Explore Beyond Guangzhou: Top Day Trips & Weekend Getaways by Rental Car

Guangzhou, with its blend of ancient heritage and modern innovation, serves as an excellent base for exploring the diverse attractions of Southern China. While the city itself offers numerous cultural and culinary experiences, venturing beyond its boundaries reveals a treasure trove of fascinating destinations. With a rental car from China Car Rentals, these enriching day trips and weekend getaways become easily accessible, allowing you to experience the region’s beauty and cultural richness at your own pace.

Kaiping Diaolou: UNESCO World Heritage Marvels

Distance from Guangzhou: Approximately 140 km (87 miles) | Driving Time: About 2 hours

The Kaiping Diaolou represent a unique architectural phenomenon that earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007. These multi-story defensive village houses blend Chinese and Western architectural styles, creating a visually stunning landscape that tells the story of overseas Chinese influence and the region’s history.

Built primarily in the early 20th century by returning Chinese emigrants who had made their fortunes abroad, these structures served both as residences and as protection against bandits. Today, over 1,800 of these tower houses remain scattered throughout the countryside, with the most impressive clusters found in the villages of Zili, Jinjiangli, and Sanmenli.

A rental car is ideal for exploring this area, as the diaolou are spread across multiple villages that are not easily accessible by public transportation. With your own vehicle, you can visit several clusters in a single day, taking time to appreciate the intricate details and varied architectural styles that make each tower house unique.

Foshan: Martial Arts Heritage and Ceramic Artistry

Distance from Guangzhou: Approximately 30 km (19 miles) | Driving Time: About 45 minutes

Just a short drive southwest of Guangzhou lies Foshan, a city renowned for its deep cultural heritage in martial arts, ceramics, and traditional folk art. As the hometown of martial arts legend Wong Fei-hung and the birthplace of Southern-style kung fu, Foshan attracts martial arts enthusiasts from around the world.

The Ancestral Temple (Zu Miao) serves as the centerpiece of Foshan’s cultural attractions, housing the Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall and regular martial arts demonstrations. Nearby, the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, with over 500 years of continuous operation, offers insight into the city’s celebrated ceramic tradition.

While Foshan is connected to Guangzhou by metro, having a rental car allows you to explore beyond the main tourist sites to discover traditional workshops where skilled artisans continue centuries-old traditions in pottery, jade carving, and paper-cutting. The flexibility of your own transportation also makes it possible to visit the Shiwan Art Ceramics Market, where you can purchase authentic local crafts directly from producers.

Qingyuan: Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures

Distance from Guangzhou: Approximately 70 km (43 miles) | Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Qingyuan offers a refreshing escape from urban life. This mountainous region north of Guangzhou is home to breathtaking landscapes, hot springs, and outdoor activities that make it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.

The crown jewel of Qingyuan’s attractions is the Huangchuan Three Gorges scenic area, often referred to as the “Mini Three Gorges” for its resemblance to the famous Yangtze River gorges. A boat cruise through the emerald waters between towering limestone cliffs provides spectacular photo opportunities and a peaceful communion with nature.

For the more adventurous, Qingyuan’s Gulongxia Scenic Area features one of the world’s longest glass bridges, suspended 300 meters above a dramatic gorge. The area also offers hiking trails, zip lines, and other adrenaline-pumping activities.

After an active day outdoors, unwind at one of Qingyuan’s many hot spring resorts, where natural mineral waters provide therapeutic relaxation. With a rental car, you can easily combine several of these attractions in a single trip, creating a personalized adventure that would be difficult to arrange through public transportation or tour groups.

Zhaoqing: Seven Star Crags and Serene Lakes

Distance from Guangzhou: Approximately 110 km (68 miles) | Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Zhaoqing, one of Guangdong’s oldest cities, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The city’s main attraction is the Seven Star Crags scenic area, where seven limestone peaks rise dramatically from the shores of Star Lake, creating a landscape that has inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries.

Exploring this extensive scenic area is best done with the freedom of your own transportation. Spend the day hiking the well-maintained paths that wind through caves and around the lake, stopping at pavilions and viewpoints to admire the scenery. Boat rides on the lake offer another perspective of the karst landscape, while the Baiyun Cave system reveals stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Beyond the Seven Star Crags, Zhaoqing’s Dinghu Mountain Biosphere Reserve presents pristine forests and diverse ecosystems as China’s first UNESCO-recognized nature reserve. The ancient Zhaoqing City Wall and historic West Street provide glimpses into the region’s rich past.

With a rental car, you can easily combine natural and cultural attractions in a single day trip, or extend your stay to fully appreciate all that Zhaoqing has to offer.

Shenzhen: Modern Marvels and Theme Parks

Distance from Guangzhou: Approximately 140 km (87 miles) | Driving Time: About 1.5-2 hours

While Shenzhen is accessible by high-speed train from Guangzhou, having your own vehicle offers distinct advantages for exploring this dynamic metropolis. In just four decades, Shenzhen has transformed from a fishing village to a global technology hub and design capital, making it a fascinating contrast to Guangzhou’s longer historical timeline.

Families traveling with children will appreciate the ease of accessing Shenzhen’s world-class theme parks by car. Window of the World features miniature replicas of famous global landmarks, while Happy Valley offers thrilling rides and entertainment. The relatively new Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in nearby Zhuhai holds the title of the world’s largest oceanarium.

Technology enthusiasts should visit the bustling Huaqiangbei Electronics Market, the world’s largest marketplace for electronic components. For a more relaxed experience, Shenzhen’s coastal areas like Dameisha and Xiaomeisha beaches provide seaside recreation, while OCT Harbour combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in a picturesque setting.

With a rental car, you can efficiently navigate between these diverse attractions, avoiding the crowded public transportation and enjoying the convenience of door-to-door travel.

Yangshuo and Guilin: Iconic Karst Landscapes

Distance from Guangzhou: Approximately 500 km (310 miles) | Driving Time: About 5-6 hours | Recommended Stay: Weekend trip

For a more extended getaway from Guangzhou, the legendary landscapes of Yangshuo and Guilin offer some of China’s most breathtaking natural scenery. While this journey requires more driving time, the reward is access to the iconic karst mountains and winding rivers that appear on traditional Chinese paintings and even the 20 yuan banknote.

A rental car provides the freedom to explore this region thoroughly. In Yangshuo, drive along the Ten-Mile Gallery Road, stopping at viewpoints to photograph the surreal limestone formations. With your own transportation, you can easily reach less-visited areas like the Yulong River, where bamboo rafting offers a peaceful alternative to the more crowded Li River experiences.

In Guilin, the Reed Flute Cave with its illuminated rock formations and the uniquely shaped Elephant Trunk Hill are must-see attractions. The terraced rice fields of Longsheng, with their mesmerizing patterns carved into mountainsides, are also accessible as a day trip from Guilin when you have your own vehicle.

While organized tours visit these highlights, having a rental car allows you to avoid the crowds by arriving early or staying late, and to discover hidden viewpoints and authentic villages that tour buses bypass. This flexibility transforms a standard sightseeing trip into a truly immersive experience of one of China’s most celebrated landscapes.

Practical Tips for Day Trips by Rental Car

To ensure your explorations beyond Guangzhou are smooth and enjoyable, consider these practical recommendations:

• Navigation: While international services like Google Maps don’t function in China without a VPN, alternatives like Baidu Maps or AutoNavi (Gaode) work excellently. Consider downloading offline maps before your journey or renting a GPS device with your vehicle from China Car Rentals.
• Toll Preparations: Most expressways in China are toll roads. Ensure you have sufficient cash (Chinese Yuan) or that your rental vehicle is equipped with an electronic toll collection device.
• Parking Awareness: Research parking options at your destinations in advance. Tourist sites typically have designated parking areas, but city centers may have more limited and expensive parking facilities.
• Fuel Planning: Gas stations are plentiful along major routes, but it’s advisable to refuel when your tank reaches half-empty, especially when traveling to more remote areas.
• Weather Considerations: Southern China’s climate varies seasonally. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant driving conditions, while summer can bring heavy rains and winter may have reduced visibility in mountainous areas.

For international visitors who prefer not to drive themselves, China Car Rentals offers chauffeur services with English-speaking drivers who can serve as informal guides to these destinations, combining the convenience of private transportation with local knowledge and language assistance.

Culinary Explorations on the Road

One of the greatest pleasures of traveling beyond Guangzhou is discovering the diverse culinary traditions of the region. Each destination offers distinctive local specialties that reflect its geography, history, and cultural influences:

• Foshan: Don’t miss sampling the city’s famous clay pot rice (煲仔饭, bāo zǎi fàn) and double-skin milk dessert (双皮奶, shuāng pí nǎi).
• Kaiping: The area is known for its rustic country cooking, including salt-baked chicken and hearty clay pot dishes influenced by returning overseas Chinese.
• Zhaoqing: Try the local specialty of Seven Star Crags carp, traditionally prepared with ginger and scallions.
• Yangshuo: Beer fish (啤酒鱼, pí jiǔ yú) is the signature dish, featuring fresh river fish braised in beer with local spices.

With a rental car, you have the freedom to stop at roadside eateries and small villages where some of the most authentic cooking can be found. These culinary discoveries often become cherished memories of your journey beyond Guangzhou.

Conclusion: The Freedom to Explore

While Guangzhou itself offers numerous attractions worthy of exploration, the surrounding region reveals the remarkable diversity of landscapes, cultures, and experiences that make Southern China so captivating. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to breathtaking natural wonders, from ancient traditions to cutting-edge modernity, these accessible destinations provide a more comprehensive understanding of China’s richness and complexity.

A rental car transforms these potential excursions from logistical challenges into seamless adventures, allowing you to create personalized itineraries that reflect your interests and pace. Whether you’re seeking cultural insights, natural beauty, family entertainment, or culinary discoveries, the freedom of your own transportation opens up possibilities that would otherwise remain inaccessible.

China Car Rentals specializes in providing reliable vehicles and professional drivers for these explorations beyond Guangzhou. Our local expertise can help you plan optimal routes, avoid common pitfalls, and discover hidden gems that make your journey truly memorable. Contact us to arrange your perfect vehicle for day trips and weekend getaways that will enrich your experience of Southern China.