×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - The Insider's Guide to Guangzhou 2024
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In


The Insider's Guide to Guangzhou

By Betsy Burlingame

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Living it Up in Guangzhou: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.

Welcome to Guangzhou! If you're planning to move to Guangzhou, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Guangzhou has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Guangzhou.

Guangzhou is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for tourists and locals alike. One of the most popular sites is the Canton Tower, which is the tallest tower in China and the fourth tallest in the world. The tower offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to take photos. Another popular attraction is the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a 19th century temple complex that is now a museum. The complex is filled with intricate carvings and sculptures, and is a great place to learn about the history of Guangzhou. The Shamian Island is also a popular destination, as it is a former colonial enclave with a unique mix of European and Chinese architecture.

The restaurant and nightlife scene in Guangzhou is vibrant and diverse. One of the most popular restaurants is the Canton 8, which serves traditional Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant is known for its dim sum and seafood dishes, and is a great place to experience authentic Chinese cuisine. Another popular restaurant is the Grandma's Kitchen, which serves a variety of traditional Chinese dishes. The restaurant is known for its delicious dumplings and noodles. For nightlife, the most popular spot is the Bar Street, which is filled with bars and clubs. The street is known for its lively atmosphere and is a great place to go for a night out.

Recreational activities in Guangzhou are plentiful. One of the most popular activities is shopping, and the city is home to a variety of shopping malls and markets. The Beijing Road Pedestrian Street is a popular shopping destination, as it is filled with shops and restaurants. Another popular activity is visiting the Guangzhou Zoo, which is home to a variety of animals, including pandas, tigers, and elephants. The Guangzhou Opera House is also a popular destination, as it hosts a variety of performances, including operas, ballets, and concerts. For those looking for a more active experience, the city is home to a variety of parks and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

Insider Tips from Expats in Guangzhou: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"GWIC-Guangzhou womens International Club, The Christian worship service (Sunday mornings at 10a.m.)," said one expat living in Guangzhou.

""That's PRD" magazine has a quality list of organizations and community events for each month and is well worth getting. Community events with the American Chamber of Commerce as well as Summer camp for the kids at the Utahloy International Summer Camp in Zeng Cheng (www.utahloy.com) helped our family meet many other expat families in the area," wrote a member in Guangzhou.

"Make friends through the people your wife is associated with. Go to dances, go bowling and eat in some American Restaurants to meet other people from other countries," commented one expat who made the move to Guangzhou.

"Expats living in Guangzhou typically join a number of clubs and activities, such as international sports teams, outdoor adventure groups, language exchanges, and Meetup events. Other ways to meet people include attending events hosted at local international schools or universities, connecting with fellow expats in the area through networks such as InterNations, and interacting with locals through cultural activities. Guangzhou also hosts a number of local networking events for expats, such as the Invest in Guangzhou International Business Networking Event, which allows expats to meet potential business partners and participate in exclusive activities," remarked one expat living in Guangzhou, China.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

"People here in China have a huge focus on school. Kids are in school for like 60 hours a week. but when school is out, everyone is outdoors at the park, restaurants, clubs, shopping, etc. The economy here is booming like crazy and most people are starting to work long hours. People are really starting to acquire wealth and property. something they have never known under communism," commented an expat living in Guangzhou.

"Work and Family. There is also a large sporting complex in Tien He that is well used by the citizens of Guangzhou," said an expat in Guangzhou.

"The priority is to buy a house. To go out to eat with colleagues, friends and families. Work is the most important in their lives, and they will work all hours to support themselves -- and not take much time off," remarked one expat who made the move to Guangzhou.

"Living in Guangzhou as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The city is a vibrant and modern metropolis with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's excellent public transportation system, as well as its many restaurants, bars, and nightlife. The cost of living in Guangzhou is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also home to a large expat community, providing plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends. With its diverse culture, delicious food, and friendly locals, Guangzhou is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," explained one expat living in Guangzhou.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to China Network Contribute
Help others in China by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in China.

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides