Last updated: March 2026. Ticket prices and opening hours may change; confirm before you go.
From across the Pearl River, Canton Tower is that slim waist—600 metres high, narrowing in the middle, nicknamed “slim waist” (小蛮腰) by locals.
By day it’s silver-grey steel; after dusk the tower lights up and lines up with the Zhujiang New Town skyline—that’s the “Guangzhou” shot most people want. You can buy tickets for the observation floors, the glass walkway or the horizontal Ferris wheel near the top; or skip the tower and watch from the plaza and riverside for free.
The tower opened in 2010 and was once among the world’s tallest TV towers; it’s still South China’s most visible landmark. For anyone who wants “the Pearl River and the new town in one view,” it’s the most convenient and recognisable option; for anyone who only wants one photo of the tower, the free riverside view is enough.
What Makes It Worth It
One view of river and both sides — From the observation floors you see the Pearl River, Zhujiang New Town CBD and the old-town skyline. The floors are ringed with glass; glass floors and transparent platforms add a floating feel. If you’re uneasy with heights, stay off the glass sections or skip the tower and watch from the river.
Dusk and night beat daytime for photos — The tower lights up around sunset, in step with the office blocks across the river; arrive before dusk to catch sunset and the lights. Weekday daytime is quieter and queues shorter, but the view and photos are better in the evening.
Pairs well with Shamian and a Pearl River cruise — Afternoon at Shamian, evening at the tower or on the riverbank, night cruise on the Pearl—that’s the smoothest one- or two-day line in Guangzhou. If you only pick one “high view,” Canton Tower is the default.
Free view from below — You can watch the tower and the opposite bank from the plaza and riverside without a ticket; good if you’re short on time or only want the iconic shot.
What to Expect
Crowds: Busiest from dusk into the night; observation floors and Ferris wheel can mean 30–60 minutes’ queue. Weekday daytime is lighter; good if you want to avoid queues. During the Canton Fair and holidays, book a time slot in advance on the official site or Trip.com.
Tickets: Observation floors, Ferris wheel and other options are ticketed separately; prices and times as per the venue. Some slots need advance booking; you can also buy on site, but peak season may have caps.
Height: Observation floors are high; glass floors and transparent areas can bother anyone with a fear of heights. Choose your ticket tier or stay on the ground.
Weather: Haze or rain cuts the view; clear days and dusk are best. It’s windy up the tower—bring a layer in autumn and winter.
Don't Miss
Observation floors — With a ticket you reach the designated floors and look out over the river, new town and old town. Glass floors and transparent zones—mind safety and order when taking photos; skip the glass if you’re afraid of heights.
Ferris wheel (if included in your ticket) — Horizontal Ferris wheel cabins near the top; you see the river and city as you rotate. Sold separately or in a combo; check on site. Dusk and night slots are most popular.
Plaza and riverside — You can see the tower and the opposite bank from the plaza and riverfront without going up; free, and the atmosphere after the lights come on is good—many locals stroll here.
Sunset to lights — The tower lights up around sunset, framed with Zhujiang New Town; arrive before dusk to watch the change, then decide whether to go up.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Admission | Observation floors, Ferris wheel and other tiers; prices as per venue; some slots require advance booking |
| Booking/Tickets | Official site or Trip.com (confirm on venue); book a time slot in advance in peak season |
| Opening hours | As per venue; usually into the evening |
| Suggested time | 1–2 hours for the tower (including queue and viewing) |
| Metro | Line 3 or APM Canton Tower station; exit and you’re at the base |
Plaza shops and food are separate. Buy tower tickets in advance via official or authorised channels. Payment as per venue; have
How to Pay in China ready.
Getting There
Metro: Line 3 or APM to Canton Tower station; exit and you’re at the base. One stop from Zhujiang New Town; about 20 minutes from Guangzhou South.
Taxi / ride-hail: Set destination “广州塔”; traffic can be heavy from dusk into night—get out early and walk if needed. If the app doesn’t support English, ask the hotel to write “广州塔” for the driver or show a map.
With Pearl River cruise and Shamian: Afternoon Shamian, evening tower or riverbank, night cruise; or the other way round. Canton Tower faces Zhujiang New Town across the river—easy to combine.
Common mistake: Turning up at dusk without a booking—peak season can mean long queues or caps; check tickets and book ahead. It’s windy at the top; dress warmly.
Canton Tower is Guangzhou’s modern landmark: from the top you see the river and both sides in one go; dusk and night are best for photos. You can also watch the tower and the opposite bank from the river for free.
Tickets required; queues in peak season—book ahead. Combined with Shamian and a Pearl River cruise it’s the standard one- or two-day Guangzhou line. If you only want one “slim waist” shot and no queue, the riverside view is enough.
Related Guides:
- Guangzhou City Guide — Complete city guide
