Travelling in Guangzhou gives visitors the chance to experience one of China’s busiest transport hubs, with fast and convenient train links across the region. High-speed rail makes day trips simple, offering easy access to nearby cities, cultural highlights, and scenic spots. This guide covers the main stations, the most popular destinations within and beyond Guangdong, and useful travel tips. Explore now and start planning your next journey by train.
Best Day Trips by Train from Guangzhou – Overview
Travelling by high-speed train from Guangzhou is fast, frequent, and comfortable, freeing you from the stress of driving. Popular day trip options include Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and other nearby cities with cultural, scenic, and food highlights. See the table below for travel time (high-speed train), key attractions, and train fares.
Destination | Highlights | Duration | Ticket Price |
🟣Special Region (Within 1.5 hours) | |||
Victoria Harbour night view; Shopping paradise; Blend of East & West culture | ~55 min | From ¥215 | |
Portuguese heritage; World-class casinos; Macanese cuisine Route: Guangzhou South → Zhuhai Station → Gongbei Port (border crossing) → Macau | ~1.5 hr | From ¥70 | |
🟡Within Guangdong (Within 2 hours) | |||
Modern tech hub; Window of the World theme park; Cantonese food | ~30 min | From ¥74.5 | |
Martial arts & lion dance; “City of Gastronomy” (Shunde cuisine); Lingnan heritage | ~20 min | From ¥8 | |
Coastal city with islands; Lovers’ Road; Fresh seafood | ~1 hr | From ¥70 | |
Sun Yat-sen’s hometown; Cantonese cuisine; Pearl River scenery | ~20 min | From ¥20 | |
West Lake scenery; Hot springs; Hakka culture | ~30 min | From ¥43 | |
Seven Star Crags, karst iandform; Duan inkstone; Ancient Song Dynasty city wall | ~35 min | From ¥24 | |
Chaoshan | Famous Teochew cuisine; Chaozhou opera & culture; Historic temples | ~2 hr | From ¥168 |
🟢Outside Guangdong (2+ hours) | |||
Iconic karst mountains; Li River cruise; Rice noodles | ~2.5 hr | From ¥141 | |
Karst countryside; Biking & river rafting; West Street nightlife | ~2 hr | From ¥120 | |
Hunan spicy food; Yuelu Academy; Orange Isle on Xiang River | ~2 hr | From ¥347 | |
Where to Take a Train in Guangzhou?
Guangzhou is served by several major railway stations that connect the city with both nearby and long-distance destinations. Below you’ll find a clear overview of the main stations and useful information to help you plan your journey with ease.
Train Day Trips from Guangzhou to Hong Kong and Macau (Under 1.5 Hours)
🟣Guangzhou to Hong Kong
Around 55 minutes by high-speed train from Guangzhou, Hong Kong is a vibrant international city known for its harbour views, shopping, and mix of Eastern and Western culture.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~55 min | From ¥215 |
Things to Do in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Disneyland: A world-class theme park for families and Disney fans.
- Victoria Harbour: Famous for its stunning skyline and night view.
- Ocean Park: A large marine park with rides, animals, and shows.
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
- Central (Hong Kong Island): Heart of the city with high-end shopping, historic landmarks, and excellent transport links. Ideal for First-Timers & Luxury stays.
- Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon): Temples, street food, and vibrant markets such as Temple Street Night Market. Offers a wide range of hotels from affordable to high-end.
- Mong Kok (Kowloon): Bustling area with Ladies’ Market, affordable hotels, and authentic street food.
- Family Hotels Near Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park: A variety of hotels and resorts close to the parks, perfect for families with children.
Hong Kong Local Food
- Savoury Specialities: Dim Sum, Wonton Noodles, Claypot Rice, Siu Mei (roasted meats).
- Sweet Treats: Egg Tarts, Egg Waffles (Jidan Zai), Pineapple Buns.
- Drinks & Snacks: Hong Kong Milk Tea, street foods, and traditional puddings.
🟣Guangzhou to Macau
About 1 hour by train to Zhuhai and a quick border crossing, Macau blends Portuguese heritage with Chinese traditions, famous for its historic centre, world-class casinos, and Macanese cuisine.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
Guangzhou → Zhuhai → Macau | High-Speed Train | ~1 hr to Zhuhai, then cross Gongbei Port | From ¥70–90 |
Things to Do in Macau
- Historic Centre of Macau: Explore Portuguese-style churches, squares, and streets.
- Casinos and Resorts: Experience world-class entertainment on the Cotai Strip.
- Macau Tower: Panoramic views and adventurous activities like skywalking.
Where to Stay in Macau
- Senado Square Area: Close to historic attractions, ideal for culture lovers.
- Cotai Strip: Home to luxury hotels and casinos, great for entertainment and nightlife.
- Taipa Village: A mix of heritage charm, local food, and boutique stays.
Macau Local Food
Signature dishes include Macanese cuisine blending Portuguese and Chinese flavours, famous egg tarts, and pork chop buns. Portuguese-style seafood and African chicken are also popular, alongside a wide variety of street snacks.
Train Day Trips from Guangzhou within Guangdong Province (Under 2 Hours)
🟡Guangzhou to Shenzhen
Only 30 minutes by high-speed train, Shenzhen is a modern metropolis with theme parks, coastal parks, and a thriving tech scene.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~30–40 min | From ¥74.5 | |
Conventional Train | ~1.5–2 hours | From ¥21.5 |
Things to Do in Shenzhen
- Window of the World: See miniature versions of landmarks from across the globe.
- OCT Loft Creative Park: A cultural hub with art galleries, cafés, and exhibitions.
- Shenzhen Bay Park: Coastal park perfect for cycling and walking.
Where to Stay in Shenzhen
- Luohu District: Convenient for shopping and transport, close to the Hong Kong border.
- Futian District: Central business area with modern hotels and good metro links.
- Nanshan District: Near tech parks and attractions, ideal for families and business travellers.
Shenzhen Local Food
A mix of Cantonese and local dishes including dim sum, fresh seafood noodles, and sweet tofu pudding. The city also has a vibrant street food culture offering snacks from all over China.
322149 booked
🟡Guangzhou to Foshan
Around 45 minutes from Guangzhou, Foshan is the birthplace of kung fu and lion dance, also renowned for Shunde’s Cantonese cuisine.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~20 min | From ¥8 |
Things to Do in Foshan
- Foshan Zumiao (Ancestral Temple): Traditional Lingnan architecture and lion dance shows.
- Kung Fu Heritage: Learn about Bruce Lee and Foshan’s martial arts roots.
- Shunde District: Famous for gardens, art, and Cantonese culture.
Where to Stay in Foshan
- City Centre (Chancheng District): Close to the Ancestral Temple and local shopping.
- Shunde Area: Great for food lovers and cultural exploration.
- Family-Friendly Hotels: Comfortable and convenient for short breaks.
Foshan Local Food
- Shunde Cuisine: Recognised as “City of Gastronomy”, with delicate Cantonese dishes.
- Double-Skin Milk Pudding: Sweet dessert loved by locals.
- Wok-Fried Dishes: Classic Cantonese flavours.
🟡Guangzhou to Zhuhai
Zhuhai is a relaxing coastal city about an hour away by train and close to Macau, offering islands, seaside promenades, and fresh seafood.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~1h | From ¥70 |
Things to Do in Zhuhai
- Chimelong Ocean Kingdom: One of the largest theme parks in China.
- Lovers’ Road: Enjoy sea views and a romantic coastal walk.
- Islands Tour: Explore beaches and relax on nearby islands.
Where to Stay in Zhuhai
- Gongbei Area: Convenient for border crossing to Macau.
- Seaview Hotels: Beautiful sea views, ideal for couples.
Zhuhai Local Food
- Fresh Seafood: Oysters, crabs, and prawns.
- Oyster Pancakes: A crispy local delicacy.
- Zhuhai Snacks: Street food stalls offer a wide variety.
🟡Guangzhou to Zhaoqing
Zhaoqing, just 33 minutes by high-speed train from Guangzhou, is a city of natural beauty and rich cultural history. It is famous for its scenic lakes, karst landscapes, and historic sites, making it ideal for a short getaway.
| Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | 33 min | From ¥24 | |
Conventional Train | 1h 40min | From ¥18.5 |
Things to Do in Zhaoqing
- Dinghu Mountain: Explore the ancient forest and enjoy the beautiful Feishui Waterfall.
- Seven Star Crags: Famous for its scenic lakes, karst hills, and spectacular caves.
- Ancient City Wall: Walk along the historic walls and feel the charm of old Zhaoqing.
Where to Stay in Zhaoqing
Zhaoqing has a variety of hotels and guesthouses near the city centre and scenic areas, suitable for a comfortable overnight stay or a short visit.
- City Centre (Duanzhou District): Convenient for shopping and dining.
- Hotels Near Seven Star Crags: Close to scenic attractions.
- Close to Dinghu Mountain: Perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
Zhaoqing Local Food
- Sihui Tea Oil Chicken: Tender chicken cooked with fragrant tea oil.
- Wrapped Sticky Rice Dumplings: Traditional local snack.
- Dinghu Mountain Tofu Pudding: Soft and delicate, a local speciality.
Train Day Trips from Guangzhou to Other Provinces (Over 2 Hours)
🟢Guangzhou to Guilin
Guilin, about 2.5 hours away, offering striking karst mountains, a scenic Li River cruise, and caves with colourful rock formations.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~2h 30min | From ¥141 |
Things to Do in Guilin
- Li River Cruise: Famous for its breathtaking karst landscapes.
- Elephant Trunk Hill: The city’s landmark rock formation.
- Reed Flute Cave: Colourful limestone cave with natural formations.
Where to Stay in Guilin
- City Centre (Xiangshan District): Convenient base with easy access to dining, shopping, and transport.
- Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Area: Famous landmark with scenic hotels offering Li River views.
- Two Rivers and Four Lakes: Stay by the water for relaxing walks, night cruises, and illuminated city views.
Guilin Local Food
- Guilin Rice Noodles: The city’s signature dish.
- Beer Fish: A famous local specialty.
- Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice: Traditional snack.
🟢Guangzhou to Yangshuo
Around 2 hours from Guangzhou, Yangshuo has peaceful countryside, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, and a lively West Street filled with cafés and bars.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~2h | From ¥120 |
Things to Do in Yangshuo
- Yulong River Rafting: Peaceful bamboo rafting experience.
- Karst Countryside: Bike through rice fields and limestone hills.
- West Street: Lively area with shops, bars, and cafes.
Where to Stay in Yangshuo
- West Street: Great for nightlife and convenience.
- Countryside Inns: Quiet retreats surrounded by nature.
- Boutique Hotels: Unique stays with scenic views.
Yangshuo Local Food
- Beer Fish: Signature dish of Yangshuo.
- Stuffed Snails: Savoury local delicacy.
- Oil Tea: Traditional Guilin-Guangxi drink.
🟢Guangzhou to Changsha
About 2 hours by high-speed rail, you'll reach Changsha, a vibrant city in Hunan known for its spicy food, historic academies, and riverside scenery.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~2h | From ¥347 | |
Conventional Train | ~8-9h | From ¥93 |
Things to Do in Changsha
- Yuelu Academy: Ancient academy with cultural heritage.
- Orange Island: Scenic spot on Xiang River.
- Hunan Museum: Famous for Mawangdui Han tombs.
Where to Stay in Changsha
- Wuyi Square Area: Central location, ideal for shopping and nightlife.
- Near Yuelu Mountain: Peaceful area close to nature.
Changsha Local Food
- Spicy Crayfish: Signature Changsha night snack.
- Stinky Tofu: Iconic street food.
- Hunan Spicy Dishes: Famous for bold and hot flavours.
Travel Tips for Train Day Trips from Guangzhou
- Book your tickets in advance: High-speed trains are popular, especially at weekends and holidays, so secure your seat early.
- Arrive at the station early: Guangzhou’s train stations are large and busy. Allow at least 30–40 minutes for security checks and boarding.
- Travel light: For a day trip, bring only what you need. A small backpack makes moving around easier.
- Carry cash and mobile payment: While most places accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, some small shops or food stalls may only take cash.
- Check return schedules: Make sure you know the last train times back to Guangzhou to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Many attractions involve walking, so good footwear is a must.
- Bring snacks and water: Stations and trains have food options, but carrying your own is often more convenient and affordable.
Guangzhou Day Trips by Train FAQs
Where to take a high-speed train in Guangzhou?
You can board high-speed trains at several stations, with Guangzhou South being the main hub.
How long is it from Guangzhou to Hong Kong by train?
The journey takes about 55 minutes, with ticket prices starting from ¥215 (approx. £23).
How far is Zhongshan from Guangzhou by train?
It takes around 1 hour 27 minutes, covering a distance of about 83–90 km (approx. 52- 56 miles).
How much is a train ticket from Guangzhou to Hong Kong?
A second-class seat starts from ¥215 (approx. £23).
What are the best day trip destinations from Guangzhou by train?
Popular choices include Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Macau, Foshan, and Guilin.
Which station is closest to Macau when travelling from Guangzhou to Zhuhai?
Zhuhai Station is the nearest to Macau, while Mingzhu and Qianshan stations are farther away.