Guangzhou offers a fantastic water-based perspective on one of China’s most lively cities. The Pearl River winds through the city, providing stunning views of illuminated skyscrapers, historic bridges, and iconic landmarks like Canton Tower. Whether you want a romantic evening cruise, a private guided tour, or a lively daytime exploration, Guangzhou’s boat experiences deliver a unique way to see the city. We love the Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Canton Tower Private Tour, which combines a sunset ascent of Canton Tower with a night cruise — perfect for snapping photos and soaking in the sights as Guangzhou lights up.
If you prefer a more exclusive experience, the Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Pearl River VIP Class Cruise offers personalized attention and access to a VIP cruise deck, making it ideal for celebrating a special occasion. For families or travelers on a budget, options like the Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Canton Tower Night Tour provide a blend of sightseeing and relaxing cruising without breaking the bank. No matter your style or budget, Guangzhou’s boat tours promise memorable views and distinctive experiences.
1. Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Canton Tower Private Tour
This private tour offers a personalized way to explore Guangzhou’s nighttime skyline. Starting with hotel pickup and full escort by an English-speaking guide, you’ll visit key landmarks like Canton Tower and cruise the Pearl River to see the city’s illuminated skyscrapers. The itinerary includes visiting Huacheng Square, Guangzhou Library, and the Haixinsha Asian Games Park, with many sites free to view from the boat. The highlight is ascending Canton Tower at sunset, giving you a panoramic view of Guangzhou’s twinkling lights. Reviews praise the attentive guide Damon and the seamless organization. This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a luxurious, private experience with flexible stops and expert explanations.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or small groups seeking a private, scenic evening with personalized care and top-tier views.
2. Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Pearl River VIP Class Cruise
This fully guided private tour highlights Guangzhou’s most famous landmark, Canton Tower, with a visit to the Star Observation Deck at 433 meters altitude. After marveling at the city from above, you’ll board a VIP cruise along the Pearl River, enjoying a luxurious cruise experience with panoramic views of the illuminated skyline from the VIP deck. The guide points out landmarks like the Haixinsha Concert Hall and IFC buildings, making it both entertaining and educational. Guests rave about guide Wenmay’s ability to capture the best shots and provide rich commentary. The tour runs about 4 hours and is perfect for those wanting an exclusive, high-end experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples celebrating a special night or those wanting a privately tailored, upscale river and skyline experience.
3. Guangzhou Private Tour of Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise
Offering a full-day private experience, this tour takes you to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yuexiu Park, Shamian Island, and more, with a relaxing night cruise on the Pearl River. The itinerary covers cultural highlights and iconic sights, making it perfect for travelers who want a rundown. The tour includes a visit to Canton Tower for panoramic city views, along with a ferry ride along the Pearl River at night. The private guide ensures flexibility and personalized insights. Reviews highlight its value for money and the ability to see Guangzhou’s diverse attractions comfortably.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers wanting an all-in-one day tour combining culture, history, and river views.
4. Guangzhou Historical Day Tour By Metro & Boat
This day-long private tour cleverly combines public transport with sightseeing. You’ll visit Yuexiu Park, see the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, and stroll through Shamian Island, all with a local guide. The highlight is a Pearl River cruise to the Canton Tower, offering scenic views from the water. The tour includes dim sum lunch, making it both fun and flavorful. Guests love how this tour offers a local, authentic experience with the convenience of public transport, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers who want to dive into Guangzhou’s everyday life.
Bottom Line: Great for those who appreciate local interactions and want a cost-effective, full-day experience.
5. Guangzhou Day Tour By Metro & Boat
This self-guided style tour allows you to explore Guangzhou’s key sites via metro, including the Museum of the Tomb of Nanyue King, Yong Qing Fang, and Shamian Island, with a public boat ride on the Pearl River. It’s perfect for travelers comfortable navigating on their own but wanting a structured itinerary. The tour highlights the Canton Tower’s impressive 600-meter height and includes some local cultural sights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for independent travelers comfortable with public transit and seeking an affordable way to see Guangzhou’s highlights.
6. Guangzhou Private Night Tour Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise
This private evening tour combines a sunset visit to Canton Tower with a night cruise on the Pearl River, offering a relaxed yet comprehensive view of Guangzhou’s nighttime skyline. Your private guide handles the logistics, making for a hassle-free experience. The tour includes stops at Guangzhou Library and Haixinsha Park, with commentary on the city’s landmarks. It’s perfect for couples or small groups wanting an intimate, tailored experience.
Bottom Line: Suited for those who want a personalized, hassle-free evening with great photo opportunities.
7. Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Canton Tower Night Tour
This luxury private tour takes you on a night cruise along the Pearl River with an optional go-up to Canton Tower’s top. Featuring a personal guide, you’ll explore Huacheng Square, Haixinsha Park, and other landmarks illuminated at night. The cruise provides a close-up view of Guangzhou’s bright cityscape, with the opportunity to visit the top of Canton Tower for sweeping views. With only two reviews, it’s clearly a premium choice for romantic evenings or special occasions.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers craving an exclusive, high-end night out with stunning vistas.
8. Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option
This private tour combines a luxury cruise with a Dim Sum dinner at a local restaurant. You’ll start with hotel pickup, cruise the Pearl River to see Guangzhou’s iconic lights, then enjoy a delicious Cantonese dinner. The cruise passes landmarks such as Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, making it a full evening of sights and flavors. Reviews mention how the Chinese-speaking guide made the dinner experience special. It’s ideal for those wanting a gourmet, relaxed evening.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers and those seeking a fully curated, immersive night.
9. Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner
This tour offers a half-day private drive and walk tour plus a Pearl River cruise paired with a dim sum feast. It’s flexible, allowing you to explore Yuexiu Park, Baiyuan Mountain, and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, then relax on the night cruise. The dim sum dinner at a traditional restaurant caps off the evening. Reviewers mention the personalized attention and the chance to see Guangzhou’s sights comfortably.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers wanting a combination of cultural sightseeing and culinary delights.
10. Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer
This first-class private cruise includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making sightseeing seamless. The night cruise features views of Canton Tower, Ersha Island, and the city skyline illuminated at night. The reviews highlight how easy and comfortable this experience is, especially for non-Chinese speakers. You’ll enjoy about an hour on the water, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a luxury, hassle-free way to see Guangzhou at night.
11. Guangzhou Day Tour and Night Cruise on the Pearl River
This all-in-one tour combines a day sightseeing of Lychee Bay, Shamian Island, and the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall with an evening cruise. The full-day itinerary is ideal for those who want to maximize their time, with the night cruise providing an unforgettable view of the city lit up. Guests praise the local guide’s insights and the balance between sightseeing and relaxation.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience with both daytime culture and night views.
$239.00 per person
12. Guangzhou: Pearl River 1-hour Night Cruise (Optional Piers)
Offering a shorter, more affordable night cruise experience, this 1-hour cruise highlights the best panoramic views of Guangzhou’s skyline, including Canton Tower and the newly lit bridges. With six piers to choose from, you can customize your experience to include old or modern landmarks. It’s popular for its unobstructed open-air deck seats.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a quick, scenic overview of Guangzhou’s night scene.
13. Guangzhou: Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower
This 50-minute cruise departs from Canton Tower’s Fortune Wharf, offering a short but scenic water journey. Guests recommend top deck seats for the best night views of the Guangzhou Tower and surrounding skyline. It’s perfect for those with limited time but who still want a memorable water-based experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a short, scenic cruise close to major landmarks.
14. Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise
This experience combines dining and cruising for a full evening in Guangzhou. After a dim sum feast at a traditional restaurant, you’ll enjoy a night cruise along the Pearl River, passing Canton Tower and the Opera House. The hotel pickup and dinner included make it a convenient option for food and cityscape lovers. Reviewers enjoy the authentic Cantonese flavors and the chance to see Guangzhou’s lit-up skyline from the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a combination of culinary and water views in one relaxing evening.
15. Pearl River Night Cruise & Evening Tour With Private Transport
Offering a private transfer and a 90-minute cruise, this option combines water views with a romantic waterfront stroll. The tour is praised for its easy logistics, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making it a fuss-free way to enjoy Guangzhou’s nighttime beauty.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or small groups who prefer a relaxed, intimate evening outing.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour or Cruise in Guangzhou
Picking the right water experience depends on your priorities. For a luxurious and private evening with stunning skyline views, tours like the VIP Class Cruise stand out. If you’re on a budget or short on time, the 1-hour night cruise or roundtrip cruise from Canton Tower are excellent choices. For those seeking a cultural mix with sightseeing and culinary options, consider the full day tour or dim sum cruise combination.
Book early, especially for private and high-end experiences, and plan your tour around Guangzhou’s best lighting conditions—usually at sunset or after dark for the most dazzling views. Keep in mind your own fitness level and interests—a short cruise may suffice if you prefer a quick overview, while a private tour can provide a more comprehensive, relaxed evening.
Guangzhou’s waterways add a refreshing perspective to exploring the city. From romantic sunset views atop Canton Tower to intimate private cruises, there’s a water experience for every traveler. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a memorable way to see the city, these cruises and boat tours are worth booking early for a smooth, unforgettable experience.