How to Make the Most of Guangzhou: Food Tours and Dim Sum Posted on April 21, 2017July 24, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... We didn’t plan to visit Guangzhou. Like many travelers, we landed there on a long layover—more than 20 hours—on our way to Bali. But that unexpected stop turned into a memorable experience filled with food, temples, and river views. Guangzhou, one of China’s largest port cities, surprised me. Yes, the air was thick, but so was the culture. We flew to Guangzhou for a long layover to Bali, booking a Guangzhou Walking Tour and Long Layover and dim sum with a tour guide named Yuan on viator.com. Guangzhou Walking Tour & Long Layover Guangzhou was not on our bucket list. We stopped there on our way to Bali. The plane ticket on China Southern includes a hotel and meal voucher. After deciding that we shouldn’t waste the opportunity, I booked a half-day walking tour with viator.com to see the city. The tour included the markets and architecture. As well as a view of the city by water with a dim sum dinner. You already know I love long layovers. I just booked my trip to Italy this summer by way of Istanbul. And one of my favorite long layovers was to Kuala Lumpur. Read all about it here. China Southern Airlines & The Pullman Hotel If you fly with China Southern (for example) to Bali (for example). And have a long layover in Guangzhou, China (for example). The airlines will pay to put you in a nice hotel overnight. We actually booked a hotel on our own– the Guangzhou #Pullman. If you are ever visiting, you should definitely check into it. The hotel is gorgeous and is one of the hotels the airlines use If you fly first class (which we didn’t). Our Accommodations We booked a room in the executive wing. It includes a private lounge and other perks like breakfast and an extra late checkout. You could spend the whole day in the lounges, private spaces, roof deck, sauna, pool, restaurants, etc, etc. It’s a great deal for $100. On that, I don’t regret it for a second. The Tour of the City We walked from the meeting place on the Pearl River to the western architecture of Shamian Island to Liuhua Lake Park. It is the largest park in downtown Guangzhou. We walked through popular shopping areas. Got a chance to see a few temples and the newly constructed performing arts center over at Yuexiu Park. There are remnants of the old city wall and gate. Why I Love Walking Tours And along the way, we saw seamstresses, cabinetry makers, and food stalls. Loud chirps echoed in the bird and herb markets. We saw people at play, resting, and everything in between. And it was a great opportunity to see everyday life in Guangzhou. Tour Length The tour lasted a little over four hours and ended with lunch at a popular dim sum restaurant in the old quarter. Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, is considered the home of Cantonese cuisine, making food tours a popular excursion in the city. In fact, Guangzhou has more restaurants per capita than any other city in China. Better Than a Guidebook Long layovers provide a chance to see things you might otherwise never see. And I’ve become a big fan of neighborhood walking tours because they add a dimension to your trip you can’t get from a guidebook. Walking tours with a local is the closest thing to living like a local for a few hours and may end up being a highlight of your entire trip. How to Book a Layover Tour in Guangzhou Guangzhou was never on our itinerary. But a long layover turned into a memorable half-day adventure. If you find yourself routed through this major port city, here’s how to turn a few hours into something worth writing home about. ✈️ Airline: China Southern Airlines 🛏️ Layover perks: Free hotel and meal voucher for layovers over 8 hours 📍 Tour company: Booked via Viator 🕓 Length of tour: About 4–5 hours, including dim sum lunch 🌆 Highlights: Shamian Island, Yuexiu Park, Liuhua Lake, Old Quarter 🛂 Visa info: U.S. citizens can apply for a 24- or 72-hour transit visa on arrival 👟 Best for: Travelers who enjoy walking, local food, and cultural surprises 🗣️ Tip: Use Google Translate or WeChat to navigate signs and conversations Have a long layover in Guangzhou? Don’t waste it. Book a tour, eat the dumplings, and let the city surprise you. Leave room in your itinerary for what you didn’t plan. Like it. Pin it. I love sharing stories, lessons from abroad, and tips for curious travelers. If my work has inspired you or made you smile, please buy me a coffee. Your support helps me keep the blog running—at no cost to you. My articles are available as mobile apps for offline reading and GPS-assisted directions. Download my articles on GPSMyCity. This post contains sponsored and/or affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission. DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES ASIAcafes
The name of the young guide in the picture who conducts the walking tour in Guangzhou is Janvi. I did the same route with you. Janvi knows an impressive amount about the history of Guangzhou, we only wish we had more time. Reply
Yes, that’s his name. He was a lot of fun and like you, I wish I had a little more time to explore the shopping. Reply
The hotel sounds amazing, with great amenities! I wish you safe travels, and give a “thank you” to your husband or me, for his efforts to keep our country safe. I truly appreciate him for his service. ❤✌ Reply
Love the idea of a walking tour! Sounds such an amazing way to find out about a new place and see it as a local. Reply
It sounds like you had a nice time. I’m not that keen on airlines like China Southern etc so I’ve not been to this part of China. Reply
Omg! This is one of my bucket list and I really want to go there soon. Looks like you had fun there Reply
My wife’s family is from Guangzhou and I visited that city twice. My favourite thing to do when I visit any cities in Asia is to check out the local fruit market. I love fresh tropical fruits. Reply
Oh wow. I love the markets too– especially in Asia because you really get exposed to frats you’ve never seen before. Reply
Ahhh I am a little bit jelaous! 🙂 Bali has always been on my bucket list, I hope I will visit it one day. Reply
I still can’t believe I went there sometimes. It is a beautiful– if not HOTTT place to experience the traditions, do some exploring or just layback and do nothing at all. Reply
This looks like so much fun though i hate long layovers but it is a great way to explore while traveling! Reply
I feel ya, but now I seek them out now because they offer so much flexibility and value to traveling. Reply
Beautiful sights! I have never been in that area, however I hope one day I can travel the world and meet those beautiful places. Thanks for sharing Reply
I love walking tours because that is how I feel that you can truly experience the true nature of a country. A long layover sounds fun x Reply
This is really nice. I’ve never been to Guanzhou before and walking is a great way to get to know a city. I think this is time well spent. Reply
It’s was a good opportunity for you guys to take stopover in Guangzhou before Bali. That was surely an incredible trip experience. Reply
I agree Karen. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity. Its been a wonderful experience these past two years. Reply
Se manifique views and vibes! Great photo journal and descriptions! makes me wanna get on a plane right now lol Reply
Guangzhou looks awesome! I’ve never done a long layover, but I would love to one day. I am trying to plan one right now. Reply
This city looks amazing! You guys were lucky to be able to leave the airport and have some fun! Reply
You are right. We already had China visas. Helps take the sting off that ten year visa we had to purchase for our Great Wall adventure. Reply
Stacey I really want to go there And so sad you leave korea soon. I will touch u often Ho jeong (korean name) Reply
It has been a real pleasure getting to know you. I hope you keep practicing your English and please stay in touch with me. Reply
I enjoy long layovers because it gives us time to relax. It also allow us to enjoy different areas we did not plan to visit. Reply
Did you go shopping there? Guangzhou is a great place to look for bargains! Wish I could go & visit the places you went to next time! Reply
We weren’t there long enough to do any real shopping. We shopped for a couple souvenirs though. However, I have shopped in other places around Chine– and you’re right– the shopping is amazing. Reply
It looks like a great place to see. So different from around these parts. I think your post will be very helpful to many. Reply
Thanks Terri– China is REAL different, but in a way that that makes you “comfortable” with being out of your comfort zone. Reply
Sounds like a little gem for the Cantonese food lover. We’re there many foreign tourists around the city? Reply
Dinesh, I didn’t notice any where Yuan took us. I definitely didn’t see any other black people during our tour or even at the airport. Reply
This is such a great post. I remember when I went on a walking tour in Brazil, my home country! Such a great experience! Reply
I enjoyed this. I have never travelled so far from home so your descriptions and photos were fun for me. Reply
Such a beautiful hotel that you stayed in. I’ve heard about Guangzhou prior to your post only because my jewelry store ships direct from there. It’s on my bucket list of cities to visit in order to get the cheaper prices on my products. I bet that tour was amazing. I can’t wait to visit China myself. Reply
I love the way you made the best out of your long layover! I probably would have stayed close to the airport, too scared to get lost! LOL BTW – I enjoyed looking at the photos in the image carousel! So pretty! Reply
Hi Erin, I totally understand that. But if you get a great map, directions and a plan you can venture form the airport with as little as a few free hours. I had a 7-hr layover in Italy and was able to go into town, tour it and enjoy lunch and a glass of wine with a couple hours to spare. Reply
Thanks for the tip about walking tours – that’s something I’m definitely going to hold onto for when I’m in a better place in my life for traveling. Reply
This is a great idea for long layovers, walking tour! The hotel looks like a nice place, love the photos! Reply
As someone who is so looking forward to visit Asia I loved every single word and photo! Loved the Thai chi man photo btw 🙂 Thanks for sharing Reply
This is such a great post. I remember when I went on a walking tour in Thailand. It was so beautiful and scenic. Reply
Long layovers provide a chance to see things you might otherwise never see. Walking tours with a local are the closest thing to living like a local for a few hours and may end up being a highlight of your entire trip. The tour lasted a little over 4 hours and ended with lunch in a popular dim sum restaurant in the old quarter. Reply
Great Posts! I visited Guang Zhou when I went back to Hong Kong last year. So happy you enjoyed the city. XOXO // Check out my latest post if you like ? SINCERELY OPHELIA | TREND ALERT: Off the Shoulder Tops Galore Reply
Thats awesome that you were able to take a trip into China. I have been there once, although not the city you were in. I really loved the people and the food. Although the weather there was difficult and some of the hotels I was in did not have air conditioning running in the main lobby, only in the rooms themselves, which created it’s own problems. Reply
I heard ya. Some of the people on the plane stayed at a hotel without air conditioning. We chose to upgrade from the airline hotel– for $99 you can’t beat it. I hoe to get back again soon. Our Visa is for 10 years. Reply
Your pictures always make me want to travel and see the whole world. I’ve never been to Asian countries except to India! Reply
I enjoy walking tours as well because I feel like you can take everything in. I haven’t been to China yet. I bet I’d LOVE the food. Reply
Not surprisingly the food is different from what you get at your local Chinese restaurant. But a real experience you’ll never forget. Reply
That brings back memories! I spent four months in China about 20 years ago. Guangzhou was the closest big city. I only got there once, but it was a great experience. Glad you got to see it! Reply
Those boats look like a blast from the past! Such an awesome adventure you went on! Aren’t you happy about that long layover? Reply
Long layovers provide a chance to see things you might otherwise never see. Walking tours with a local are the closest thing to living like a local for a few hours and may end up being a highlight of your entire trip. The tour lasted a little over 4 hours and ended with lunch in a popular dim sum restaurant in the old quarter. Reply
Long layovers provide a chance to see things you might otherwise never see. Walking tours with a local are the closest thing to living like a local for a few hours and may end up being a highlight of your entire trip. The tour lasted a little over 4 hours and ended with lunch in a popular dim sum restaurant in the old quarter. Reply