How to get to Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a dynamic metropolis and the commercial heart of southern China, where millennial history sits side by side with futuristic skyscrapers. If you are planning to visit Guangzhou, you will be delighted by the variety of transport options: from international flights to high-speed trains and intercity buses. Thanks to its status as the region's largest transport hub, the question of how to get to Guangzhou is easily and conveniently solved for any traveller.

The main air gateway to the metropolis is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). This is one of the largest and busiest aviation hubs not only in China, but in the entire world, serving hundreds of destinations. Direct flights arrive here from many global capitals, including Dubai, as well as numerous transit routes.

The airport is located to the north of the city and features ultra-modern infrastructure. Upon arrival, getting to the centre of Guangzhou is effortless: the terminals are connected to the city by a convenient metro line (Line 3), allowing you to avoid traffic jams. Additionally, travellers can make use of comfortable express buses (Airport Express) or official taxis.

Guangzhou is one of the most vital railway hubs in southern China. The city possesses an extensive rail network connecting it to practically every region of the country. Dozens of modern high-speed trains arrive here daily, making rail travel a fast and comfortable option for tourists.

Several major railway stations operate in the metropolis. The largest and most modern is Guangzhou South Station (Guangzhou South), receiving the majority of high-speed trains from Beijing, Shanghai, and other distant cities. For travellers arriving from neighbouring Shenzhen or Hong Kong, it is often more convenient to use Guangzhou East Station (Guangzhou East), located closer to the business district. All railway terminals are integrated into the city metro system, making it easy to reach your hotel immediately after arrival.

Bus services in the Pearl River Delta are excellently developed, linking Guangzhou with neighbouring megacities via a dense network of routes. A trip from Foshan takes only about an hour, as the cities are separated by just 25–30 kilometres, making this an ideal option for a quick transfer. Slightly more time, approximately 1.5–2 hours, is required to cover the 80 kilometres from Zhongshan, the birthplace of Sun Yat-sen.

For travellers departing from bordering Zhuhai, the journey of about 130 kilometres takes around 2–2.5 hours on a modern coach. Intercity buses in this part of China generally feature a high level of comfort and arrive at key transport hubs in the city, such as the Tianhe Coach Terminal or the Provincial Bus Station, from where it is easy to reach any point via the metro.

Travelling by car is an excellent way to get to Guangzhou if you value comfort and independence from public transport schedules. The road infrastructure in the Pearl River Delta is superbly developed: the city is surrounded by a dense network of modern high-speed motorways with high-quality surfacing. However, travellers should bear in mind that most intercity highways in China are toll roads, and toll booths are encountered quite frequently.

An important nuance for foreigners: international driving licences are not valid in the country, so renting a car for self-driving without obtaining a temporary local permit is not possible. The optimal alternative is to book a transfer or a car with a driver through popular mobile apps. This eliminates the stress of navigating dense city traffic and the need to search for parking, which in the centre of the metropolis is often expensive and scarce.

To ensure your trip to Guangzhou is as comfortable as possible, it is worth preparing in advance for the local lifestyle and rhythm. We have compiled useful recommendations to help you easily navigate this dynamic metropolis of China and avoid common tourist mistakes.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate in the city is subtropical and humid. In summer, choose loose clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics, as the heat can be intense. In winter, temperatures rarely drop very low, but due to the lack of central heating, it can feel chilly—a light jacket or sweater is mandatory. It is worth carrying an umbrella in any season.
2. Transport: The most efficient way to get around is the metro, the map of which is duplicated in English. During peak hours, surface transport often gets stuck in traffic jams. For convenience, download the metro map to your phone, as internet connectivity inside stations can be intermittent.
3. Finances: Cash is practically unused in the country, and Visa and Mastercard international cards are accepted only in large hotels and luxury boutiques. Install Alipay or WeChat apps in advance and link your bank card to them—this is the primary method of payment everywhere, from taxis to street stalls.
4. Health and Safety: Guangzhou is a safe city, but keep an eye on your pockets in crowded tourist spots. Do not drink tap water; buy bottled water. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, but pharmacists rarely speak English, so have a photo of the required medicine or a translation of its name with you.
5. Communication: English is not spoken everywhere. Be sure to install an offline translator on your smartphone with voice input and photo translation functions (for menus and signs). Also, arrange for a VPN or roaming in advance, as many familiar Western services and messengers are blocked in China.
6. Local Etiquette: Accept and offer business cards, money, or gifts with two hands—this is a sign of respect. Do not stick chopsticks vertically into rice (this resembles a funeral ritual) and do not leave tips in restaurants, as this is not customary.
7. What to Avoid: Beware of pushy touts in electronics and clothing market districts—they often lead to shops with inflated prices or counterfeit goods. Also, try not to plan trips on the metro (especially Line 3) during the morning and evening rush hours, when the crushing crowds can be extreme.
8. Additional Tip: Take note of the dates of the Canton Fair (usually April-May and October-November). During this time, hotel prices skyrocket, and the city is packed with business tourists. If your goal is leisure tourism, it is better to choose other dates for your visit.

Following these simple rules will allow you to feel confident and enjoy the atmosphere of the southern capital without unnecessary worries. Be open to new experiences, and the city will surely respond with hospitality and vivid impressions!