CAN Airport Guide — Guangzhou

Getting into town

Getting to Guangzhou center

Airport FAQ

Just landed — what matters first

1How do I get from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to the city center?

Use metro or taxi/transit based on your destination. The airport has metro links to central areas; follow signs for “Rail/Metro” inside. Taxis are available outside arrivals—confirm the destination with the driver and use your hotel address in Chinese/Pin. For transfers, consider official airport transport.

2Should I get a SIM/eSIM at CAN, and where can I do it?

It’s convenient to buy at the airport if you prefer immediate setup. Look for telecom counters/kiosks in arrivals or near transit areas. Alternatively, plan for eSIM before arrival. Choose a data plan for roaming in China, and test internet before leaving the airport.

3Can I use cash or ATMs right away after landing?

Yes—ATMs are typically available in and around the airport, including near arrivals. Many places accept card, but having some cash helps. Withdraw a modest amount first, and use ATMs inside official areas for safety. Keep your receipts and ensure you don’t accept assistance from strangers.

4What should I do for airport transit basics (baggage, customs, and connections)?

Have your passport, visa documents (if applicable), and flight info ready. For checked baggage, collect it after arrival and clear customs. If transferring, follow “Transit/Transfer” signs and re-check your terminal/route. Keep essentials accessible—charge devices and store valuables in carry-on.

Built with data from OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage/Wikimedia.

Just landed — what matters first

1How do I get from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to the city center?

2Should I get a SIM/eSIM at CAN, and where can I do it?

3Can I use cash or ATMs right away after landing?

4What should I do for airport transit basics (baggage, customs, and connections)?

Things to do near Guangzhou

Liwan and Yuexiu historic districts

These districts are highlighted as the best places to experience Guangzhou’s long history. Even though traditional buildings are slowly disappearing because of rapid urban growth, the area around Yide Road, Renmin Nan Road, and Zhongshan Road still preserves older architecture that makes for strong photo opportunities. The districts also concentrate several of the city’s best-known heritage sights, so they are especially useful for visitors looking for a compact historical walk rather than isolated monuments.

Shamian Island

Shamian Island in Liwan was Guangzhou’s European settlement in the 19th century, and the remaining colonial buildings still show that chapter of the city’s history. It stands out in the guide as a place where the foreign-built streetscape contrasts with the rest of Guangzhou’s more traditional Cantonese and modern urban fabric. For travelers interested in colonial-era architecture and the city’s international past, it is one of the clearest stops mentioned.

Chen Clan Academy

The Chen Clan Academy is described as a famous example of traditional Cantonese architecture, making it one of the strongest heritage attractions in Guangzhou. Its significance comes not just from being old, but from representing a distinct regional style that visitors can compare with the city’s other historic buildings. It is specifically called out in the Liwan district, so it belongs on any short list of cultural highlights.

Yuexiu temples and Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Yuexiu is noted for several temples that are popular destinations, and it also contains 20th-century historical sites such as the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. That combination makes the district useful for seeing both older religious heritage and more modern political history in one area. The guide presents Yuexiu as a district where visitors can move between different layers of Guangzhou’s past without traveling far.

Zhujiang New Town

Zhujiang New Town in Tianhe represents Guangzhou’s newer business district, with towering office buildings and some new cultural institutions. It is included as the modern counterpoint to the city’s older districts, showing how Guangzhou has expanded into a major contemporary metropolis. Travelers interested in skyline views, urban development, or newer civic spaces would find this area useful.

Canton Tower

The Canton Tower is one of Guangzhou’s major landmarks: a 604-meter observation tower in Haizhu district that opened for the 2010 Asian Games and briefly held the title of the world’s tallest tower. The guide emphasizes its enormous scale and global ranking history, making it significant not only as a viewing point but also as a symbol of the city’s modern ambition. It is one of the most recognizable structures in Guangzhou.

Explore the Guangzhou guide →