Best Areas to Stay in Guangzhou: Where to Book Your Hotel for Every Type of Trip

Planning a trip to Guangzhou and wondering where to stay? Choosing the right area can make the difference between a smooth, unforgettable trip and a daily commute headache. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best districts and neighborhoods in Guangzhou, what they’re like on the ground, and who they’re best for.

Why Your Choice of Area Matters in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a huge, energetic city of over 15 million people, split into several districts that all feel very different. The good news is that the metro system is fast and efficient, but you’ll still enjoy your stay much more if you sleep close to the places you want to explore. Pick the right base, and you’ll save time, money, and plenty of energy.

For first-time visitors, the central urban core is usually best. Most travelers end up choosing between Tianhe, Yuexiu, Liwan, and Haizhu, with airport and transit hubs in Baiyun and Panyu districts as secondary options. Each of these areas has its own personality, price range, and type of traveler it suits best.

Overview of the Best Districts to Stay in Guangzhou

Before diving into details, here’s a quick snapshot of the best places to stay in Guangzhou:

Tianhe District & Zhujiang New Town – Modern, upscale, and perfect for first-timers and business trips.
Yuexiu District – Central, historic, and ideal if you want culture, temples, and city parks.
Liwan District (including Xiguan & Shangxiajiu) – Atmospheric old streets, traditional architecture, and great street food.
Haizhu District – Great for Canton Tower views, river walks, and Canton Fair visitors.
Baiyun & Airport Area – Practical for late-night flights and quick layovers.
Panyu District – Best for families and theme park lovers, especially Chimelong Resort.

Now let’s break each one down so you can decide exactly where to stay in Guangzhou based on your travel style.

Tianhe District & Zhujiang New Town – Best Area to Stay in Guangzhou for First-Timers

If it’s your first time in Guangzhou and you want to be right in the middle of the action, Tianhe is hard to beat. This is the modern heart of the city: think glass skyscrapers, luxury malls, stylish cafés, and a big concentration of business hotels. Within Tianhe, the sub-area known as Zhujiang New Town (near Huacheng Square) feels almost futuristic, with wide plazas, designer shopping, and views of the Canton Tower lighting up the night sky.

Who Should Stay in Tianhe

First-time visitors who want something modern and convenient.
Business travelers with meetings in the central business district.
Shoppers and foodies who love big malls, international brands, and trendy restaurants.
Travelers planning day trips by high-speed rail, thanks to Guangzhou East Railway Station nearby.

What It’s Like on the Ground

Tianhe is where Guangzhou feels like a global megacity. You’ll walk past shining towers, international chains, and locals in sharp office outfits rushing between meetings. In the evening, the area comes alive with shopping and dining – especially around Tiyu Xilu and the Tianhe Sports Center, where malls open late and the streets are bright and busy.

Zhujiang New Town is more polished and open, with plenty of space for strolling. You can wander around Huacheng Square, visit the Guangdong Museum, or admire the architecture of the Guangzhou Opera House, all with the Canton Tower glowing across the river.

Pros of Staying in Tianhe

Excellent metro connections to almost everywhere in the city.
Wide choice of hotels from business-style mid-range to high-end luxury.
Great shopping: huge malls, international brands, and local boutiques.
Plenty of dining options, from Cantonese to Western cuisine.

Cons of Staying in Tianhe

Less “traditional” atmosphere – it feels very modern and corporate.
Hotel prices can be higher than in older districts.
Can feel busy and crowded during rush hour and major fairs.

Yuexiu District – Best for History, Culture & Classic Guangzhou Atmosphere

Yuexiu is the historic core of Guangzhou and a fantastic place to stay if you’re interested in culture, temples, and older neighborhoods. The district is home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, like Yuexiu Park with its iconic Five Rams Statue, the Zhenhai Tower, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

Who Should Stay in Yuexiu

Travelers who want to explore Guangzhou’s history and traditional Cantonese culture.
Photographers looking for classic city views, parks, and older streets.
Budget and mid-range travelers who still want a central location.

Yuexiu’s Vibe & Highlights

Stay in Yuexiu and your days will probably start with a walk through leafy parks or a visit to a local breakfast stall for steaming dim sum. The area feels more lived-in and down-to-earth than Tianhe, and you’ll see daily local life unfolding around you – elderly residents doing tai chi, families playing in the park, and markets selling fresh produce.

From here, it’s easy to reach popular areas such as Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, where you can shop, snack, and see the preserved ancient road under glass panels. The mix of old and new makes Yuexiu a very rewarding base for curious travelers.

Pros of Staying in Yuexiu

Central location with good metro coverage.
Close to historical landmarks, parks, and museums.
Plenty of local eateries at reasonable prices.
More authentic “old Guangzhou” feel than the CBD.

Cons of Staying in Yuexiu

Streets can be busy and a bit chaotic, especially around major shopping areas.
Some older hotels may feel dated compared to Tianhe’s glass towers.

Liwan District – Best Area in Guangzhou for Old Streets & Local Food

If you like heritage neighborhoods, traditional architecture, and endless food options, Liwan District might be your favorite place to stay in Guangzhou. This area includes historic Xiguan and the famous Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, lined with old Cantonese-style buildings, neon signs, and snack stalls.

Who Should Stay in Liwan

Travelers looking for a traditional Cantonese atmosphere.
Food lovers who want to snack their way through local specialties.
Visitors who prefer character and history over shiny skyscrapers.

Why Liwan Is Special

Walking through Liwan feels like stepping into a living museum of Cantonese culture. You’ll find Qilou arcaded buildings, ancestral halls, and time-worn tea houses hidden between shops and small restaurants. Many travelers come here for the atmosphere and then stay longer than they planned.

It’s also a great area to taste classic local dishes: try wonton noodles, roast goose, and sweet Cantonese desserts in small family-run spots. Evenings can be lively but less overwhelming than in ultra-modern districts.

Pros of Staying in Liwan

Strong traditional character and highly photogenic streets.
Excellent and affordable local food options.
Good value hotels and guesthouses compared to the CBD.

Cons of Staying in Liwan

Not as polished or modern as Tianhe or Zhujiang New Town.
Traffic can be tight on narrow streets.
Farther from some business and exhibition centers.

Haizhu District – Best Place to Stay for Canton Tower Views & Canton Fair

Just across the river from Tianhe, Haizhu District offers a slightly calmer base with some of the best views of Guangzhou’s skyline. Parts of Haizhu, especially around the Pazhou area, are also home to the massive Canton Fair Complex, making it the top choice if you’re in town for trade shows.

Who Should Stay in Haizhu

Canton Fair visitors who want to be close to the exhibition halls.
Travelers who love river views and night skyline photography.
Visitors who prefer a modern but slightly more relaxed feel than Tianhe.

Haizhu’s Atmosphere & Advantages

Haizhu is a mix of new development and older residential streets. Along the Pearl River, you’ll find riverside promenades, stylish hotels, and cafés with great views of the Canton Tower. At night, the reflections of the tower’s rainbow lights on the water make this one of the most beautiful spots in Guangzhou.

If you’re visiting for business, staying in the Pazhou area cuts down on commuting time. Many hotels here understand what trade fair visitors need and offer airport or fair shuttles, business facilities, and flexible check-in policies.

Pros of Staying in Haizhu

Easy access to the Canton Fair Complex.
Great views of Canton Tower and the city skyline.
Good mix of high-end and mid-range hotels.
Quieter streets once you move a bit away from main roads.

Cons of Staying in Haizhu

Some areas are still developing and can feel spread out.
If your focus is old temples or traditional streets, Yuexiu or Liwan may be more convenient.

Baiyun & Airport Area – Best for Short Layovers & Early Flights

Baiyun District is where Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located. While it’s not the most exciting place to stay for sightseeing, it can be extremely practical if you have a very early departure, a late arrival, or just a short stop in the city.

Who Should Stay Near the Airport

Travelers arriving in Guangzhou very late at night.
People with early morning flights who don’t want to risk traffic delays.
Short business trips with no time to explore the city.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Baiyun

Pros: maximum convenience for flying, plenty of airport hotels, and less stress on travel days. Cons: you’ll be far from the main attractions, and even with the metro, commuting into the city center every day can eat up your time.

Panyu District – Best Area in Guangzhou for Families & Theme Parks

If your trip to Guangzhou is all about fun and family activities, take a look at Panyu District. This area is famous for the Chimelong Tourist Resort, which includes one of China’s largest theme parks, a water park, safari park, and other attractions.

Who Should Stay in Panyu

Families with children who want easy access to Chimelong.
Travelers who don’t mind being a bit outside the city center.
Visitors planning several days of theme park hopping.

What to Expect in Panyu

Around the resort area, you’ll find family-friendly hotels, spacious rooms, and plenty of dining options aimed at visitors. The vibe is very different from the more urban districts: think more space, more greenery, and lots of holiday energy. With the metro and other transit options, you can still head into central Guangzhou for a day of sightseeing, then retreat to Panyu in the evening.

How to Choose the Best Place to Stay in Guangzhou for You

With so many great areas, how do you decide where to stay in Guangzhou? Start by asking yourself what your main travel goals are, then match them to the district that fits best.

For First-Time Visitors

Choose Tianhe or Yuexiu. Tianhe gives you modern comfort and great metro connections, while Yuexiu adds a strong dose of history and local life. Both are central and make it easy to reach major attractions.

For Culture & Old Streets

Go for Liwan or a more traditional part of Yuexiu. You’ll be close to old markets, temples, and classic Cantonese neighborhoods that are perfect for wandering with your camera.

For Business & Trade Fairs

Stay in Tianhe (CBD) or Haizhu (Pazhou). You’ll be near offices, exhibition centers, and hotels that are used to business travelers, often with handy perks like shuttle buses and good workspaces.

For Families

Panyu and its Chimelong Resort area are ideal. Kids will love the theme parks, and adults will appreciate the family-friendly facilities. If you prefer to be closer to the city center, look for larger rooms or serviced apartments in Tianhe.

For Short Layovers

Pick a hotel in Baiyun District near the airport. You won’t see as much of the city, but you’ll have a smooth and low-stress travel experience.

Final Tips for Booking Accommodation in Guangzhou

Stay near a metro station: Wherever you choose, being within a few minutes’ walk of a metro stop will save you time and taxi money. Guangzhou’s metro is fast, clean, and easy to navigate.
Check fair and festival dates: During major events like the Canton Fair, hotel prices around Tianhe and Haizhu can rise sharply and sell out early. Book in advance or look at other districts if your dates are flexible.
Balance budget and comfort: Yuexiu and Liwan often have more budget-friendly choices, while Tianhe and Zhujiang New Town lean toward mid-range and luxury. Haizhu and Panyu offer a good mix depending on how close you are to major attractions.
Think about your evenings: If you love nightlife and late dinners, Tianhe and Zhujiang New Town are great choices. If you prefer quiet nights, a riverside hotel in Haizhu or a smaller place in Liwan might suit you better.

Guangzhou is a city that rewards repeat visits, and where you stay will shape how you experience it. Whether you’re here to close business deals in glass towers, dive into Cantonese culture in old alleyways, or ride roller coasters with your kids, there is a perfect neighborhood waiting for you.

Use this guide to narrow down the best area to stay in Guangzhou for your trip, and you’ll be off to a smooth start in one of China’s most exciting and delicious cities.