Landmark
Canton Tower
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The Canton Tower is Guangzhou's spectacular 600-metre observation and TV tower, a slender, twisting 'hourglass' lattice that's one of the tallest structures in the world, and a defining sight of the city's Pearl River skyline. It offers a range of high-altitude thrills: indoor and outdoor observation decks, the world's highest horizontal Ferris wheel (cabins that crawl around the very top), a stomach-churning 'Sky Drop' free-fall ride, and a glass-floored sky walk. The views over Guangzhou, the river, and the surrounding towers are immense.
It's lit in shifting colours at night and is best photographed from across the Pearl River. Whether you ride to the top or just admire it from the riverside at night, it's the centrepiece of modern Guangzhou. Go on a clear day for the views, and consider a sunset slot for day-into-night.
Don't miss
- Observation decks near the 450–488m level
- The world's highest horizontal Ferris wheel at the summit
- The 'Sky Drop' free-fall ride and glass sky walk
- Panoramas over the Pearl River and Guangzhou
- The tower lit in shifting colours at night
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Canton Tower
You can visit on your own (Paid, tiered by deck level and thrill rides (Ferris wheel, Sky Drop extra). Book online to save). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inGuangzhou Tour Guide and Car Service With Flexible Itinerary5★ · 36 travelers7-8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$8 per personSee dates →
Most bookedGuided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou4.9★ · 174 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$80 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Flexible Guangzhou Layover Tour of Old and New Highlights5★ · 13 travelers6-8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$158 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Getting there
Know before you go
- Tickets are tiered, decide if you want the top decks and the thrill rides (Ferris wheel, Sky Drop).
- Go on a clear day; sunset gives day-and-night views in one visit.
- For the classic photo of the tower, shoot from across the Pearl River at night.
- Book online to save versus gate prices.
A bit of history
Completed in 2010 for the Guangzhou Asian Games, the Canton Tower was briefly the tallest tower in the world. Its distinctive twisting lattice design (officially the Guangzhou TV Astronomical and Sightseeing Tower) became an instant landmark.
Common questions
What thrill rides does it have?
The world's highest horizontal Ferris wheel (cabins circling the summit), a 'Sky Drop' free-fall ride, and a glass-floored sky walk, all extra-cost add-ons to the observation decks.
When's the best time to go up?
A clear day, ideally at sunset for daytime and night views. Hazy days cut visibility sharply.
Where's the best photo of the tower?
From across the Pearl River, especially at night when it's lit in shifting colours.
How do I get there?
Metro to Canton Tower station on the south bank of the Pearl River in Guangzhou.
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