzhou. A value blend of service, location and attraction.
Best Value - voco Guangzhou Shifu. Located at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street 上下步行街. Shop and eat to your hearts content.
Tips When Choosing a Hotel in Guangzhou
If you prefer to source for hotels in Guangzhou yourself, take note of the negative reviews. They are more often a better reality check than the photos the hotels post or the positive comments you see online. We trust the negative reviews more than the positive ones.
🚭 Note about hotels: It is common for hotels in China to offer smoking rooms. We experienced booking a non-smoking room and then were given a room where someone had obviously smoked inside. Having experienced enough of this, we recommend only reputed hotel brands that have a track record of keeping their non-smoking rooms clear of smoke smell. Do not hesitate to request a room change if your room reeks of cigarette smoke.
You may see budget rooms going for $50 or less a night. In our experience, it is almost always a bad deal. Such rooms usually have issues with cleanliness, service, or have broken amenities. We had a room with a broken window and heater. This made the room super cold at night. Always go with a repute hotel brand!
Top Guangzhou hotels are snapped up fast. And availability plunges if you are travelling during busy domestic travel periods. Make sure to secure your booking as soon as your itinerary is confirmed!
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