Guangzhou: Private City Tour with Pearl River Cruise

Discover Guangzhou's history and modernity on a private tour. Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, enjoy a Dim Sum lunch, and cruise the Pearl River at night.
Begin your day with a pickup from your hotel. Head to the magnificent Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a masterpiece of Lingnan architecture from the late Qing Dynasty. Renowned as the "Pearl of Lingnan Architectural Art," it dazzles visitors with an extraordinary display of traditional craftsmanship, including intricate wood and stone carvings, vibrant ceramic sculptures, and exquisite iron castings. Each detail tells a story of the Chen family’s scholarly legacy and the region’s artistic traditions. Today, the hall also functions as the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, housing a remarkable collection of embroideries, ivory carvings, and other precious artifacts.

Next, proceed to Shamian Island, a tranquil historical enclave that feels like a world apart. This island preserves a remarkable collection of European-style buildings from its time as a foreign concession in the 19th century. Stroll along its quiet, tree-lined streets, and admire the well-preserved former consulates and trading houses in architectural styles ranging from Neoclassical to Baroque, offering a picturesque glimpse into a unique chapter of Guangzhou’s past.

A short visit to the nearby Qingping Traditional Chinese Medicine Market will engage your senses with the aromatic scents of herbs, roots, and natural remedies, providing fascinating insight into the ancient practices of Chinese wellness.

Lunch is an essential Cantonese cultural experience: Dim Sum at a selected restaurant. This is far more than a meal; it is a cherished social tradition known as "Yum Cha" (drinking tea). Your guide will help you navigate the menu of delicate steamed and fried delicacies, such as translucent shrimp dumplings (Har Gow), steamed pork buns (Char Siu Bao), and crispy egg tarts. Sipping fine Chinese tea while sampling these expertly crafted bites offers an authentic taste of local life and a perfect midday respite.

In the afternoon, continue to Yongqing Fang, a beautifully revitalized historic neighborhood in the old Xiguan district. It retains its traditional charm with grey-brick buildings and tiled roofs, now harmoniously integrated with trendy cafes, craft shops, and cultural spaces. A key highlight here is the former residence of the legendary Bruce Lee, offering a personal connection to the martial arts icon and adding a layer of modern cultural fascination to this charming area.

The journey then shifts to the awe-inspiring modernity of Guangzhou. Visit the iconic Canton Tower and explore the adjacent Zhujiang New Town, the city's vibrant central business district.

As evening falls, the experience culminates with a Pearl River Night Cruise. This is a quintessential Guangzhou activity, offering a spectacular perspective of the city illuminated against the night sky. While enjoying a sumptuous international and Chinese buffet dinner on board, glide past brilliantly lit landmarks.

The guide and private vehicle will take you back to your hotel and it concludes the day tour.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.