Visa-free entry for 48 of the 50 countries on China's 30-day list ends on December 31, 2026.Visa-free for 48 of 50 countries on China's list ends December 31, 2026. Check your passport

Guangzhou Handbook

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For typhoon and rainstorm warnings, see the Guangzhou Meteorological Observatory. Weather terms

The forecast is unavailable right now.

    Canton Tower lit up at night above the Pearl River and the city skyline
    Canton Tower Photo: Tim Wu · CC BY-SA 4.0 Details

    The practical guide to Guangzhou for foreign visitors

    Visas, getting around, paying, food and the Canton Fair, answered up front. Every guide says how it was checked and on what date.

    Can I enter China without a visa?

    Your trip

    Rules from official sources, last checked October 23, 2026. All rules and sources

    Why are you coming to Guangzhou?

    Pick the trip that sounds like yours and start with these guides.

    First time in Guangzhou? Do these 5 things

    1. 1Check if you need a visaUse the checker, then read your passport's rules.
    2. 2Fill in the arrival cardDo it before landing to save queue time.
    3. 3Get an eSIMMaps, translation and ride-hailing need data on arrival.
    4. 4Link a payment appAdd your card, then make one small test payment.
    5. 5Plan your airport transferKnow how you will get from Baiyun Airport to your hotel.

    Your trip, stage by stage

    The guides you need, in the order you need them.

    Before you land

    Do these at home.

    All Before You Go guides

    After you land

    From the airport to your bed.

    First 24 hours in Guangzhou

    Before you leave

    Check these before the airport.

    Heading on to Hong Kong by train

    Top things to do and eat

    Dotted underline: from secondhand reports only so far; check before you go.

    Plan your days

    Browse the handbook

    Day trips and onward

    Avoid these traps

    • Overcharged airport taxi (Baiyun Airport, CAN)

      Some airport taxi drivers skip the meter or quote a flat price far above the metered fare.

      How to avoid

    • Didi: the 'Taxi' option, fake tolls and cash on the side

      Picking Didi's 'Taxi' option or paying cash outside the app can lead to fake tolls and extra charges.

      How to avoid

    • Items confiscated at airport, rail and metro security checks

      Power banks without a 3C mark, knives over 6 cm and large sprays get confiscated at security.

      How to avoid
    Aerial view of the Canton Fair Complex (Zone B), PazhouPhoto: Tim Wu · CC BY-SA 4.0 Details

    The 140th Canton Fair is on now

    October 15 – November 4, 2026

    Next: 141st Canton Fair (Spring 2027), mid-April 2027, dates to be confirmed.

    Dates from the official Canton Fair notice, checked October 19, 2026.

    Coming up in Guangzhou

    Busy days: December 4 – 6. Three or more big events on the same day: allow extra time and take the metro.

    Events calendar: traffic, crowds and busy days

    What first-timers ask

    Can I use my credit card on the Guangzhou Metro?

    Yes. Since October 12, 2025, contactless Visa, Mastercard, Amex and JCB cards work at gates showing their logos.

    Read the guide
    Does Hong Kong count as a third country for 240-hour transit?

    Not named in the NIA text; the Baiyun border station Q&A (undated) counts it. Rely on your airline and the border post.

    Read the guide
    Can I fill in the China arrival card online?

    You can fill in the arrival card online before you travel, free, on the NIA website, 12367 app or WeChat and Alipay mini programs.

    Read the guide
    Is Guangzhou safe for tourists?

    Generally yes. The UK government says serious crime against foreigners in China is relatively rare; watch for scams in tourist areas.

    Read the guide

    Most useful guides

    Practical toolkit

    Zhenhai Tower (Guangzhou Museum) in Yuexiu ParkPhoto: ScareCriterion12 · CC BY-SA 4.0 Details
    Example The labels at the top of every guide

    Last checked October 29, 2026 against official sources

    Checked in person on [date] by our Guangzhou team

    • Immigration
    • Metro
    • Airport
    • Venues

    How we check our guides

    Each guide lists its sources and shows the date it was last checked. We look first to China's immigration and foreign affairs authorities, transport operators, venues and the Canton Fair organiser. We use AI tools to help research and draft guides. Prices, times and rules change, so check the source linked on each page.

    When a guide has also been checked in person in Guangzhou, it will say who checked it, where and when, with dated photos.

    How we check

    Independent. We don't sell tours, sourcing or any other services.