As 2025 is drawing to a close, Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province, is shining brightly on the national stage. The city recently cohosted the 15th National Games of the People's Republic of China (November 9-21) with Hong Kong and Macao, China's two special administrative regions.
From December 8-15, the three regions cohosted the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the ninth National Special Olympic Games. As a cohost, Guangzhou welcomed thousands of athletes and spectators, from across the country.
In August, the 2025 edition of the Top Eight Sights of Guangzhou, a curated collection of landscapes that blend time-honored heritage, natural beauty and cutting-edge modernity, was unveiled.
The landmarks, each telling a unique story of Guangzhou's past, present and future, serve as vibrant ambassadors for the city, especially as it hosts some of the country's finest athletes and guests.
On the list of Guangzhou's top eight sights are: Canton Tower Gracing Flower City, Baiyun Mountain amid Green Gardens, Yuexiu's Eternal Charm, Liwan's Riverside Essence, Nansha's Rising Sun Radiance, Huangpu's Wave-Braving Legacy, Chimelong's Realm of Joy, and Liuxi's Mist-Clad Sanctuary. The following provides an overview of each sight:
Canton Tower Gracing Flower
At the heart of Guangzhou's modern skyline, Canton Tower captures the city's dynamic pulse. Known affectionately by locals as "Xiao Man Yao" (Slim Waist), this architectural marvel rises 600 meters above the winding Pearl River.
In the sunlight, the tower's steel-and-glass skeleton shimmers like a giant, delicate filigree, catching the subtropical glow to mirror Guangzhou's reputation of "Flower City." By night, its LED lights illuminate the night sky in sync with the vibrant blooms of Flower City Square below.
A symbol of contemporary architecture and urban ingenuity, this sight represents Guangzhou's ascent as a global metropolis, where technology and natural beauty coexist.
Baiyun Mountain amid Green Gardens
Recognized as the lungs of Guangzhou, Baiyun Mountain boasts a forest coverage in excess of 95 percent, and it is home to 1,485 plant species and 620 animal species, all of which help to showcase its rich biodiversity.
Located at the foot of the Baiyun Mountain, the Yunxi and Yunluo Botanical Gardens, like two emeralds, add a touch of grandeur to the jade-green tapestry of Baiyun Mountain. This sight is a testament to Guangzhou's commitment to preserving green spaces.
Yuexiu's Eternal Charm
This sight features four landmarks along Guangzhou's historic central axis: Beijing Road, Nanyue King Museum, Yuexiu Park and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. This axis serves as Guangzhou's cultural and spiritual heart, as it reveals and traces more than two millennia of history.
Here, the city's revolutionary past, Lingnan (South China) traditions, maritime heritage and modern innovation intertwine, creating a living chronicle of Guangzhou's enduring legacy and dynamic future.
Liwan's Riverside Essence
This scenic area, along the Pearl River, encompasses the antique Xiguan Street (in Liwan District), where well-preserved qilou (arcade houses), bustling markets and tranquil canals evoke the city's past as a trading hub.
From savoring dim sum, in century-old teahouses, to wandering the cobblestone lanes of Shamian Island, Liwan is a living tapestry of Cantonese culture and daily life.
Nansha's Rising Sun Radiance
Nansha District shines a light on Guangzhou's ambitious future development. As a key node in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Nansha is a thriving free trade zone and innovation hub, where modern ports, tech parks and futuristic skyscrapers rise against the backdrop of the Pearl River Estuary.
This area symbolizes Guangzhou's role as a driver of both regional growth and global connectivity.
Huangpu's Wave-Braving Legacy
This sight includes South Sea God Temple and Republic of China Military Academy. It pays homage to both Guangzhou's maritime legacy and industrial might.
As the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, and the cradle of revolution in modern and contemporary China, Guangzhou embodies the glory of the Maritime Silk Road culture, as well as the aspiration of saving the nation from peril and seeking survival with unwavering loyalty and resolve. The sight tells the city's story of resilience and adaptation.
Chimelong's Realm of Joy
For families and thrill seekers alike, Chimelong Tourist Resort is a celebration of entertainment and adventure. Home to a number of world-class theme parks, this vibrant destination draws millions of visitors annually with its wildlife encounters, roller coasters and cultural shows. It reflects Guangzhou's ability to blend tourism, education and fun, making it a highlight for visitors of all ages.
Liuxi's Mist-Clad Sanctuary
Rounding out the top eight sights, Liuxi's Mist-Clad Sanctuary offers a serene escape into nature. The Liuxi River, winding through the city's northern suburbs, is famed for its crystal-clear waters, mist-shrouded banks and lush wetlands.
A popular spot for eco-tourism, it features bamboo forests, bird-watching havens and rural villages, and it showcases Guangzhou's dedication to preserving its ecological heritage.
The Top Eight Sights of Guangzhou stand as more than just attractions; in fact, they combine to create a narrative of a city that honors its past while, at the same time, embraces the future.
On the occasion of the national sports events, the landscapes invite athletes, spectators and visitors to explore Guangzhou's multifaceted identity.
In this convergence of sport, culture and nature, Guangzhou not only hosts a national event, but also presents its achievements in building itself into a city that is people-centered, innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, civilized and intelligent.
Photos from VCG
(Women of China English Monthly December 2025)
Editor: Wang Shasha
