Entertainment thrives in Guangzhou, a major commercial and maritime hub and the host city of the world’s largest trade exhibition, the annual Canton Fair. Visitors who have free time after work can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including concerts, historic sites, river cruises and a scenic tram line that connects an art and entertainment district.
Las Vegas-style productions, Broadway shows, experimental theater and opera performances take place at the city’s dramatic “double pebble” Opera House, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. On historic Shamian Island, once the international enclave for foreign traders, the recently renovated White Swan Hotel offers multiple dining rooms and a lively Destination Bar overlooking dinner cruises on the river. Luxurious showboats, often decorated in brocades, serve buffets and live music as they pass neon-lit high-rises along the Pearl River. The city also has a lively LGBT nightlife scene, with regular listings for discos, karaoke and bars published online.
A relaxed way to see Guangzhou by night is to hop on and off the charming Haizhu electric tram, which runs for about five miles along the southern riverfront and stops near several evening attractions. The quiet cars depart in the vicinity of the Canton Tower, where an observation deck features glass “crystal” cars that circle along the tower’s perimeter for panoramic views. The tram continues to Zhujiang Party Pier, an arts and culture district with galleries, restaurants and clubs. One notable venue there is the curvy JZ Club, a barrel‑shaped jazz bar with a stage framed by tall arched windows. Nearby, Mr. Rocky Bar caters to fans of steakhouse fare and country-style entertainment, offering free billiards, darts, televised sports and nightly dancing to a live house band.
Midway along the tram route, the Shangri‑La Hotel provides refined dining and drink options. Its restaurants include Summer Palace for Chinese cuisine and Nadaman for Japanese dishes, while the more casual RIBS is known for smoked cocktails, baby back ribs and inventive items such as Beijing‑style duck pizza.
The tram’s final stop at Wanshengwei brings passengers to the historic Huangpu Ancient Port, a preserved village showcasing Lingnan‑style carved‑wood architecture, distinctive house shapes and tiled streets. Harborside cafés serve local specialties like sampan congee, shrimp dumplings and Huangpu scrambled eggs, which pair well with regional beers and cocktails.