I recently spent a week exploring Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province two sides of modern China’s southern boomtown. The Guangzhou “along the Pearl River…dazzles with modern architecture, historic lanes, and world-famous Cantonese eats”. Shenzhen, by contrast, is “China’s tech powerhouse” with “a futuristic skyline and coastal-mountain serenity”.
Our trip hit all the highlights (and a few surprises) in both cities, book using from here flights, trains, hotels, even tour tickets which made planning seamless. Here’s a personal recount of our adventure: what we saw, ate..
Arriving in Guangzhou
We landed at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on a humid morning. The Baiyun is about 28 km north of downtown, but getting into town was easy. We took Metro Line 3 from the airport (about 35–40 minutes, ¥7) straight to the city center. The train was clean and fast a great first impression.
It is suggested to taking the airport metro (Line 3 to Zhujiang New Town) and noted that taxis are quite expensive (about ¥120–180 depending on traffic), so app-ride (DiDi) was a smarter bet for late nights.
With bags dropped off near our hotel in Tianhe, we set out into Guangzhou’s heart. Our first stop was Canton Tower, Guangzhou’s iconic 600-meter “Slim Waist” landmark. We booked the famous bubble tram ride in advance through Attractions & Tours page for Guangzhou, and at 460 m up we rode in a glass pod for 360° views of the city. It was breathtaking the Pearl River snaking below, the skyscrapers around us, and as dusk fell the city lights began to twinkle.
That night we took the Pearl River night cruise a must-do in Guangzhou. A river cruise is “the ultimate way to soak in Guangzhou’s sparkling beauty after dark”. From the deck we saw Canton Tower, Zhujiang New Town, and even the colonial-era White Swan Hotel all lit up.
Later we strolled Shamian Island, a peaceful oasis of old colonial architecture and banyan trees along the river. It os recommended Shamian for an easy sunset walk, and it didn’t disappoint locals were relaxing with books and snacks as the golden light softened the stone facades.
Guangzhou: Culture, Cuisine, and Challenges
Guangzhou’s cultural fusion is what makes it special. By day we wandered Beijing Road (ancient Song/Yuan road remnants under glass, bustling market stalls) and admired the Gothic Sacred Heart Cathedral on Yide Road. One afternoon we even caught a Cantonese opera show at Yongqing Fang.
But the real highlight of Guangzhou’s culture is its food. We did a classic Cantonese food crawl: breakfast dim sum at Lian Xiang Lou, dinner roast goose at Xi Hua Lu, and as much double-skinned milk pudding as we could handle. A great tip bring “cash and stretchy pants” and it turned out to be spot on.
For getting around Guangzhou. Metro is the way to go here fast and cheap. We took Line 6 to Chen Clan Academy and Line 8 to Yuexiu Park without issue. At night, we always used DiDi (wisely advises “Ride DiDi, Not Taxis” in Guangzhou).
Our favorite animal encounter was at Chimelong Safari Park on the edge of Guangzhou. We booked tickets directly through Attractions & Tours page for Guangzhou. The park is huge, and everything from giraffes to koalas in a natural-feeling zoo.
Taking the Train to Shenzhen
After three days in Guangzhou, we boarded a high-speed G-train to Shenzhen from Guangzhou South Railway Station. We booked our tickets via Train Booking page, and the process was smooth. The ride itself was fast about 30–40 minutes and we watched the skyline change as we sped south.
If you’re combining both cities, Trip.com even offers Flight + Hotel combo packages and car rentals for easier travel flexibility.
Shenzhen: Futuristic Vibes and Beachside Fun
Stepping out of Shenzhen’s Futian Station felt like entering a sci-fi movie. The skyline is instantly striking Ping An Finance Center and the shimmering towers above the bay. We spent our first afternoon at Happy Harbor, a modern waterfront park by Shenzhen Bay. We knew to ride the giant “Light of the Bay” Ferris wheel for the best views.
That evening, we checked out Window of the World a theme park of famous landmarks in miniature using tickets booked through Shenzhen Attractions page. We learned the hard way that mosquito repellent is a must, warned!
The next day, per our Trip plan, we headed to Dameisha Beach in eastern Shenzhen. The beach was beautiful: white sand, green hills, and the South China Sea stretching endlessly. Later, we visited Dapeng Fortress, an ancient Ming/Qing defensive town, another gem we discovered through Trip.com’s local highlights.
For meals, we leaned on Trip.com’s Shenzhen food guide and enjoyed shrimp dumplings, double-skin milk custard, and crispy Guangming pigeon. Cantonese culture runs deep here, even in this futuristic city.
Accommodation
We booked all our stays through Hotel Booking page. In Guangzhou we stayed in a high-rise near Tianhe, and in Shenzhen a modern hotel close to shopping areas. Trip.com consistently offered the best rates, often with free cancellation and great customer service.
One early morning, due to a delayed flight, we had to rebook. Trip.com’s 24/7 support as advertised came through instantly. Their Airport Transfer service also made airport commutes easy and stress-free.
We also loved the loyalty points and daily deals. As their site says, “competitive prices, exclusive deals, and our price match guarantee” and that held true. On multiple days we even found flash discounts on flights and hotels, which made the experience even better.
Trip.com vs. Other Booking Platforms
Trip.com stood out by offering everything in one place flights, hotels, trains, cars, and attractions. Expedia and Booking.com simply couldn’t match the range.
It also clearly displayed full prices (taxes included) and offered Flight + Hotel bundles for better savings a nice edge over other sites. Combined with 24/7 support and a loyalty program, Trip.com proved to be our one-stop platform for China travel.
Tips & Takeaways for Future Travelers
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Best attractions: In Guangzhou, don’t miss Canton Tower, Shamian Island, and a Pearl River cruise (book through Guangzhou attractions). In Shenzhen, the Window of the World, Dameisha Beach, and Dapeng Fortress are highlights (find them on Shenzhen attractions).
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Getting around: Use metro maps or Trip.com’s travel app. For intercity travel, book high-speed trains via Trip.com.
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Language: English signage is common in Shenzhen; less so in Guangzhou. Keep a translation app handy.
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Packing: Bring sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent. The southern heat and parks can be intense.
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Trip.com usage: Sign up for rewards points, try Airport Transfers for easy commutes, and browse Flight + Hotel deals for combo savings.