Canton Tower completed in 2010 at 600 metres and held the record as the world’s tallest TV and radio tower for several years. It was designed by Dutch architecture firm Info Architects. The twisting lattice structure is illuminated each evening in sequences of color that are visible from across the city. The Pearl River below it carries commercial and tourist vessels through the heart of the city.
In the evening, with the tower lit and the bridges reflecting in the water, this stretch of the Pearl River is one of the most visually striking urban waterscapes in China. For the full Guangzhou context: Guangzhou Travel Guide.
Canton Tower
The observation decks
The main sky corridor observation deck is at 488 metres. It circles the tower with glass floor sections. Entry: ¥198. The Open-Air Sky Walk (a narrow circular walkway at the same level, outside the tower) is included in the entry price. The Sky Drop ride (¥50 extra) drops you from 488 metres in an open gondola. The revolving restaurant operates at the 106th floor. The best time to go up: late afternoon so you see the Guangzhou skyline in daylight and stay for the lights coming on as the sun drops.
Getting there
Metro Line 3 to Canton Tower station (广州塔). Exit A, 5 minutes walk. From the station, you can see the tower immediately. The Haizhu riverbank park around the tower base is free and pleasant to walk. The Guangzhou Opera House (designed by Zaha Hadid) is a 10-minute walk north from the tower along the Zhujiang New Town waterfront.
Pearl River Night Cruise
What the cruise looks like
The Pearl River night cruise departs from piers near Tianhe, Haizhu, and the Bund of Guangzhou area. Journey: 60 to 90 minutes. The boat passes beneath multiple illuminated bridges, alongside the Canton Tower (seen from the water at its full height), and past the old buildings of the riverfront. The best views are of the illuminated skyline from midwater: the traditional buildings on the north bank visible against the modern towers of Zhujiang New Town.
Which pier to use
The Tianhe Pier (天河码头) near the Canton Tower area is the most convenient for tourists staying in the modern city center. The Shamian Pier gives access to cruises that include the older riverfront areas. Most cruise companies run services from both. Buy tickets on arrival at the pier or through Trip.com or Meituan.
The Evening Plan
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 5:30pm | Arrive at Canton Tower. Go up for the late afternoon view. | Metro Line 3 to Canton Tower station. |
| 6:30pm to 7:30pm | Watch the tower light up from the Haizhu riverbank below. | Free. Walk along the riverbank south of the tower. |
| 7:30pm | Walk to the nearest pier for the Pearl River cruise. | 15 minutes walk along the river. |
| 8pm to 9:30pm | Pearl River night cruise. Canton Tower visible from the water. | ¥50 to ¥150 per person. |
| 9:30pm | Return to pier. Option: DiDi to Beijing Road for late street food. | Beijing Road pedestrian area. |
The Guangzhou Opera House
The Guangzhou Opera House (广州大剧院) was designed by Zaha Hadid and completed in 2010 alongside the Canton Tower. The building’s exterior consists of two ‘pebble’ shapes in granite and glass, seemingly dropped beside the river. It is one of Zaha Hadid Architects most recognized works. The interior auditorium seats 1,800 and has near-perfect acoustics. Check the program before arriving: performances range from Chinese opera to international classical music and contemporary productions. Day tours of the building exterior are free.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the full Guangzhou guide: Guangzhou Travel Guide. For nightlife comparison: Beijing Nightlife Guide.