Canton Tower (Guangzhou Tower)广州塔
Canton Tower, 'Xiao Man Yao' (Slim Waist), rises 600 m at Chigang in Haizhu — 454 m body plus 146 m antenna, China's third-tallest tower, hyperboloid shell.
Guangzhou · Visitor Guide2026-10-27
Quick Answer
Is Canton Tower (Guangzhou Tower) worth visiting?
Guangzhou's 'Slim Waist' icon stands 600 m tall, with a rooftop Ferris wheel and Sky Drop; observation tickets from CNY 107. The Pearl River night panorama is unbeatable.
Quick facts
| Ticket | From CNY 107 (observation tickets vary by deck); Ferris Wheel extra CNY 180; Sky Drop CNY 150 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 09:30-23:00 (last entry 22:30) |
| Recommended duration | Allow 1.5-3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Climb before sunset to catch day and night views in one visit; light show nightly 19:00-22:00, on the half hour |
| How to get there | Metro Line 3 to Canton Tower Station Exit A, about a 5-minute walk; or the APM line to Canton Tower station |
| English signage | |
| Wheelchair accessible | |
| Height | 600 m (the world's third-tallest observation tower) |
| Completed | 2010 |
| Nickname | Slim Waist (Xiao Man Yao) |
| Location | Chigang, Haizhu District |
| Distinction | World's highest open-air Ferris wheel |
What to expect
Canton Tower stands on Yuejiang West Road in Haizhu District, where Guangzhou's new central axis meets the Pearl River scenic axis. Designed under Academician He Jingtang — the architect behind the China Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo — it rises 600 m in all: a 454 m tower body and a 146 m antenna mast. The form twists like a girl glancing back over her shoulder, slimming to a waist a little over 30 m across — the most famous silhouette on the city's skyline. Attractions include the seated observation car, the 488 Platform, the Ferris wheel and the Sky Drop ride.
The observation decks stack at three heights: the White Cloud Observation Hall on level 107 (171 m), the Starry Observation Hall on level 108 (424 m), and the rooftop platform at 450 m. The 488 Platform is outdoors — you stand outside the tower's skin with the city spread underfoot, a breathtaking view. Higher still, the rooftop Ferris wheel — the world's highest — turns at 424 m; tickets CNY 180. There is also the Sky Drop (a 450 m free-fall experience, seriously thrilling). After dark the Slim Waist cycles through its colours — the defining image of Guangzhou's night skyline.
Practical notes: buy tickets ahead on the official app or e-commerce platforms — on holidays the on-site queue can run past two hours. Time your visit for 1-2 hours before sunset and you get day and night views in one trip, with the best photo light. It is windy at the top — bring a layer. The 450 m Sky Drop is ticketed separately and not advised for children under 1.4 m or visitors over 60. Haixinsha Park and Huacheng Square at the tower's base round out the outing.
How to get there
Metro Line 3 to Canton Tower Station Exit A, or the APM tram direct to Canton Tower station. From Guangzhou South railway station, Line 2 to Haizhu Square then Line 3, about 40 minutes. From Baiyun Airport, Line 3 North Extension to Tiyu Xilu then Line 3, about 50 minutes.
Best photo spots
- Huacheng Square (the tower against the CBD skyline)
- Haixinsha Park (the tower reflected in the water)
- From a Pearl River night-cruise boat (Slim Waist over the river)
- By the windows on level 107 (city lights)
- The 488 rooftop platform (aerial shots)
Tips
- Buy ahead on the official WeChat mini-program and enter in the sunset window (17:00-18:30)
- The 488 open platform is wind-blasted — wrap up in winter, use sunscreen in summer
- The rooftop Ferris wheel is wonderfully romantic for couples, but queues can be long
- Huacheng Square nearby is packed with food; eat before or after your night view
- Holiday tickets sell out — book 3-5 days ahead
Scams to avoid
- Third-party platform tickets can be cheaper but may require redemption before 14:00 on the day — read the terms before buying
- Photographers at the tower's base may push overpriced photos — your phone is enough
Frequently asked questions
Are Canton Tower and the Guangzhou TV Tower the same?
Yes — Canton Tower is also known as the Guangzhou TV Tower; its official name is Canton Tower, nicknamed Slim Waist for its shape.
How long does a visit take?
About 1-1.5 hours if you skip the rides; allow 2-3 hours with the Ferris wheel or Sky Drop.
How far can you see from the tower?
In clear weather you can pick out Foshan, Dongguan and Zhongshan across the delta — even Baiyun Mountain on the horizon.
Can children and seniors go up?
Observation is unrestricted, but the Ferris wheel and Sky Drop require a minimum height of 1.4 m and an age under 60.
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