Guangzhou is a city that lights up after sunset, and its dinner experiences are just as vibrant as its daytime sights. Known for its spectacular skyline, delicious Cantonese cuisine, and scenic riverfronts, Guangzhou offers a variety of ways to enjoy your evening meal. We especially like the Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner for its panoramic views and authentic flavors, and the Pearl River Night Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner for a relaxed water-based perspective of the city’s dazzling lights. But whether you want to ascend the tallest TV tower or glide along the Pearl River, there’s a memorable option for everyone.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the best dinner excursions, each offering a different way to experience Guangzhou’s nightlife—whether that’s from above, on the water, or in a traditional restaurant setting.
1. Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner
At number one, we recommend the Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner. For around $176 per person, this 3 to 4-hour experience combines the thrill of ascending the city’s tallest structure with a delicious Cantonese meal. The tour kicks off with a friendly local guide picking you up, then driving along the Pearl River to the iconic Canton Tower.
What makes this tour special is the chance to ride the fast lift up to 433 meters and step onto the star observation deck for sweeping 360-degree views of Guangzhou’s skyline. If you’re feeling adventurous, the optional outdoor sky tram at 460 meters offers an even more thrilling panorama. Guests often mention the spectacular night views and the chance to see the city all lit up. After soaking in the scenery, you’ll enjoy a traditional Cantonese dinner at a well-established restaurant dating back to the 1880s, which adds a layer of cultural authenticity.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive night experience—combining spectacular views, an iconic landmark, and authentic local cuisine—all in one seamless package. The reviews reflect that it’s both informative and fun, with a strong emphasis on personalization.
Bottom Line: This is the best choice if you want a high-altitude view combined with fine Cantonese cuisine and a private, intimate atmosphere.
2. Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option
At number two, the Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner offers a relaxing water-based perspective of the city. For about $146, this 3 to 4-hour tour begins with hotel pick-up, then takes you to board a comfortable sightseeing boat on the Pearl River.
Once aboard, you’ll cruise past illuminated landmarks like the Canton Tower, IFC, Haixin Sha, and Zhujiang New Town. The cruise itself is a highlight, providing the perfect setting to see Guangzhou’s skyline shimmer at night—something photos can’t quite capture. After the cruise, you’ll head to a local Cantonese restaurant for a delicious Dim-Sum dinner, which is often praised as a genuine cultural experience. Guests particularly appreciate the convenience of private transfer and the chance to combine scenic water views with authentic regional cuisine.
This tour is ideal for those who prefer a laid-back evening and want to enjoy the city’s lights from the water, rather than from high above. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy cruising and good food without the need to ascend towers or walk long distances.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a gentle, scenic introduction to Guangzhou’s nightscape paired with a classic Dim-Sum meal.
3. Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner
Number three on our list is the Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner. This around $110 tour balances sightseeing and dining, offering a flexible 2 to 4-hour experience. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors or those on a tighter schedule who want to cover multiple highlights comfortably.
The tour includes a private vehicle to see landmarks like the Guangzhou Library, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Baiyuan Mountain, and the oldest Buddhist temple—all with insights from your guide. After visiting these sights, you’ll head to the Canton Tower Wharf for a short walk, then enjoy an evening Dim-Sum lunch at a traditional restaurant. Later, you board the Pearl River cruise to see the city’s illuminated skyline, including the Canton Tower and Guangzhou Opera House—a highlight for many guests.
Guests appreciate the hassle-free nature of this tour, which combines sightseeing, cultural insights, and a scenic cruise. It’s best suited for those who want a well-rounded introduction without dedicating an entire evening.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a mix of cultural sightseeing and a scenic river cruise in a flexible timeframe.
4. Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise
Finally, at number four, the Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise offers a comprehensive evening for about $199. This 4-hour experience combines both a traditional dim sum feast and a cruise along the Pearl River—a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy two classic Guangzhou activities in one evening.
Your evening begins with hotel pickup, leading you to Dian Dou De, one of Guangzhou’s most beloved dim sum restaurants. You’ll sample a variety of shrimp dumplings, shaomai, walnuts buns, and other regional favorites, paying homage to Cantonese cuisine’s rich flavors. After dinner, you’ll transfer to the Pearl River for a night cruise, where you’ll see landmarks like the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House illuminated beautifully at night. The tour offers a relaxed pacing and the chance to see the city’s skyline from the water—an ideal way to cap off your evening.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a dining highlight combined with a scenic cruise, and don’t mind a slightly longer evening. It’s perfect for food lovers and those wanting a comprehensive Guangzhou night experience.
Bottom Line: A good value for those wanting both authentic Cantonese dim sum and a scenic Pearl River cruise in one evening.
How to Choose Your Perfect Dinner Experience in Guangzhou
When selecting the best dinner experience, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want breathtaking city views from above, go for the Canton Tower. For a relaxing water-based outing, the Pearl River cruise is perfect. If you prefer a balanced tour with sightseeing and a local meal, the Pearl River & sightseeing combo offers flexibility. And for an all-in-one experience with authentic dim sum and river views, the full dinner and cruise tour balances dining and scenery well.
Think about your fitness level and preferred pace—the towering observation decks require walking and some height comfort, while cruises are more laid-back. Also, check the best times to go—evenings after 6 pm offer the full impact of Guangzhou’s lights, especially on clear, cool nights. Book early, as these tours tend to fill up, especially during peak travel seasons.
Guangzhou’s dinner options are as diverse as its skyline. Whether you ascend to the stars at Canton Tower or drift along the Pearl River, you’re in for memorable evenings filled with spectacular views, delicious cuisine, and a taste of local life. For a high-altitude experience, the Canton Tower tour is hard to beat. If you want to relax on the water, the VIP cruise or the combined cruise and dim sum are excellent choices. Whichever you pick, Guangzhou’s evenings promise authentic flavors and unforgettable sights—just remember to book early!