A city built on China’s southern coast along the banks of the Pearl River, expats moving to Guangzhou will arrive in a growing modern metropolis with more than 2,800 years of history. The futuristic cityscape, shaped by tall skyscrapers and the striking Canton Tower standing 1,982 ft (604m) high, is reflected into the rivers that cut through it.

Living in Guangzhou as an expat

The capital and commercial centre of the wealthy Guangdong Province, Guangzhou is often overshadowed on the world stage by Beijing and Shanghai, but as South China’s largest seaport it is one of the most economically significant cities in the country.

One of the first free-trade zones in China, Guangzhou has developed sturdy, expanding business and manufacturing sectors, and a growing consumer culture. The job opportunities which come with a larger economy have lured waves of inland migrants and expats to its towering skyscrapers, contributing to the international flair and cosmopolitan diversity of the city centre.

Some of Guangzhou’s lesser-travelled areas resist the frenetic charge of city life, where historic temples, pagodas and churches are reminders of simpler times. Residents also have access to enclaves of natural beauty in the form of botanical gardens, hiking trails, river cruises and attractions such as Yuexiu Park. 

The city is also a cultural centre known especially for its arts, crafts and cuisine. While Guangdong embroidery and ceramics are well known, it is the food in Guangzhou that earns it international renown. Boasting the country’s largest number of restaurants per capita, the city offers Cantonese cooking at its best and has shaped the way the world perceives Chinese food.

Cost of living in Guangzhou

As a major Chinese city, it comes as little surprise that living in Guangzhou is expensive. Expats can take some small comfort in knowing that Guangzhou's cost of living is still well below Shanghai and Beijing – but the city's high rent prices and international school fees can nevertheless be hard on the budget. On the upside, many of the city's best attractions can be enjoyed for free, and the cost of regional travel is reasonable.

Families and children in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a good place to raise a family, offering a variety of education options in the form of quality private and international schools, a wide selection of real-estate options and first-rate healthcare facilities.

Of course, there is a significant adjustment that expats have to make in terms of language and cultural barriers. English is often not an option, and even activities such as hailing a cab, getting the bill at a restaurant and opening a bank account can be challenging for expats.

Climate in Guangzhou

Guangzhou's weather is pleasantly mild during winter (December to February) but hot, humid and wet in summer (June to September). The rainy season can begin as early as March as monsoons rake the area, causing storms and flooding. For the sake of safety, it's imperative that expats take care during stormy weather and heed weather warnings. September heralds both the end of summer and the end of the rainy season, and the city begins to slowly cool down as the year ends.

Expats who plan on living in Guangzhou will find themselves in a city where old meets new, and China meets the world. Those who adjust, overcome their culture shock and find financial stability rarely regret taking on the challenge.

Guangzhou is a thriving business hub and a surprisingly diverse environment. The city is one of China’s largest seaports and is well situated to be a key manufacturing and export centre. With a growing economy, back on track after the pandemic, working in Guangzhou is an attractive prospect for expats.

Job market in Guangzhou

Manufacturing is especially known for attracting expats, but the automotive, petrochemical and electronics sectors are also key to Guangzhou's economy. High-tech assembly industries have drawn a great deal of foreign interest and lured a number of international companies to the city. Many of these companies, in turn, hire expats for senior positions.

Guangzhou boasts a diverse job market, and there are opportunities in the trade and logistics sectors, as well as banking industries. Hospitality and tourism have historically been attractive industries, but are still recovering from Covid-19, although the ever-popular expat occupation of teaching English as a foreign language continues to thrive. English-speaking expats may also find themselves working in communication, media and marketing fields.

Finding a job in Guangzhou

As China’s economy moves towards private ownership and away from state-owned businesses, more jobs are made accessible to expats. Some businesses have started turning to expats from elsewhere in Asia who are willing to work for lower wages. Being able to speak Mandarin is increasingly important for foreigners wanting to get ahead of the competition.

Expats often find jobs in textiles, mining, oil, engineering, hospitality, construction, shipbuilding and IT industries. The country's substantial international trade has also meant that the demand for English teachers remains high.

Work culture in Guangzhou

Working in Guangzhou has its challenges, and cultural differences aren't always easy to navigate. The Chinese business community is fairly insular and Chinese businesspeople tend to work with those they know. When meeting new business associates, it takes time and effort to build strong relationships, and meetings may be quite long due to this. The language barrier may be another obstacle for expats who don’t speak at least some Mandarin.

Expats working in Guangzhou may find themselves under a lot of pressure to perform, and while Chinese workweeks vary, they are usually long. The working hours and workload tend to be more demanding than many expats are used to.

China, as a whole, is an expensive country to live in – and although the cost of living in Guangzhou doesn't quite reach the dizzying heights of that in Beijing, Shanghai or Shenzhen, it isn't far behind.

The 2022 edition of Mercer's Cost of Living Survey ranked Guangzhou as the world's 18th most expensive city for expats out of 227 cities assessed. It's also notable that Guangzhou's position in the rankings, and therefore its cost of living, is comparable to other major global cities such as Los Angeles, USA and London, UK.

Cost of accommodation in Guangzhou

For most Guangzhou residents, accommodation will be their biggest expense. The burden can be eased somewhat by making smart choices about what area of the city to live in, and what kind of housing to aim for. A brand-new apartment in the city centre will be significantly more expensive than a slightly older build out in the suburbs, for example.

Utilities are usually an extra expense for the tenant on top of rent, so expats should be sure to make provisions for this in their budget.

Cost of transport in Guangzhou

Guangzhou offers expats an abundance of opportunities to explore and experience its rich culture and history. However, one aspect that expats should be mindful of is the cost of transport in Guangzhou. The city boasts an extensive public transport system which includes buses, taxis and the metro, all of which are readily available to expats. While the cost of transport in Guangzhou can vary depending on the mode of transport and the distance travelled, expats can expect it to be reasonable and affordable.

For those looking to save a few pennies, buses are a great option. They are the cheapest form of transport in Guangzhou and offer routes to almost every corner of the city. The city's metro system is also a popular choice for expats, as it is efficient, clean and easy to navigate. While it may be a tad pricier than buses, it is still an affordable option. Taxis are slightly more expensive but offer a more convenient and comfortable ride.

Cost of food and eating out in Guangzhou

Guangzhou's street food is well priced and delicious. In fact, street food will often be cheaper than cooking a meal at home. Eating out at a sit-down restaurant that sells local cuisine is also usually affordable, but restaurants offering exotic fare from abroad can be pricey.

Expats who prefer to do their own cooking can find good deals on local seasonal produce in the city's various markets. Market produce will tend to be not only cheaper but also fresher and more eco-friendly than what one would find in the grocery store.

Cost of entertainment in Guangzhou

Guangzhou has such a wide range of things to see and do that everyone, no matter the size of their budget, is sure to find some great entertainment options. Historical attractions, such as museums and temples, are plentiful and typically free to visit. Green spaces cost nothing to visit and provide an idyllic atmosphere that's great for taking walks, cycling or having a picnic.

On the other end of the spectrum, expats looking to splash some cash could take in a show at the Guangzhou Opera House or enjoy the bright city lights on a Pearl River night cruise.

Cost of education in Guangzhou

Most expats opt to send their children to international schools in Guangzhou, to ease culture shock and avoid the language barrier in Chinese public schools. While international schools can generally be trusted to offer a high standard of education in a fantastic environment, this does come at a cost. Tuition fees can be exceptionally steep, so expat parents moving to Guangzhou for work would do well to bring education costs to the table when negotiating salary and benefits.

Cost of living in Guangzhou chart 

Prices may vary across China, depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Guangzhou in August 2022. 

There is a variety of options when it comes to finding accommodation in Guangzhou. At first, most newcomers rent an apartment in the city, usually for a one-year lease period.

Expats living in the city centre often have better access to their workplaces but have to put up with more pollution and noise. Those choosing to live in the surrounding suburbs might have cleaner air, but will have to navigate the heavy Guangzhou traffic and long public transport commutes.

Types of accommodation in Guangzhou

Each area of Guangzhou has its own types of accommodation, but most expats live in apartments. A quieter area such as Haizhu is popular for high-rise apartment blocks running parallel with the Pearl River. Tianhe has a wide variety of modern apartment buildings, luxury apartments and corporate housing.

Aside from standard unfurnished apartments, high-earning expats will have access to compounds and serviced apartments in various areas of the city. Serviced apartments are a form of furnished accommodation which allows for a more comfortable initial transition to living in Guangzhou.

Compounds typically consist of apartments and villas which have access to amenities such as playgrounds and garden spaces, as well as a gym and swimming pool in the upscale complexes. Apartment and villa compounds are popular among expat families.

Flatshares are an alternative for Guangzhou residents on a budget, particularly young expats and students.

Finding accommodation in Guangzhou

The easiest way to find accommodation in Guangzhou is through a real estate agency. Expats who want to take a more hands-on approach are able to search English-language media and online property portals, such as FlatInChina, as well as use social media and personal contacts to network.

The most important thing an expat house hunter needs to know going into their search is how they want to live – both in terms of the type of home and the area it is situated in. Many tenants try to live close to their workplace or to their children’s school, while others choose to live outside of the city but close to public transport.

This decision has to be weighed up against each individual's budget. While many people want to live in a cosmopolitan area with fine dining and outdoor activities, not everyone can afford it. Luckily, Guangzhou’s size means that expats will have a wide variety of accommodation options.

Renting accommodation in Guangzhou

The first step for many prospective tenants is to hire a real-estate agent. In expat-friendly areas, local agents often have experience in dealing with foreign clients, which makes the rental process a bit easier. Still, it may be necessary to get the help of a bilingual friend or colleague.

Expats should clearly communicate their requirements for an apartment as well as their budget. Properties in Guangzhou are taken up quickly as demand is high, and time wasted on unsuitable properties can be costly.

To avoid surprises later on, expats should ask their agent how much commission they will have to pay after the lease is signed. This is typically a month's rent or a percentage thereof. Before signing the lease, expats should also ask about amenities such as air conditioning, the plumbing system and whether the landlord has ownership documents in their possession.

Leases

Leases in Guangzhou tend to cover rent for one year, though this may vary.

The tenant should provide the landlord and the agency a copy of their passport and visa, and they, in turn, should give the tenant a copy of their property ownership certificate.

As soon as they have moved in, expat tenants should go and register their address at the nearest Public Security Bureau.

Deposits

Tenants pay deposits of at least one month's rent plus one or two months' rent upfront.

Utilities

While it's not unusual for utilities to be included in the rent as a set fee, tenants are normally expected to pay utility bills, including water, electricity and gas directly. Often, there are prepaid electricity meters, while official individuals regularly visit to read meters for gas and water. Prospective tenants must ask the agent or landlord how utilities must be paid.

The best places to live in Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a sprawling port city with a host of areas and suburbs, each boasting its own business districts and tourist attractions. Guangzhou is also located close to the city of Shenzhen and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Downtown neighbourhoods and suburbs to the north of the city are among the most built-up areas in Guangzhou. Expats in Guangzhou tend to live in areas with decent Western restaurants or good international schools. The city centre – including Liwan, Yuexiu and Tianhe – is the most cosmopolitan and bustling area, popular with tourists and city-living locals. Tianhe is particularly popular with expats.

Those looking for a quieter, suburban life should look to the Panyu and Baiyun districts, while surrounding areas also have something to offer expat families.

City living in Guangzhou

Among the top central areas are Liwan, Yuexiu and Tianhe. Liwan and Yuexiu are the political and cultural centres of Guangzhou, with a number of historical and cultural attractions and popular shopping districts. Tianhe offers something for everyone, from wealthy executives and expat families to students.

Liwan District

Liwan is popular among expats and tourists, with sightseeing opportunities such as Liwan Lake Park and Shamian Island.

Liwan District is also home to Shangxiajiu Commercial Pedestrian Street, ideal for shopping and dining opportunities – and a plus is that accommodation here may prove more affordable than other central areas. 

Yuexiu District

Said to be the oldest district in Guangzhou, accommodation in Yuexiu may not be as modern as neighbouring central areas. That said, luxury apartment blocks are available on Ersha Island, where expats employed as top-level executives reside and international schools are within walking distance. As a central region, it is a transport hub, accessed by metro lines 1 and 2 with stations including Gongyuanqian Station as well as Yuexiu Park Station, which leads out to the area's main park and a historical five-storey pagoda (tiered tower) museum.

Tianhe District

Of the central districts, parts of Tianhe and a few areas nearby are the best choice for expats wanting to live and work in the city and avoid commuting from the outlying suburbs. In addition to Western-style restaurants, there are a few international schools in the area.

Tianhe District is probably the busiest area of the city. Trendy boutiques and art galleries are dotted among clusters of skyscrapers, making Tianhe District the perfect home for expats working in the city centre as well as those interested in art and design. Culture buffs also enjoy the Guangdong Museum while nature lovers looking for a break from the concrete jungle can spend their free time in the South China Botanical Garden.

Tianhe District includes several subdivisions, including Zhujiang New Town, Liede and the Wushan area. Zhujiang New Town is a trendy cosmopolitan area with skyscraper office buildings, bars and restaurants, while Liede has a number of foreign businesses, restaurants and supermarkets specialising in imported goods – a favourite among foreigners. Students are drawn to the area of Wushan given its proximity to universities, and accommodation here is often friendly on a typical student budget.

Suburbs in Guangzhou

The districts of Haizhu, Panyu, Huadu and Baiyun spread out further from Guangzhou's city centre but remain well located and easily accessible via metro, bus and train links. Expat compounds abound in these suburbs.

Haizhu District

South of Tianhe, separated by the Pearl River, lies Haizhu District. An island area itself, this district comprises several smaller islands and neighbourhoods. Wealthy locals and expats live in some of Guangzhou’s most expensive modern accommodation, well connected to cafés, supermarkets and public transport links.

Panyu District

Expats looking for a quieter suburban lifestyle should look to outlying suburbs such as Panyu. Panyu is a sprawling development to the south of downtown Guangzhou which has been steadily attracting investment, especially from the technology industry. Various theme parks, a mountain and lakes make this an attractive area for those with children.

Panyu has good transport links to the city and is less smoggy than many other areas. It has tree-lined streets, good international schools, several hospitals and several large shopping malls.

Top expat compounds are located in Panyu District, including Star River and a community called Clifford Estates. Here, high-rise apartment buildings are set in tropical gardens around a man-made lake, and residents have 24-hour security, access to a gym, swimming pool, restaurants and a supermarket. Clifford International School, a hospital and nearby public transport links are also easily accessible.

Huadu and Baiyun Districts

Baiyun, spreading to the north of the city centre, is also a growing area with its own developing industrial centres. The area boasts semi-rural pockets on the outskirts, some parks and good international schools. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is on the outskirts of Huadu, making it a popular area for frequent travellers. Despite the distance from Guangzhou city centre, Baiyun is well linked by public transport, and even Huadu which is further out is reached by metro Line 3 and Line 9. 

Surrounding areas and cities of Guangzhou

Expats who find work in a city or district near to but outside of Guangzhou need not be overly concerned with lack of access to schools or modern accommodation.

Zengcheng and Conghua Districts

Two regions to the northeast of the city centre – Zengcheng and Conghua – have been drawn into the greater Guangzhou metropolitan area. Despite their distance from the city, Zengcheng and Conghua Districts have no less on offer. Beautiful natural waterfalls flowing from mountain paths make for great day trips and hiking opportunities, while the hot springs allow some relaxation.

Foshan

Foshan borders Guangzhou and is considered a prefecture-level city. Business opportunities here also stand strong, particularly in the biotechnology and chemicals processing industries as well as the automobile industry. Expats working in these sectors may prefer to search for accommodation in Foshan – which is also well connected to Guangzhou by public transport links. The lifestyle in Foshan, though distinct to Guangzhou, is also diverse with an array of facilities and amenities, from dining and shopping to outdoor activities.

Dongguan

Expats working for large multinationals in sectors such as electronics, IT, manufacturing and food processing may be transferred to the industrial city of Dongguan. Dongguan has no shortage of primary schools and preschools, which is important for expat families to consider, and there are a host of annual events that are celebrated here and bring the city to life.

There are quality healthcare options in Guangzhou, including several hospitals that are up to international healthcare standards. These are generally in the private sector and expats tend to avoid the lower standard of care provided by public hospitals.

Doctors at private hospitals in Guangzhou often have overseas training. Most hospitals catering to expats require a registration fee for a patient to receive care.

Expats moving to Guangzhou are strongly encouraged to have insurance with a local or international insurance provider. Healthcare in China might cost less than private hospitals overseas, but it is still expensive.

It's important for account holders to confirm that their health insurance provider authorises their hospital of choice. Expats using local insurance should keep in mind that some hospitals in Guangzhou only recognise certain insurance companies. This means that to avoid the costs, expats should check whether the hospital recognises their insurance before receiving treatment.

Below is a list of recommended hospitals in Guangzhou.

Private hospitals in Guangzhou

CanAm International Medical Center

Website: www.canamhealthcare.com
Address: 5F Garden Tower, Garden Hotel, 368 Huanshi Donglu, Guangzhou

EurAm International Medical Centre

Website: www.eurammedicalcenter.com
Address: 1F Ocean Pearl Building, 15 Hua Li Lu, Zhu Jiang New Town

Guangzhou United Family Hospital

Website: www.guangzhou.ufh.com.cn
Address: 31 Pazhou Avenue, Haizhu District

Guangzhou has many international schools and most expat parents prefer this option over public schools or Chinese private schools.

Chinese parents put a huge emphasis on education. The Chinese approach to education entails hard work, long hours and plenty of learning by rote, and it may be quite an adjustment for expat children.

Public schools in Guangzhou

Foreigners who plan on staying in China long term and wish to integrate their children into the country, culture and language may opt for a state school or a private school that follows the Chinese curriculum. As this integration is easier for younger children, this option is more popular in kindergartens and nurseries, although preschool is not compulsory in China.

Primary school starts at age six and lasts six years, and secondary school lasts another six years, only three of which are compulsory. Students in senior secondary school can follow an academic or vocational education programme.

Expat children who are more accustomed to a less rigorous or a more balanced lifestyle may feel pressured in a Chinese public school. For this reason, as well as the difficulties that the language barrier creates, selected private and international schools are usually the best option for the children of expats in Guangzhou.

Private schools in Guangzhou

Private schools in Guangzhou can be a good middle-ground for families torn between public and international schools. Most private schools teach the national curriculum, but some provide bilingual education or offer an alternative curriculum or educational approach. These schools can be expensive but fees are still typically well below what international schools charge.

International schools in Guangzhou

There are a number of international schools in Guangzhou that teach foreign curricula, potentially allowing children to study the curriculum of their home country while living in China. Some schools offer the well-regarded International Baccalaureate. Placement is tough; some companies that regularly relocate expats will reserve spots in top schools, and education should be discussed with an employer well before moving to and starting to work in Guangzhou. International schools can also be expensive, so expats should try to negotiate an allowance to cover the cost of their children's school fees before accepting a job in China.

Those who don't have a reserved spot at an international school in Guangzhou need to begin the application process as early as possible because waiting lists at some schools are incredibly long. It is best to check the entry requirements for each school and have the necessary documents readily available so the application process can be done as quickly as possible.

Homeschooling in Guangzhou

Homeschooling is essentially illegal in China, although the extent to which the law applies to foreign nationals is questionable. Expats continue to opt to homeschool their children in Guangzhou, especially parents on short-term employment contracts and those who find the school fees of international schools exorbitant.

Parents who are interested in homeschooling in Guangzhou must do their research extensively and make the decision cautiously. It is worth noting, for example, that homeschooled children aren't allowed to write the national school-leaving exam, which is required for entry into Chinese universities.

Special-needs education in Guangzhou

The level of support for special education needs in schools in Guangzhou is variable. There have been moves to increase admission of students with disabilities into mainstream schools and provide necessary assistance to them, but international schools are still more likely to provide holistic support.

While some schools in Guangzhou offer a range of facilities, support classes, assistant teachers, counsellors and assistive devices, other schools may only provide support for certain disabilities, and physical, psychological or behavioural disorders.

We recommend contacting schools directly and discussing all the support available and the particular needs of the child.

Tutors in Guangzhou

Tutoring has become increasingly popular in Guangzhou, among adults and children alike. Whether adult expats are looking for a tutor to gain language skills or parents would like their children to receive extra support during exam time, tutors are easy to find. Finding a tutor through word of mouth and by networking with other parents is a great option, as are online tutor portals and companies, such as Preply and Apprentus.

With a thriving expat population, there are plenty of international schools in Guangzhou for parents to choose from. These schools offer foreign curricula, such as that of the US, the UK or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Overall, parents can expect Guangzhou's international schools to be of an excellent standard with great facilities, small classes, strong extra-curricular programmes and highly competent teachers.

International schools allow expat children to continue with a familiar curriculum in their home language. While the mother-tongue language is maintained, Chinese is commonly incorporated into the curriculum as well, giving students vital communication skills. In addition, international schools attract students from all over the world, making for a truly multicultural experience.

Below is a list of some of Guangzhou's most prominent international schools.

International schools in Guangzhou

Alcanta International College

Alcanta International College (AIC), part of the well-established Alcanta Education Organization, is an International Baccalaureate World School in Guangzhou. The school is housed in newly renovated facilities which are bright and spacious, outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment.

Both Chinese and expat students are welcome at AIC. As a result, the student body is diverse with students from all over the world attending this well-respected school. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 13 to 18 

A city of shopping centres and skyscrapers that still upholds ancient traditions, Guangzhou is a major cultural and historical centre, home to temples and relics that date back 2,000 years.

For a breath of fresh air, Guangzhou has plenty of green spaces with scenic spots for afternoon picnics. Afterwards, residents can dine out at a Cantonese restaurant, go to a nightclub or attend a world-class performance at the Guangzhou Opera House.

Shopping in Guangzhou

Known for its growing industries, Guangzhou gives residents ready access to countless products, including inexpensive clothing and electronics. The city has some of the best supermarkets in China and a vibrant wholesale clothing sector.

Two of the best known wholesale markets are located close to the Guangzhou Railway Station in the city’s Yuexiu District. Tianma International Fashion Wholesale Center and Baima Garment Market sell international and domestic clothing brands.

Shopping areas include Beijing Road, a bustling pedestrian road of more than 300 stores, and the Global International Trade Center Buyun World, which offers an endless variety of shoes at much better prices than in the West.

The Fenghe Tianxiong Textile City is another well-known consumer attraction. The market features an abundance of knitting, chemical fibres, cotton weaving, linen, leather and silk, and has more than 700 vendors.

Sports and outdoor activities in Guangzhou

A range of outdoor activities are within easy reach of Guangzhou. Rock climbing and hiking in places such as the Yingxi Fenglin are popular pastimes. This scenic area contains dense forests, iconic rock formations, caverns, grasslands and rivers. Paragliding at Lufeng in southeast Guangdong is another popular activity, and expats with older children can put on their battle fatigues and try their hand at paintball.

Sports enthusiasts will also have a variety of options in the city. There are a number of golf courses and country clubs that offer members and non-members access to their impressive facilities. The city is also home to the Guangzhou Sport University, which trains athletes and referees, and offers students a range of options in sports sciences, research and sports management.

Guangzhou is home to several large sports centres, including the Tianhe Stadium which provides facilities for football, basketball, badminton and table tennis. City residents often make use of the stadium's offerings, which allow them to exercise, play sports and take classes.

See and do in Guangzhou

Besides towering skyscrapers and sprawling shopping malls, Guangzhou also boasts a rich history. Known for being a centre of trade and cuisine, the city’s warm climate, natural and cultural attractions give expats a variety of options both indoors and out. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Guangzhou.

Yuexiu Park

One of the best known scenic spots in the city, Yuexiu Park is the largest natural space in Guangzhou and provides city residents with a chance to surround themselves with nature in the middle of the sprawling urban landscape. It also contains a number of Ming Dynasty cultural relics and a stone statue of the Five Rams, one of the city’s emblems.

Chimelong Paradise

A massive amusement park, Chimelong Paradise offers a dizzying range of entertainment options, including a circus, a water park, a wild-animal-themed park and one of the world’s most exhilarating rollercoasters. Chimelong Paradise offers fun for the whole family.

Guangdong Museum

Often hailed as the best museum in China, the Guangdong Museum contains over 160,000 artefacts and has been open to the public since 1959. Exhibitions of the local culture, natural environment and history are contained in its modern facilities, making for a perfect day out with the family.

Pearl River

One of the country’s longest rivers, the Pearl River is strung along 1,491 miles (2,400 km) of the Chinese landscape and is especially beautiful at night. The four river systems that make up the Pearl join up in Guangzhou before spilling into the South China Sea. As it cuts through the city at night, the river’s surface reflects the city’s neon lights, providing a unique view of Guangzhou’s urban beauty. Expats are able to walk along the river’s ‘Scenic Corridor’ while enjoying the gentle evening breeze, and take a ferry or river cruise.

What's on in Guangzhou

Festivals in Guangzhou are characterised by enormous preparation. Often, people from different religious, geographical and social backgrounds come together under a common cause to ensure that the festival runs smoothly. Cultural events in Guangzhou are full of colour and life and are an important part of the city’s heartbeat.

Spring Festival (January/February)

Better known to Westerners as the Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China and is celebrated in parks and city streets across the country. Traditionally, the event is enjoyed by eating a New Year feast, setting off firecrackers, hanging red lanterns and visiting relatives. In Guangzhou, the Pearl River is lit up with magnificent firework displays while revellers feast on local cuisine.

Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Race (May/June)

Taking place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the Guangzhou International Dragon Boat Race is another annual event focused on the Pearl River, and celebrates the Duanwu Festival. While dragon boating was popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the modern form of the city’s celebrations was officially declared in 1994. Since then, participants from all over the world have participated in the race between the Haiyin and Guangzhou bridges. There are, however, dragon boat races all over the city as residents and visitors race for the honour of victory.

Guangzhou Lotus Festival (August)

Tourists flood the street’s of the city’s Panyu District every August to take in the sights, tastes and sounds of the Guangzhou Lotus Festival. Visitors get to enjoy a variety of entertainment as they view fine lotus specimens and taste food made from lotuses harvested in the districts many ponds and rivers. 

As a large port city and an air hub, shipping household goods to Guangzhou is easy, but expats should still weigh up the pros and cons of importing personal items.

Much of the popular expat accommodation in Guangzhou comes already furnished, and it is often more expensive to ship furniture from overseas than to buy completely new pieces or live in furnished accommodation in Guangzhou. The city is the site of a lot of manufacturing, and expats can sometimes find great deals on electronics so they should choose carefully when considering what possessions need to be shipped to Guangzhou.

Shipping goods to Guangzhou

We advise getting several quotes from several moving and relocation companies as costs and options for services may vary significantly. Some service providers can completely pack up a house in one country and unload the contents in another, while others offer assistance with only part of the moving process.

Air freight is more expensive than sea freight, so it is recommended for shipping smaller items. Larger, less essential items should be sent via sea.

It's important to budget for all the moving expenses, including import taxes and insurance costs. These can add up quickly and make the initial cost of moving to Guangzhou high.

Shipping pets to Guangzhou

As with all shipping and removals in China, bringing pets into Guangzhou requires extensive documentation, including health and rabies vaccination certificates of cats and dogs. Once in the city, expats who want to bring their dog into Guangzhou should also contact the local police department near their place of residence for information on registering their pet.

We highly recommend enlisting the services of a relocation company that specialises in pet relocations.

Expats considering a move to Guangzhou will naturally have many concerns about life in this Chinese city. From their personal safety and security to the transport system and potential language barriers, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about expat life in Guangzhou.

Is Guangzhou safe?

Guangzhou is generally safe. As in most large cities, certain parts of the city centre are more prone to crime. Expats should be extra careful around the train station district at night and should be especially wary of pickpocketing.

What language is spoken in Guangzhou?

Mandarin is the official language, but most local people speak Cantonese (Guangzhou was once called Canton City). Both languages use the same characters for reading and writing. English isn't as commonly spoken as in China's other large cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, but many professionals who deal with expats frequently will have some English ability.

Will I need a car in Guangzhou?

Taxis are fairly easy to catch and relatively cheap. Public transport does cover the whole city and is efficient, but can be uncomfortably crowded, especially during rush hour. Expats living outside of the city centre may need their own transport.

Can I find work in Guangzhou?

As a major city in China, Guangzhou offers ample opportunity for work. The job market is especially open for expats working in engineering, construction and ship-building, as well as the IT sector. Teaching English remains a popular job opportunity for expats.

Is it easy to find accommodation in Guangzhou?

While finding the perfect home is never a guarantee, expats can go about their house search in several ways. One of the best ways to secure a decent property is with the help of a real estate agent, although fees for this service must be budgeted for. There are many types of accommodation in Guangzhou, and new arrivals to Guangzhou should research the typical lease requirements.

One of the most cosmopolitan and prosperous cities in China, Guangzhou has had to adapt its transport networks to its population’s constant expansion. As a result, the public transport system is comprehensive, consisting of a subway, buses, trains and ferries. Expats should find getting around in Guangzhou to be easy and relatively trouble free.

Public transport in Guangzhou

Expats planning on using public transport in Guangzhou regularly should acquire a Yang Cheng Tong smartcard. This multipurpose transit card allows commuters to easily and conveniently transfer between different modes of transport, including the metro, buses and ferries. It's also the cheapest way to travel on public transport, with reduced fares applying to certain groups.

Buses

Catching the bus is the cheapest method of getting around in Guangzhou. Passengers can pay with a transit card or with the exact fare, although expats would need to know where they are going as few drivers can speak English, and signs at bus stops are usually in Chinese.

The Guangzhou Bus Rapid Transit (GBRT) system follows routes along isolated lanes as well as normal roads. The GBRT network is often faster than normal buses and is useful for getting to inner-city areas and suburbs not serviced by the subway.

Metro

Guangzhou has a comprehensive subway system which connects the city centre to the outer suburbs as well as the nearby city Foshan. It typically runs from 6am to midnight. The airport is also connected to the city via the Guangzhou Metro. 

Riders find the metro to be efficient, and English-speaking expats can rest assured that English translations of signs and maps are displayed.

The easiest and cheapest way to ride the subway is to purchase a Yang Cheng Tong card at a metro station, although it is also possible to buy individual tickets from kiosks or vending machines at the stations.

Trains

Train travel in Guangzhou is primarily used for travelling long distances. It is possible to catch a train from East Railway Station to Hong Kong on trains operated as part of the Hong Kong MTR. The Guangzhou Railway Station, on the other hand, offers routes to cities such as Shenzhen and Beijing.

Taxis in Guangzhou

Taxis in Guangzhou are affordable for short distances, but most drivers don’t speak English. Expats should either show the driver a business card of somewhere near the place they want to go to or have the address written out in Chinese. Given the city’s size, it is often best to go to a landmark or intersection close to the final destination.

Taxis are metered, and passengers should make sure they get a receipt for the trip in case there are any discrepancies; most drivers prefer cash. Taxis are colour coordinated, and the newer yellow ones are considered most reliable.

Ride-hailing apps such as DiDi are also recommended in Guangzhou, as these are often cheaper and eliminate language-barrier problems.

Driving in Guangzhou

Driving in Guangzhou is not quite free-for-all chaos but expats who want to drive in the city should consider it carefully. The congested traffic of China’s heavily populated cities is daunting and potentially dangerous for the uninitiated.

It is also difficult for foreigners to legally drive in the country. Foreign and international driver's licences aren't recognised in China, so expats will have to get a Chinese licence before they can drive. In most cases, this involves practical and theoretical testing, though some countries are exempt.

The good public transport in Guangzhou means that owning a car is often unnecessary. However, it is possible to rent a car with a driver, a common practice in China.

Bicycles in Guangzhou

Cycling infrastructure in Guangzhou has historically been poor, though conditions are improving. As is the case throughout China, bikesharing has become trendy in Guangzhou and ridership is growing as a result. In recent years, the city has expanded its greenways by more than 1,860 miles (3,000 km), giving cyclists and walkers much more space to roam.

Boats in Guangzhou

The Pearl River, also known as Zhujiang River, flows through the city and offers a novel way of getting around. There are a number of ports and ferry terminals in Guangzhou that expats can take and travel to Hong Kong, including Nansha Passenger Port and Lianhuashan Passenger Terminal.

Expats who have newly arrived in Guangzhou can also find various options for boat rides and night cruises, among the recommended sightseeing activities, to get to know the city.