In many parts of China, December marks the cold winter season, with some places even experiencing snowfall. But in Guangzhou, you can still enjoy sunny and warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities.
The average temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F) during the day, the skies are clear. Even in the evening, they rarely drop below 13°C (55°F).
December is one of the driest months of the year, with very little rainfall, only about 3-4 rainy days on average. You won't have to worry about rain affecting your plans.
What's more, December has no public holidays in China, so attractions are less crowded and hotel prices are relatively low, making it a great value time to visit.
7 Great Activities to Enjoy in December
With its clear skies and high visibility, December is perfect for outdoor exploration.
In addition to Guangzhou's classic landmarks like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yongqing Fang, and the Canton Tower, we've selected the following activities to help you experience the unique charm of December while making your itinerary richer and more diverse.
1. Guangzhou City Walk: Exploring the City's Past and Present
Yuexiu ParkSun Yat-sen Memorial HallDecember's mild weather is perfect for a city walk to discover Guangzhou's history and culture. In just a half day, you can trace over 2,000 years of the city's story on foot. Here's a suggested route.
You could start at the main entrance of Yuexiu Park and head first to the Five Rams Statue. The city's name, "Guangzhou," is said to originate from the legend of five immortals riding rams bearing grain. Then, follow the ancient city wall uphill, walking on bricks from the Ming dynasty. Climb up to Zhenhai Tower (Guangzhou Museum), and from its five-story structure, take in a panoramic view of the city.
Coming down from the hill and exiting through the south gate of Yuexiu Park, you'll see the blue-glazed tile building across the street: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Step inside, look up at the colorful paintings on the dome, and sit among the over 4,000 red seats to imagine the stirring gatherings once held here.
Walk a few minutes down Jiefang North Road, and you'll reach the Museum of the Nanyue King. Step into the original tomb chamber of Zhao Mo, the Nanyue King who ruled Guangzhou more than 2,000 years ago, and marvel at the Jade Suit Sewn with Silk Threads (a burial garment pieced together from over 2,000 jade plaques).
After visiting these three places, you'll surely gain a deeper appreciation for Guangzhou's rich history and culture.
2. Appreciate the First Bloom of Plum Blossoms
Plum blossoms at Luogang Xiangxue ParkIf you're visiting Guangzhou after mid-December, don't miss the plum blossoms at Luogang Xiangxue Park (40-minute drive from downtown). With over 3,000 plum trees in full bloom, the hillsides are covered in a sea of red and white flowers, perfect for stunning photos. It's an annual winter tradition for locals in Guangzhou.
The best time to enjoy the blossoms is from mid-December to mid-January. For the softest light for great photos, visit before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM.
The classic route starts at Meixiang Lake. Stroll slowly along the lakeside, where the plum groves are densest, making it ideal for walking and photographing. You can even wear Hanfu (Han-style clothing) and pose under the trees for a full ancient-style atmosphere.
Beyond Meixiang Lake, there's an open lawn where many people spread out picnic mats, sip tea, and enjoy snacks surrounded by plum blossoms, a wonderfully relaxing scene. The entire visit takes about 2–3 hours, letting you take in the best of the park.
3. Climb Up Baiyun Mountain and Enjoy the Red Autumn Foliage
Baiyun MountainIf you missed the golden leaves of the bald cypress in November, December is the perfect time to see them turn red. Each year, thousands of bald cypress trees shift from golden yellow to orange-red, and finally to a vibrant rust color. Locals in Guangzhou know that December at Baiyun Mountain is the city's most exquisite romantic escape.
Baiyun Mountain has three main entrances: South, West, and North. The most scenic routes are from the South Gate and North Gate. I recommend entering from the South Gate, as the North Gate route involves climbing over 800 steps, many of which are quite steep and require more effort. The South Gate path is gentler, making it more suitable for families with elderly members or children. Plus, there's a cable car at the South Gate if you'd rather skip the hike.
The best spots to view the red leaves are around Huangpodong Lake and Mingzhu Tower, about a 1.5-hour hike from the South Gate. The foliage is at its peak color in mid-to-late December. I suggest visiting on a sunny afternoon around 3:00 PM, when the sunlight starts to slant, filtering through the red leaves and shimmering on the water, making the entire forest glow. Read more about how to visit Baiyun Mountain.
4. Discover Xiguan and Explore Local Life in Old Guangzhou
With its cool, pleasant weather, December is the perfect time for a city walk through old Guangzhou (Xiguan) to immerse yourself in the daily life of locals.
Here, you won't find towering skyscrapers, instead, you'll wander through historic arcade buildings filled with a vibrant, lived-in atmosphere (elderly people gathered around stone benches playing chess, or doing morning exercises and tai chi in small squares).
Since Guangzhou's top historical site, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is located near Xiguan, I recommend visiting it first in the morning. With its centuries-old architecture and gardens, you can explore the intricate brick and wood carvings that reveal the family values and heritage of local people.
After visiting the ancestral hall, walking about 20 minutes to the culinary heart of Xiguan. From time-honored shops to family-run stalls in the alleyways, the craftsmanship and long-standing tradition behind Xiguan's cuisine will not disappoint your taste buds.
Take Chen Tianji's Cantonese fish skin (my favorite), for example, four generations of persistence in hand-scraping fish have earned it consistent praise from diners.
There's no fixed route for a Xiguan city walk. You can explore different neighborhoods based on your food preferences. If you'd rather skip the detailed food research, consider our 3-Day Guangzhou Food Tour. Our guide will take you to taste authentic local delicacies across Xiguan.
5. Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Canton Tower
Canton TowerIf you're visiting Guangzhou at the end of December, don't miss the chance to ring in the New Year with thousands of people at the Canton Tower. As midnight approaches, cheers rise like a tide, and the crowd shouts "Happy New Year!" toward the tower.
On New Year's Eve, traffic control begins around the Canton Tower area from 5:00 PM, with some nearby roads likely closed. I recommend taking the subway to Canton Tower Station, then walking about ten minutes to the viewing plaza beneath the tower.
If you're worried about the crowds and would rather not join the throng, I suggest booking a New Year's Eve cruise (from 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM). The cruise will depart from Tianzi Pier and sail to Canton Tower Pier. When the boat reaches the Canton Tower, you can comfortably sit on the deck and celebrate the New Year with fellow passengers.
Since New Year's Eve cruise spots are limited, I recommend booking your tickets at least two weeks in advance. For the best experience, opt for VIP seats on the deck. Contact us to tailormake your New Year's Eve Tour in Guangzhou.
6. Spend a Day in Foshan: Learn Kung Fu and Watch Lion Dance
Watch Lion Dance in FoshanLearn Kung Fu in FoshanJust an hour's drive from Guangzhou, you would head to Foshan, the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu and lion dance. Here, you can experience the charm of martial arts and learn some basic lion dance techniques. This is an opportunity that many Chinese people don't even have these days.
You would first visit the former residence of Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man to witness the legacy and historical background of Wing Chun. Try to feel the deep master-disciple bond between Ip Man and Bruce Lee.
Afterwards, under the personal guidance of a Wing Chun inheritor, you'll take part in a one-hour hands-on session, experiencing firsthand the essence of Wing Chun's "speed to defeat the enemy" and appreciating the practicality and philosophy of martial arts.
After that, head to a lion dance cultural center to enjoy a live lion dance performance. You can even lift the lion head yourself and learn some basic moves.
Since the Kung Fu class requires advance booking (at least one week), if you're interested in learning martial arts, please contact us in advance to make a reservation.
7. Enjoy a Hot Spring Retreat and Soothe Your Travel Fatigue
Conghua Hot SpringIn Guangzhou's winter, Conghua Hot Spring is like local people's backyard. Just an hour's drive, you'll find yourself in this "natural heater." The springs here contain rare radon-containing bicarbonate springs, leaving your skin smooth and comfortable after soaking. It's especially perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating after a tiring journey.
Located by the Liuxi River, the Conghua Hot Spring Resort features beautiful garden landscapes and several hot spring hotels. After comparing user reviews and facilities across multiple hot spring hotels, my top recommendation is the five-star, Dusit Thai Li Hot Spring Hotel. They offer over 30 hot spring pools, including SPA pools, children's play pools, and a full range of dining and entertainment facilities.
You can also choose the VIP villa area, which offers greater privacy. The villas come with private hot spring pools and garden courtyards, making them ideal for families or small groups.
What to Wear in Guangzhou in December
The golden rule for December in Guangzhou: layer up, and layer smart. The temperature between morning and afternoon can change sharply.
- Early December (1st–10th): Daytime still feels mild and pleasant. A long-sleeve shirt or thin sweater is usually enough for afternoons, with a light jacket or cardigan for the mornings and evenings. You won't need anything heavier unless a cold front rolls through.
- Mid-December (11th–20th): This is when layering becomes essential. A long-sleeve top or light turtleneck, knit sweater, and long trousers are needed.
- Late December (21st–31st): Pack a proper winter coat for late December. Mornings and evenings can genuinely feel cold, especially when a cold front is passing through. Thermal underlayers are worth having if you're sensitive to the cold or plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
Traveling to Guangzhou With China Highlights
Whether you want to explore Guangzhou's iconic landmarks or dive deeper into its cultural life, we can tailor a personalized itinerary just for you. Planning a trip to Guangzhou in December? Contact us now and leave the complicated planning to us, just sit back and enjoy a comfortable journey.