Free tour
Guangzhou Essentials: The Best Free Highlights Tour of Opera, Qilou & Hidden Food Gems
Acceptable(6)
Guru: li
Registered on 12 March 2025
Having called Guangzhou home for over a decade, I'm a certified urban explorer who knows where to find the crispiest roast meet, secret shortcuts to escape tourist herds, and how falling in love with this city always starts with a random alleyway. Join me to explore GZ.
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free
Tour description
Hello Hello! Welcome to Guangzhou!
This curated citywalk dives into Guangzhou’s historic Xiguan District, the cradle of Lingnan culture. Over two hours, you’ll explore tranquil water towns, UNESCO-recognized opera traditions, and bustling streets, all while tasting iconic Cantonese snacks.
Designed for those who love to explore local life, the route balances storytelling, hands-on experiences, and photogenic spots to capture the essence of "Old Canton".
On our route we will visit
- Lychee Bay Park& Pantang Ancient Village
- Cantonese Opera Art Museum
- Yongqing Fang & Enning Road Qilou
- Xiguan snacks tasting (it may cost about 10-30 yuan depending on what you want to taste, such as Double Skin Milk /Wonton Noodles, around 10 yuan each) You can pay in cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. This is entirely up to you, if you are not interested in this part , we can skip it .
The tour will end at Yongqing Fang , about 10 minutes walking from the Ruyifang station , Metro Line 6&11.
Let us discover hidden gems of Old Guangzhou together!
P.S. I will show you my personal list of tips and recommendations about Guangzhou（loved by locals）
Highlights
What will we see on this tour?
Meeting point:
Ruyifang, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510150
Ruyifang station (Exit D1, Metro Line 6&11). I will be there right at Exit D1, wearing a black hat.
1
Outside visit
Liwan lake park
A serene oasis blending Lingnan-style gardens with local life, Liwan Lake Park is a cultural gem established in 1958. Its four interconnected lakes (Xiaocui, Yu Cui, Ruyi, and Wuxiu) are surrounded by pavilions, willow trees, and arched bridges, offering picturesque views of traditional Guangzhou. The park is a hub for daily activities like Tai Chi, Cantonese opera performances, and leisurely strolls.
2
Outside visit
Pan Tang Ancient Village
With over 900 years of history, this well-preserved Lingnan water village showcases Qing-era architecture, including stone-paved alleys and green-brick houses. Revitalization efforts have infused it with trendy cafes and art spaces, creating a blend of tradition and modernity.
3
Outside visit
Enning Road Arcades (QiLou)
Dubbed "Guangzhou’s Most Beautiful Old Street", this 1.1-kilometer arcade strip combines Lingnan and European architectural styles. Historic sites like Lee Siu-lung’s (Bruce Lee) ancestral home, Bahe Guild Hall (heart of Cantonese opera), and Tai Hua Lou (a Qing-era scholar’s library) line the street.
How much does this tour cost?
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
Tour reviews
Acceptable(6)
Generic
4
2
0
0
0
By category
Professionalism
4.83
Fun
4.67
Communication
4.67
Quality
5.00
Route
4.83
Who is this tour for?
Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Suitable for bringing pets.
What should I know?
Minimum attendees
Does not require a minimum number of people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour requires payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Cash payment only.
Guangzhou Essentials: The Best Free Highlights Tour of Opera, Qilou & Hidden Food Gems
