6 Days Canton Fair Tour 2026 & Guangzhou Sightseeing

Néih hóu! Welcome to Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province. Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Guangzhou, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in Guangzhou. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Canton Fair Location (The China Import and Export Fair)
The Canton Fair is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex.

Address in English:
No. 380 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China.

Address in Chinese:
中国 广州市 海珠区 阅江中路380号 中国进出口商品交易会展馆

Arrival Ideas:

Guangzhou, being a major hub, is effortlessly reachable via air or efficient high-speed rail. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a major international hub. Direct flights to Guangzhou are available from a plethora of Chinese cities such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, and more Guangzhou South Railway Station and Guangzhou Railway Station are the main hubs for high-speed trains connecting Guangzhou to other major cities of China. Moreover, the high-speed train network connects Guangzhou with major destinations like Hong Kong (about 1 hour), Shenzhen (0.5-1.5 hours), Guilin (2.5-3.5 hours), Guiyang (4-6.5 hours), Beijing (8-10 hours), Shanghai (7-8.5 hours), Chengdu (9-10 hours), Xian (8-9 hours), Hangzhou (6-7.5 hours), among others.

The Canton Fair is held twice a year in the spring and fall. The dates of the fair are from the middle of April to early May in spring, and from the middle of October to early November in autumn.

The Canton Fair 2026 Schedule for reference.

For the upcoming three days, from Day 2 through Day 4, you are on your own to participate in the Canton Fair at your own pace and preference.

Transportation:

Hotel Shuttle: During the Canton Fair, most hotels offer free shuttle service to the exhibition hall. It is advisable to check the schedule at your hotel's reception.

Private Transfer: Should you desire a more personalized transportation experience, or if your itinerary demands flexibility beyond the hotel shuttle timings, we are at your service. Please contact us.

Wish you successful business dealings!

Today, it is free to attend the Canton Fair on your own.

Today, it is free to attend the Canton Fair on your own.

In the morning, you'll meet your guide in the hotel lobby and begin your introduction to Guangzhou.

Morning: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

First stop is Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the finest example of traditional Lingnan architecture in Guangzhou. The clan concept is strong in this region, and ancestral halls are where families honor their ancestors.

This hall is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China, often called the "Jewel of Lingnan Architectural Art." It was built in 1894, funded by Chen families from all 72 counties of Guangdong. At 15,000 square meters, it shows the prominence of the Chen surname here.

What makes it truly special is the decorative artistry. Look for the "Seven Wonders" - stone carvings, brick carvings, wood carvings, ceramic sculptures, lime sculptures, cast ironwork, and color paintings. Every surface tells a story.

The hall also houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, where you can see ivory carvings, jade sculptures, Guangdong embroidery, and colored ceramics.

Late Morning: Lychee Bay

Next, take a leisurely walk along Lychee Bay. The name comes from the lychee trees that once lined its banks. This area was once a backyard garden for wealthy Xiguan merchants.

Today it's a peaceful water town in the city. Old banyan trees line the shores. Wooden boats drift on calm waters. You'll pass historic bridges and traditional Xiguan grand mansions that show the opulence of old Guangzhou.

Lunch: Cantonese Dim Sum

While in Xiguan, you can't miss Cantonese dim sum. Stop at a traditional teahouse and order a pot of tea - Tieguanyin, Pu'er, or jasmine are good choices.

Pair it with classic dishes: shrimp dumplings (虾饺), barbecue pork buns (叉烧包), egg tarts (蛋挞), red rice sausage (红米肠), and phoenix talons (凤爪).

Locals call this custom "one cup, two pieces". It comes from retired residents who would spend mornings at teahouses with a pot of tea and two baskets of dim sum, reading the newspaper.

Midday: Lychee Bay Grand Theater & Museum

After tea, visit the Lychee Bay Grand Theater, where you might catch a live Cantonese opera performance. The theater promotes and preserves this traditional art form.

Nearby, the Lychee Bay Museum shows the area's history and folk customs. The Xiguan Folklore Hall is inside a restored Xiguan mansion, with authentic furnishings that recreate daily life from decades past.

Afternoon: Yongqing Fang

Next, head to Yongqing Fang on historic Enning Road. This street has the longest and best-preserved qilou architecture in Guangzhou. Qilou buildings have covered walkways on the ground floor with homes above - a design that blends commerce and community.

After renovation, Yongqing Fang keeps the old Xiguan charm while adding modern touches. Traditional houses now hold trendy boutiques, art galleries, craft shops, and coffee joints. It's a perfect place to wander.

Late Afternoon: Huacheng Square & Canton Tower

Your guide will take you to Huacheng Square, a green urban park surrounded by modern landmarks: the Guangzhou Opera House (designed by Zaha Hadid), the Guangzhou Library, and the Guangdong Provincial Museum.

Across the Pearl River, you'll see the iconic Canton Tower. Its slim, twisting shape has earned it the nickname "Xiao Man Yao" - young lady with a tight waist.

Evening: Pearl River Stroll

End your day with a walk along the Pearl River. City lights reflect on the water. The famous Pearl River Cruise boats pass by, creating a scene that blends old and new Guangzhou.

Optional Evening Activity:

If you want more, take a Pearl River night cruise (about 60 minutes, 7–10 PM). From the water, you'll see the skyline from a different angle. The Canton Tower glows against the night sky, and the illuminated bridges stretch across the river.

It is time to end your 6 days Guangzhou Canton Fair Tour. Our team will send you to the airport or train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Guangzhou tour. We are always dedicated to serving you and look forward to welcoming you again for your future trips to China/Asia.