Book cheap flights to Guangzhou

The best time to visit Guangzhou is during spring (late February to mid-May) and autumn (November to mid-December), when the city enjoys its most comfortable temperatures and clearest skies. Summer (late May to early November) is long and hot, with July to September being the busiest and most humid months — occasional typhoons and thunderstorms are possible during this period. If you’re visiting for the world-famous Canton Fair, it runs biannually in April and October, so book flights and accommodation well in advance. Winter (late December to mid-February) is the coolest season and sees the city bloom with Kapok flowers — the Official Flower of Guangzhou — making for a surprisingly beautiful time to visit with fewer crowds.

Guangzhou operates a 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit policy for South African passport holders transiting through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, allowing you to explore the city without a visa during a layover. For stays longer than 144 hours, a standard Chinese tourist visa is required.

To apply for a Chinese visa, contact the Embassy of China in Pretoria: Telephone: 012 431 6500.

The South African Embassy in China can be contacted via the following:

Address: 5 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Beijing 100600

Telephone: ( 86 10) 8532 0000

Fax: ( 86 10) 6532 0180

Email: embassy@saembassy.org.cn

No specific vaccinations are required to enter China, however the following are strongly recommended before travelling to Guangzhou: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis (if travelling to rural areas). Routine vaccinations including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and influenza should be up to date. Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required if travelling from a yellow fever endemic area.

Tap water in Guangzhou is not recommended for drinking — bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. Food safety is generally good at established restaurants, but exercise caution with street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Guangzhou is one of the larger cities in the world and is considered relatively safe for tourists. Petty crime — particularly pickpocketing in crowded markets and tourist areas — does occur, especially during the Canton Fair when the city is at peak capacity. Remain aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid carrying large sums of cash. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended.

Guangzhou is one of the best-connected cities in China, and its accommodation scene reflects its status as a world-class destination. Staying in the city exposes travellers to both its cosmopolitan energy and its deep cultural richness.

The Tianhe District is the modern commercial heart of Guangzhou and ideal for business travellers and shoppers, with luxury hotels, malls, and the city’s tallest skyscrapers. Shamian Island and the Liwan District offer a more historic, atmospheric stay — think tree-lined colonial streets and proximity to the city’s heritage sites. Well-regarded hotels include the Langham Place Guangzhou, Shangri-La Hotel Guangzhou, and the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Guangzhou at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Guangzhou has an excellent and affordable public transport system. The metro is the fastest and most tourist-friendly way to get around, with English signage and extensive coverage across the city. Buses, water buses (along the Pearl River), and suburban trains also run throughout the day and night.

For convenient door-to-door travel, DiDi is China’s leading ride-hailing app and works similarly to Uber — download it before you arrive for easy navigation. Taxis are also widely available and metered. If you plan to venture beyond the city or explore the wider Guangdong Province, search, compare, and book a car hire in Guangzhou at Travelstart. Note that an International Driving Permit is required to drive in China.