Canton Tower: the Tallest TV Tower in China
Canton Tower, also known as the Little Waist, is the tallest TV tower in China. It has a total height of 600 meters and 112 floors: 111 floors above ground and 1 floor underground. Standing on the banks of the Pearl River, it is a landmark building in Guangzhou.
From the 488-meter-high observation deck (located on the 107th or 108th floor), you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city of Guangzhou.
Best Time to Visit the Canton Tower
Guangzhou is a city without cold weather, so spring, autumn, and winter are the best seasons to visit. In contrast, summer is not only hot but also often brings rainstorms and typhoons, which can affect your travel experience.
The best time to go up the Canton Tower is the golden hour between 17:00 and 18:30. During this time, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city during the day, capture the magnificent sunset over the Pearl River, and watch as the city lights turn on one by one.
The LED lights on the tower itself are usually lit from 19:00 to 23:00, offering a charming night view. Please note that the weather in Guangzhou is humid and often foggy. Before you go, check the visibility forecast.
If there is heavy rain or thick clouds, the top of the tower may be covered in mist, which will affect your view. Also, try to avoid China's public holidays, such as Labor Day and National Day, and weekends.
Related Reading: Guangzhou Weather
Canton Tower Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Canton Tower is usually open daily from 9:30 to 22:30, with ticket sales and entry stopping at 22:00. The Ferris wheel and the drop tower generally open at 10:00, but they open later on Mondays. The tower's LED lights usually turn on around 19:00 each night and turn off at 23:00.
| Entertainment | Operation Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| 433m Sightseeing Observation Deck | 9:30 to 22:30 | CNY150 |
| 450m Look Out Ticket | 9:30 to 22:30 | CNY228 |
| 460m Bubble Tram Combo | 9:30 to 22:30 | CNY298 |
| 488m Look Out Ticket | 9:30 to 22:30 | CNY328 |
| 488m Tower Glamour Pass | 9:30 to 22:30 | CNY398 |
| Exhibition Tickets | 9:30 to 16:00 | Free |
| 480m Sky Drop Combo | 12:00 to 22:30 on Monday 17:00 to 22:30 on the last Monday of each month22:30 on the last Monday of each month 10:00 to 22:30 on other days |
CNY268 |
| 298m Rope Course-Red Course | 15:00 to 22:30 on Monday 17:00 to 22:30 on the last Monday of each month22:30 on the last Monday of each month 10:00 to 22:30 on other days |
CNY688 |
| 198m Rope Course-Blue Course | CNY588 | |
| 188m Rope Course-Green Course | CNY588 | |
| 168 Discovery Landmark α(companion ticket) | CNY200 |
How to Buy the Canton Tower Ticket
Method 1: buy tickets on the official Canton Tower website.
Method 2: book a Guangzhou tour with China Travel, and your dedicated travel advisor will help arrange visits to Canton Tower and other must-see attractions in Guangzhou.
Layout of the Canton Tower
Canton Tower is divided into 5 zones, A through E, based on function, but your visit will mainly focus on the bottom part and the top part of the tower.
Zone A: 1st to 2nd floor (0m to 32.8m)
Zone A is at the bottom of the tower and mainly serves reception, ticketing, and basic support functions.
It has the entrance hall and ticket office, as well as the Pearl River photography viewing platform, which makes it easy to take upward shots of the entire Canton Tower and take photos with the Pearl River in the background.
The area also includes a wax museum, restaurants, and a large banquet hall that can hold hundreds of people, making it the transportation hub and service core of the whole tower.
Zone B: 17th to 22nd floor (84 to 116m)
Zone B mainly features the Jinyi 4D Cinema, which is one of the highest cinemas in the world. If you have plenty of time or are traveling with children, you can stop here for the experience.
Zone C: 33rd to 62nd floor (147m to 168m)
Zone C focuses on high‑altitude adventure and panoramic views, featuring 2 main themed areas: Discovery the Landmark αand Skywalk Rope Course.
You can challenge yourself on transparent glass walkways and suspended corridors, experiencing the thrill and excitement of walking at a great height.
Zone D: 67th to 88th floor (334m to 355m)
Zone D focuses on high‑altitude extreme experiences, with the Landmark α and Sky Walk as its core attractions. This area features a hollow walkway around the inner wall of the tower.
You need to wear safety gear and walk at an unprotected height, feeling the thrill of having clouds beneath your feet.
The Spider Walk, on the other hand, requires climbing vertical steps, testing both your physical fitness and mental strength.
Zone E: 103rd to 110th floor (376m to 450m)
Zone E is the core experience area, where you'll find the observation decks, high‑end dining, and record‑breaking rides. The Baiyun Observation Hall on the 107th floor and the Xingguang Observation Hall on the 108th floor are the main indoor viewing areas.
Tower Top:111st floor (450m to 488m)
From 450 to 488 meters above ground, the outdoor open‑air area features the Ferris wheel, the Sky Drop, and the 488‑meter observation deck.
Things to do in the Canton Tower
Although many people come just to go up for the view, the Canton Tower actually offers a variety of unique experiences, ranging from romantic and relaxing to thrilling and exciting.
1. Conquer the Heights at the 488 Lookout
The 488‑meter observation deck is the highest point of the Canton Tower that is open to the public. Unlike the indoor observation floors, this is an outdoor platform where you can feel the breeze and enjoy a full view of Guangzhou without any glass reflection getting in the way.
2. Take a Spin on the Bubble Tram
This is the most iconic ride at the Canton Tower. Unlike a traditional vertical Ferris wheel, it consists of 16 crystal‑clear bubble cabins that rotate horizontally along a track at the top of the tower.
3. Face Your Fears on the Sky Drop
For thrill-seeking visitors, the Sky Drop offers 2 modes: the traditional seated drop and the even more exciting standing drop. Riders are first lifted to the tower's summit, and then suddenly dropped. It is officially recognized as the highest extreme ride of its kind in the world.
4. Walk the Glass Floor on the Star Observation Deck
If the wind outside makes you feel uncomfortable, you can go to the Star Observation Deck. Some of the floor sections here are made of reinforced glass. When you look down, you can see the 400-meter drop beneath your feet. This is almost a must‑do ritual for every visitor and the most popular spot for feet selfies.
5. Traverse the Spider Walk
The Spider Walk is designed for energetic visitors. It is an outdoor spiral staircase. Because the walkway is located at the narrow waist of the Canton Tower, its transparent floor allows you to closely observe the tower's architectural grid structure.
6. Fine Dining with a 360-Degree Rotation
Xuanji Mediterranean Buffet Restaurant is located on the 106th floor. It is the highest revolving restaurant in the city, completing one full rotation every 90 minutes.
While you dine, your view will slowly turn from the Pearl River toward the skyscrapers of Zhujiang New Town.
On the 105th floor, Lutece French Revolving Restaurant offers a more formal and upscale option, which is perfect for anniversaries or special occasions.
Best Photo Spots Around the Canton Tower
You don't necessarily need to go up the Canton Tower to enjoy it. The best spots to photograph its iconic Little Waist shape are at the following locations:
Huacheng Square on the opposite bank of Zhujiang New Town: you can take classic skyline photos.
Haixin Bridge, a newly built pedestrian bridge: you can capture an unobstructed, perfect view of the tower reflected in the water.
Party Pier Beer Culture & Art Zone: you can take relaxed, lifestyle‑focused photos with the Canton Tower in the background.
Taking Tram Haizhu Line 1, known as the most beautiful tram in Guangzhou, from Canton Tower Station to Party Pier Station, you can capture dynamic moving shots.
How to Get to the Canton Tower
Take a Taxi: After getting in the taxi, show the driver 请带我去广州塔 (Please take me to Canton Tower in English).
By Bus: Take the New City Central Axis Line or Canton Tower Line 1, and get off at the Canton Tower Subway Station Exit A Stop.
By Subway: Take Guangzhou Subway Line 3, the APM line, and get off at Canton Tower Station, then exit from exit A. Or take Haizhu Tram Line 1, and also get off at Canton Tower Station.
From Guangzhou South Railway Station to the Canton Tower
Take a Taxi: It takes 40 minutes and costs CNY55.
By Subway: Take Line 7 from Guangzhou South Station to Hanxi Changlong Station, then transfer to Line 3 and get off at Canton Tower Station. Take Exit A. It takes 40 minutes and costs CNY5.
By Bus: Take Bus 301A from Guangzhou South Station to Kecun Overpass Stop 3, then walk 1 kilometer. It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs CNY3.
From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to the Canton Tower
Take a Taxi: It takes 1 hour and costs CNY160.
By Subway: Take Line 3 from Baiyun Airport to Linhexi Station, then transfer to the APM line and get off at Canton Tower Station. It takes 1 hour and costs CNY9.
Related Reading: Guangzhou Transportation
Booking Your Guangzhou Tour
When you travel in Guangzhou, you may face some difficulties with ticket purchases, transportation, and language communication.
If you want a worry‑free experience, you may consider booking a well‑planned Guangzhou tour route with China Travel. Share your idea with us, and your personal travel advisor will contact you within 24 hours.
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