Skip to content
Tourism GuideA field guide to China

Guangzhou · Attraction

Canton Tower

The Canton Tower is the tallest tower in China and the third tallest freestanding structure in the world, standing at 600 meters tall

GuangzhouIn the destination guideGuangzhouExplore
Canton Tower
Guangzhou, ChinaField notes · Attraction
GuangzhouLandmarkObservation DeckArchitecture

Why go

About Canton Tower

The Canton Tower, also known as Guangzhou TV Tower, is an iconic landmark that dominates the Guangzhou skyline. Completed in 2010 for the Asian Games, this architectural marvel combines cutting-edge engineering with stunning aesthetics. The tower's unique twisted shape and slender waist design were inspired by traditional Chinese ceramics and the flowing lines of calligraphy.

During the day, the tower's silver-gray steel structure gleams in the sunlight, while at night it transforms into a spectacular light show with thousands of LED lights creating mesmerizing patterns and colors. The tower serves multiple functions including broadcasting, observation, dining, and entertainment, offering visitors breathtaking 360-degree views of Guangzhou from its various observation decks.

Make time for

Practical ideas, not a checklist

  1. 01Take the high-speed elevator to the 107th floor observation deck for panoramic views of Guangzhou
  2. 02Experience the Bubble Tram
  3. 03a transparent glass capsule that circles the tower at 450 meters
  4. 04Walk on the Skywalk
  5. 05an outdoor observation platform with glass floor sections
  6. 06Visit the 488-meter outdoor observation platform
  7. 07the highest in the world
  8. 08Enjoy fine dining at the revolving restaurant with spectacular city views
  9. 09Experience the Tower Cinemas 4D theater with motion seats and special effects
  10. 10Visit the Tower Museum to learn about the towers construction and engineering marvels
  11. 11Shop for souvenirs at the tower gift shops featuring unique Guangzhou-themed items

Good to know

Height
600 meters
Construction Period
2005-2010
Architectural Style
Modernist with Chinese cultural elements
Observation Decks
4 main observation levels
Elevator Speed
5 meters per second
Annual Visitors
Over 2 million
Light Show Times
19:00-22:30 daily
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon to see day and night views

More in Guangzhou

Keep the day
unfolding.

All attractions
Panxi RestaurantGuangzhou

Panxi Restaurant

Panxi Restaurant is a legendary Cantonese dining establishment that has been serving authentic Guangzhou cuisine since 1947. Situated in the picturesque Liwan Lake Park, this restaurant is famous for its traditional Lingnan-style architecture featuring pavilions, corridors, and courtyards that create a serene dining atmosphere. The restaurant spans over 10,000 square meters with multiple dining halls and private rooms, some overlooking the tranquil lake. Panxi is renowned for preserving traditional Cantonese cooking techniques while offering a wide variety of dim sum, seafood dishes, and classic Guangzhou specialties. The restaurant has hosted numerous dignitaries and celebrities over the decades and remains a beloved institution for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic Cantonese dining experience.

Six Banyan Trees TempleGuangzhou

Six Banyan Trees Temple

Six Banyan Trees Temple also known as Liurong Temple is one of Guangzhous most ancient and culturally significant Buddhist temples Originally built in 537 AD during the Southern Dynasties period the temple has undergone numerous reconstructions throughout its long history The name Six Banyan Trees comes from the six magnificent banyan trees that once graced the temple grounds planted by the famous poet Su Shi during the Song Dynasty The temples most iconic feature is the Flower Pagoda a magnificent octagonal structure standing 57 meters tall with nine stories that appears to have thirteen stories from the outside This architectural marvel combines Chinese and Indian design elements and offers panoramic views of Guangzhou The temple complex includes several halls dedicated to different Buddhist deities including the Hall of Heavenly Kings the Mahavira Hall and the Hall of Six Patriarchs Throughout its history the temple has served as an important center for Buddhist learning and practice particularly for the Chan Zen tradition Today it remains an active place of worship and a peaceful oasis in the bustling heart of Guangzhou

Traditional TeahouseGuangzhou

Traditional Teahouse

Guangzhous traditional teahouses represent the heart of Cantonese culture where tea is not just a beverage but a way of life These establishments have been social hubs for centuries serving as meeting places for business discussions family gatherings and cultural exchanges The teahouse experience in Guangzhou is unique with its distinctive yum cha tradition which literally means drink tea but encompasses the entire ritual of enjoying tea with dim sum snacks The architecture often features traditional Lingnan style with wooden carvings antique furniture and serene courtyards creating an atmosphere that transports visitors back to ancient times