Hugging the South China Sea, Guangdong centres around the bustling port of Guangzhou and is one of the most populous provinces in China. It’s home to sacred Buddhist temples, UNESCO-listed landscapes and China’s largest theme park.

Things to do

Admire the ornate architecture of the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, a Buddhist complex established in 537 AD to house the relics of Cambodian saints. Pay your respects to the Laughing Buddha in Tianwang Hall before soaking up the views across the complex from the Flowery Pagoda.

Travelling with kids? Visit the largest amusement park in China at Chimelong Paradise, which is linked by a bridge to the Chimelong Water Park. Ride the thrilling 10 Inversion Roller Coaster and the world’s largest artificial torrent, Extreme Rivers, then get up close to giant pandas at the Chimelong Safari Park.

Escape the bustle of Guandong’s cities at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes of Mount Danxia, which lies near Shaoguan in the north of the province. Explore its spectacular red sandstone cliffs on foot or soak up the views of its unusual rock formations during a boat trip along the Jingjiang River.

Spend a day visiting the cultural sights of nearby Macau, including the 15th-century A-Ma Temple and the 17th-century Portuguese church ruins of St. Paul’s. Stay until after dark to experience why Macau’s known as the “Las Vegas of Asia”, with monumental casinos and shopping malls lining the famous Cotai Strip.

Getting around

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a 45-minute drive north of Guangzhou, while ferries connect Hong Kong and Macau with the cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai. Buses and trains travel throughout Guangdong and connect to major cities in neighbouring provinces.