How to Travel Around Guangzhou

The bustling city of Guangzhou will be an interesting place to visit, offering many engrossing experiences. There will be several efficient ways to get about this city. If you plan to use public transport regularly in Guangzhou, you may avail yourself of a Yang Cheng Tong card; this multi-use transit card will allow you to easily switch between different types of transport services and receive discounts. More information about getting about Guangzhou is provided below.

By bus and train

Taking the bus will be the least expensive way of getting around the city of Guangzhou. You will be able to pay using a transit card or by providing a precise fare. That said, expats and tourists visiting Guangzhou will need to have a good idea of where they intend to go as not many drivers speak English and the bus stop signs are generally in Chinese. You will also be able to use the Guangzhou Bus Rapid Transit or GBRT system in which the buses travel quickly and service suburbs and inner-city locations that are not reachable via the subway.

Travel by train would be suitable for long distances. You may take a train to Hong Kong from East Railway Station or travel to cities like Beijing and Shenzhen from Guangzhou Railway Station.

By metro

You will find that Guangzhou features a wide-ranging metro system that links the city centre with the distant suburbs and even the neighbouring city of Foshan. These subway services generally run from 6 am to midnight. You will also be able to travel to the city from the airport on the Guangzhou Metro.

Although Guangzhou’s metro network is counted amongst the world’s busiest subway systems, you will find that it is efficient, with maps and signs featuring English translations. The cheapest and easiest way of riding the subway would be to avail yourself of a Yang Cheng Tong card at one of the metro stations, although you could also purchase individual tickets. An accommodation choice to consider that is within easy reach of metro services would be Star Residence ICC Guangzhou where you could stay at conveniently located serviced apartments in Tianhe District.

By taxi and private car

You will find that for brief distances, travelling in Guangzhou by taxi would be a good option. However, most drivers will not speak English, meaning that you will be obliged to proffer a business card with an address of or near the location you desire to reach, or an address written in Chinese. Taxis in Guangzhou will be metered and most drivers will prefer payments in cash.

It will be possible for you to drive your own vehicle in Guangzhou, but the local traffic conditions are likely to be challenging for visitors with little experience in driving in Chinese cities. You will also need a Chinese driving license to drive here; keep in mind you will alternatively have the option of renting a car along with a driver, which is commonly done in China.

By boat

You will see that the Pearl River, referred to locally as the Zhujiang River, extends through Guangzhou making it possible to travel to some locations in the city by boat. You will find numerous ferry terminals and ports including the Lianhuashan Passenger Terminal and Nansha Passenger Port from where you could make your way to Hong Kong. You will also have the chance to enjoy night cruises and boat rides on the river which are sure to be memorable activities

By scooter or bicycle

Riding scooters and electric motorcycles may be regarded as a popular and cheap way of getting about in Guangzhou. However, riding these two-wheeled vehicles could be hazardous in the bustling traffic of the city and they are also prohibited from entering the city centre. Meanwhile, cycling may also be challenging in Guangzhou as infrastructure can be lacking. You will also not be permitted to cycle on the main roads or bridges and in the tunnels underneath the river.