This guide explains how to efficiently visit seven cities—Changsha, Xiamen, Guilin, Shantou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Qingyuan—on day trips starting from Guangzhou, by combining high-speed rail travel with local private car services. As one of China’s busiest transit hubs, Guangzhou boasts an extensive high-speed rail network. However, since attractions in the surrounding cities are often widely dispersed, relying solely on subways or taxis can lead to significant time wasted on navigating, waiting for transport, and traveling between destinations.
For this reason, we recommend the most efficient and hassle-free approach: departing from Guangzhou via high-speed rail and utilizing a private car service upon arrival at your destination.
Departing from Guangzhou: Things to Know Before You Go
Primary departure station: Guangzhou South Railway Station; it offers the highest frequency of trains and provides service to all the destinations mentioned in this article.
Arrival stations vary by city: Changsha South, Xiamen North, Guilin North/Guilin West, Shantou, Shenzhen North, Zhuhai, and Qingyuan (or Yingde West).
Document Requirements: Foreign travelers must use the original passport registered at the time of booking to purchase tickets and board trains. Upon entering the station, passengers are required to scan their passports and undergo facial recognition verification. Tickets may also be purchased using a passport via the English-language version of the China Railway 12306 website or mobile app.
Visa facilitation: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen offer a 144-hour visa-free transit policy, while Changsha and Guilin offer a 72-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing eligible travelers to take in a one-day excursion in the surrounding areas.
Travel Recommendations for Seven Cities
Route 1: Changsha
Fireworks over the Xiang River and the Cultural Heritage of the Hunan Region
Fastest departure station: Guangzhou South Railway Station | High-speed rail distance: 707 km | Fastest travel time: approx. 2 hours 21 minutes
Ideal for: First-time visitors to Hunan, food enthusiasts, and those who enjoy urban exploration and nightlife.
Route Highlights: This itinerary connects three of Changsha’s most iconic landmarks: the historic academy nestled at the foot of Mount Yuelu, Orange Isle in the middle of the Xiang River, and the vibrant local street scene—famed for its "stinky tofu" and the popular tea brand, Chayanyuese.
What is there to do in Changsha?
Yuelu Mountain and Yuelu Academy: Yuelu Academy is one of the four great academies of ancient China; admission is approximately 40 RMB, and a 1.5-hour visit is recommended. Ascending from the East Gate offers a panoramic view of Changsha, while the Aiwan Pavilion—located at the foot of the mountain—is free to visit.
Orange Isle (Juzizhou): Accessible directly via Metro Line 2, the island is home to the iconic statue of a young Mao Zedong and a scenic waterfront belt along the Xiangjiang River. Sightseeing trams are available on the island, offering a shaded and convenient way to get around; plan for about 2 hours here.
Pozi Street and Super Wenheyou: Pozi Street is a hub for historic, long-established eateries like Huogongdian (Fire Palace) and Shuangyanlou—be sure to try the "stinky tofu" and tangyou baba (sweet fried rice cakes). Super Wenheyou recreates the atmosphere of 1980s Changsha, making it a great spot for photos; it is best to visit outside of peak meal times to avoid long queues.
Recommended Itinerary: Changsha City Highlights Private Car Day Trip
Route 2: Xiamen
Gulangyu Island and Traditional Southern Fujian Flavors
Fastest departure station: Guangzhou South Railway Station | High-speed rail distance: approx. 616 km (to Xiamen North) | Fastest travel time: approx. 3 hours 18 minutes
Ideal for: First-time visitors to Xiamen who enjoy island strolls and architecture with a distinct Southeast Asian (Nanyang) flair.
Route Highlights: Xiamen brings together islands, international-style architecture, historic streets with covered walkways, and traditional Southern Fujian flavors—all within a half-hour drive.
What is there to do in Xiamen?
Gulangyu Island: Its greatest charm lies in the blend of historic architecture, sea views, and a unhurried pace of life. Located in the Siming District of Xiamen, this pedestrian-friendly island is the perfect place to spend half a day or a full day exploring at a leisurely pace.
Nanputuo Temple: A quintessential, thousand-year-old Buddhist temple in Xiamen, it sits against the backdrop of Wulao Peak and lies right next to Xiamen University. Featuring traditional Southern Fujian temple architecture and a rich Buddhist heritage, it is a wonderful place for a quiet, leisurely stroll.
Zengcuo'an is a lively, artsy fishing village in Xiamen, known for its street food, creative boutiques, and seaside strolls. Located right next to Huandao Road, it’s a perfect spot to visit in the evening—you can wander through its lanes before heading to the shore to watch the sunset.
Note: Trying to visit both Gulangyu and Xiamen city (Zhongshan Road, Shapowei) on the same day will be extremely rushed; for a one-day trip, it is recommended to focus solely on Gulangyu.
Recommended Itinerary: Gulangyu Island Tour Xiamen by Private Car
Route 3: Guilin
The Landscapes of the Li River and Guilin Rice Noodles
Fastest departure station: Guangzhou South Railway Station | High-speed rail distance: approx. 444–446 km (to Guilin West/Guilin North) | Fastest travel time: approx. 2 hours 18 minutes
Ideal for: Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. The most iconic section of the Li River is closer to Yangshuo; a day trip will require an early start and a late return.
Route Highlights: Experience the very soul of Guilin’s landscapes in the shortest amount of time—take a bamboo raft along the Li River from Yangdi to Xingping. This stretch of the river is also the setting featured on the back of the 20-yuan RMB banknote.
What is there to do in Guilin/Yangshuo?
Li River Bamboo Raft (Yangdi–Xingping Section): Four people per raft; positioned close to the water’s surface, this offers the most direct way to experience the karst peak landscape.
Xingping Ancient Town: A stopover along the most scenic stretch of the Li River; the old street is compact—perfect for a quick lunch and a leisurely stroll.
If time permits: Before heading back, you could make a quick stop in Guilin city to visit Elephant Trunk Hill.
Reminder: Guilin West Station is quite far from the city center; please confirm with your driver which station they will be picking you up from before you set off.
Recommended Itinerary:
Route 4: Shantou
The Old Town of Chaoshan and Beef Hot Pot
Fastest departure station: Guangzhou East Station | High-speed rail distance: approx. 409–436 km | Fastest travel time: approx 2 hours (Guangzhou East to Shantou Station)
Perfect for: Food enthusiasts and those who appreciate historic arcade-style streets (*qilou*) and the vibrant, down-to-earth atmosphere of local life. As a designated "Capital of Gastronomy" in China, Shantou is a destination where a one-day itinerary can—and should—revolve entirely around food.
Route Highlights: Experience the nostalgic, Nanyang-inspired charm of the "Small Park" (*Xiao Gongyuan*) district, and cap it off with a hot pot feast featuring freshly sliced beef—a combination that perfectly illustrates the old saying: "While the best food in China is found in Guangzhou, the finest flavors are to be discovered in Chaoshan."
What is there to do in Shantou?
Xiaogongyuan (Little Park) Arcade District: The heart of Shantou’s old town, featuring Nanyang-style merchant storefronts and intricate, vaulted arcade walkways—perfect for photography.
Guangchang (Square) Ferry: A 15-minute crossing across the inner bay. With a very low fare, it’s a quick and easy way to experience how Shantou’s urban landscape is intertwined with the sea.
Chaoshan Beef Hot Pot: Shantou is the birthplace of this iconic beef hot pot style.
Note: While Nan’ao Island is highly appealing, a round trip from the city center takes at least an additional two hours, making it difficult to combine with a food tour of the old town. For a one-day trip, it is recommended to focus solely on the old town route.
Recommended Itinerary:
Route 5: Shenzhen
A Tech-Forward Coastal Urban Living Room
Fastest departure station: Guangzhou South Station | High-speed rail distance: 102 km (to Shenzhen North) | Fastest travel time: approx. 29–33 minutes
Perfect for: Those who enjoy modern urban landscapes, tech-focused experiences, and Cantonese-style dim sum.
Route Highlights: From the "No. 1 Electronics Street in China" in Huaqiangbei to the coastline of Shenzhen Bay Park, and finally the vibrant nightlife of Sea World, a one-day trip to Shenzhen offers a firsthand look at "China speed."
What is there to do in Shenzhen?
Cantonese-style morning tea (yum cha): Visit long-established spots like Dian Dou De to enjoy staples such as shrimp dumplings (har gow), siu mai, and chicken feet—the quintessential way to experience Lingnan cuisine.
Huaqiangbei: A world-renowned electronics marketplace offering an exhaustive array of smart devices and digital products; it’s also a popular destination for international visitors looking to go on a "China haul."
Shenzhen Bay Park: Perfect for an evening bike ride or stroll along the coast. You can see Hong Kong just across the water, and the lighting is at its best during sunset.
Alternatives: The observation deck at the Ping An Finance Centre (offering superb views on clear days) or Lianhuashan Park, where you can watch the sunset over the city’s central axis.
Recommended Itinerary: Shenzhen City Highlights Tour by Private Car
Route 6: Zhuhai
Coastal Romance and the Ocean Kingdom
Fastest departure station: Guangzhou South Station | High-speed rail distance: 116 km (to Zhuhai Station) | Fastest travel time: approx. 1 hour 2 minutes
Suitable for: Couples and families.
For a one-day trip to Zhuhai, you must make a choice: the city’s coastline or the Chimelong resort in Hengqin—it is virtually impossible to cover both in a single day.
Route Highlights: Choosing the city route means visiting attractions that are almost entirely free of charge, with the "Lovers' Road" (Qinglv Road) connecting landmarks like the lighthouse, the Fisher Girl statue, and the "Sun and Moon Shell" (Zhuhai Grand Theatre). Alternatively, opting for Chimelong offers a full-day, immersive marine theme park experience.
Recommended for first-time visitors:
Love Post Office Lighthouse → Zhuhai Fisher Girl → City Balcony: These three spots form a linear route that is easily walkable; the golden light at dusk makes for the best photos.
Sun and Moon Shells (Zhuhai Grand Theatre): The only opera house in China built on the sea; the walking path around the island is free to access.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Hengqin: The Whale Shark Pavilion, Penguin Pavilion, Beluga Whale Show, and evening fireworks are the core experiences.
Food: Pork chop buns, Portuguese egg tarts, and beef offal in Gongbei, or local seafood at the Xiawan Night Market.
Route 7: Qingyuan
White-water rafting, hot springs, and Qingyuan chicken
Fastest departure station: Guangzhou South Station | High-speed rail distance: 83 km (to Qingyuan Station) | Fastest travel time: approx. 22–24 minutes
Ideal for: Those who enjoy outdoor thrills or relaxing in hot springs; also well-suited for short family getaways.
Route Highlights: Known as the "Home of Whitewater Rafting" and the "Capital of Hot Springs," Qingyuan offers the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation—you can go from navigating canyon rapids to enjoying fresh river delicacies from the Bei River, all in a single day.
What is there to do in Qingyuan?
White-water rafting at Gulongxia or Huangtengxia: Gulongxia is famous for its viral, social-media-friendly rafting course and a glass bridge overlooking a waterfall; Huangtengxia, meanwhile, features a greater vertical drop and is often hailed as the "gold standard" of rafting.
Qingyuan "White-Cut" Chicken (Boiled Chicken): Qingyuan chicken is the city’s most renowned local specialty. Preparing it "white-cut" style—simply boiled—best showcases its signature texture: crisp, firm skin and tender, succulent meat. A meal featuring a Qingyuan chicken hot pot or a plate of white-cut chicken is highly recommended for dinner.
Alternatives (if you prefer not to go rafting): The Yingxi Peak Forest, often called the "Guilin of Guangdong," is perfect for countryside hiking and photography, while the Lianzhou Underground River offers a cool, subterranean escape from the heat.
Recommended Itinerary: Guangzhou Gulong Gorge Day Trip Private Car
If you're interested in areas around Guangzhou such as Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Chaoshan, you can choose RideCN's one-day car rental service in Guangzhou to reduce travel time by taking the high-speed rail back and enjoy a more comfortable trip.
Start your efficient one-day trip around Guangzhou
A high-speed rail day trip from Guangzhou can be a relaxing, memorable, and highly efficient travel experience. The secret lies in choosing the right destination and a clear, central theme—then using a private vehicle to minimize the time spent traveling between the train station and your chosen attractions.
If you have your own preferred schedule or wish to focus on a specific landmark, please get in touch; we would be happy to craft a bespoke one-day excursion for you from Guangzhou.
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