Lingnan Impression (岭南印象园) (Metro 4, Higher Education Mega Center South, exit B.). This is a place to see the city's past before the economic boom. The park is a 15-minute walk from the subway station. Free shuttle is available on the weekend. ¥45.
Guangdong Science Center is a comprehensive, non-profit science center and scenic spot established in 2008 in Guangzhou. Since opening to the public on Sept 26, 2008, it has become an iconic building in the city and a major place to popularize science education in Guangdong province.
The science center is located at the west end of Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, with a land area of 450,000 square meters and a floor area of 137,500 square meters. It is the largest science center in the world.
Canton Tower (广州塔), Yuejiang Road West/Yiyuan Road, Haizhu District (Metro 3, APM Chigang Pagoda), ☏ +82 20-8933 8225. It was the tallest structure in China prior to the topping out of Shanghai Tower. It is 595.7 m high, and it's now the third tallest tower and the fifth-tallest freestanding structure in the world. It has indoor public observatory at 449 m and outdoor observation deck at 488 m. In additions to the observation decks, the tower features various restaurants, a 4-D theater and other entertainment venues.
Yuexiu Park (越秀公园 Yuè-xiù-gōng-yuán) (Metro 2 Yue Xiu Park Station, exit B1). 06:00-18:00. The largest urban park in China and is a lush green area that flows over acres of hills and includes several lakes. It includes the Ming Dynasty Zhenhai Tower (镇海楼) zhèn-hǎi-lóu, now home to the Guangzhou Museum with relics on five floors dating back 5,000 years ago and an up-to-date miniature of modern Guangzhou. ¥10. 09:00 - 11:30, 13:00 - 17:00. Also check out the Stone Statue of the Five Rams (五羊石像), the symbol of Guangzhou
Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain) (白云山 Bái-yún-shān). Open 24 hours. Is a great place to relax and enjoy a day among lush, rolling hills. It also offers great views over the city. The road to the top in most of the daytime is restricted to park trams and pedestrians. To get to the top lookout point, you can use the main roads or trails. There are many places to rest and refreshments are available along the way. It is a great place to see people enjoying nature and playing games, such as shuttlecock, badminton, football and even bungee jumping.
Danxiashan is a wonderland of red rocks that will take your breath away! This amazing place is located in Guangdong province, China, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Danxiashan is famous for its unique landform, which was formed by millions of years of erosion and weathering. You can see spectacular cliffs, peaks, caves, canyons and valleys, all in different shapes and colors.
Guangdong Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is located in the north of Guangdong province, near the border with Hunan. The canyon is about 15 kilometers long and 300 meters deep, with steep cliffs, lush forests, and clear streams. The canyon is also rich in biodiversity, with more than 500 species of plants and animals, some of which are rare and endangered.
Nanhua Temple (南华寺 Nánhuá Sì; 南华禅寺 Nánhuá Chánsì), Qujiang District (曲江区) (Special express buses to the temple are available from the Shaoguan East Railway Station. If arriving at Shaoguan Railway Station, take bus no. 23. You can also get there via bus no. 309, which departs from the Shaoguan South Bus Station), ☏ +86 751-6501014. 8AM-5PM. The former temple of Huineng (the sixth patriarch of Zen Buddhism) and the location of his mummified remains. As such, the temple is an important pilgrimage site for practitioners of Zen Buddhism.
Xiaozhou Village (小洲村). The village is a short taxi ride from University City. Some travelers describe this district as full of historical buildings, fruit orchards and canals and relate that, in recent years, this has become artists' haven. Others report that recent development has obliterated all traces of the village and that the district is a typical industrial suburb adjoining a huge field used as an outdoor latrine.
(Dinghushan, 鼎湖山). A nature reserve about 20 kilometers northeast of the city. Has nice walking paths through temples, trees, waterfalls and pools. Beware, it can be packed on holidays. To get there you can take the local bus no. 15 from Tianning rd. (天宁路) - the bus heading south.