The Canton Tower, also known as Canton Television Tower, dominates the southern bank of the Pearl River at 604 metres. Inaugurated in 2010 in the Haizhu district, it combines broadcasting antenna, observation platforms and panoramic attractions, and stands as the vertical landmark of Canton's skyline.

Why climb Canton Tower

The tower offers one of the broadest urban panoramas in southern Chine, with a direct view over the business district Zhujiang New Town, the Pearl River and the dense urban fabric of the metropolis. Its hyperboloid silhouette, designed by architects Mark Hemel and Barbara Kuit, also makes it an architectural object in its own right: a stretched and twisted tube whose columns taper from the 66^th floor, forming what is often compared to a concrete bird's nest.

The interest is twofold: enjoy the view by day as well as at dusk, when the LED lighting system covers the entire structure and shifts from green to blue, from pink to yellow.

History and architecture

Built from 2009 onwards, the tower opened to the public on 29 September 2010, during the Asian Games held in Canton. It replaced the city's previous television transmission tower and became, for a few years, one of the world's tallest tower buildings.

Its hyperboloid structure rests on two ellipses offset at top and bottom, which creates the characteristic twist of the shaft. The 66^th floor marks the narrowest constriction point before the tower widens again towards its summit antenna.

What to see and do in the tower

Observation decks

• Intermediate levels: 360° views over the Pearl River and the city centre from the lower and middle floors, accessible with the standard entrance ticket.
• Observation 450 and Observation 488: two upper observation decks that long held the Guinness World Record as the world's highest observation centres.
• Floors 107 and 108: platforms known as "cloud observation" and "star observation", popular at sunset.

Summit attractions

• Bubble Tram: giant wheel installed on the roof at 454 metres, made up of 16 glass bubbles arranged in an inclined ellipse. A unique attraction of its kind.
• Sky Drop: free fall tower located at the summit, for thrill-seekers.
• 4D projection room on the 22^nd floor, dedicated to short films combining images, movement and sensory effects.

Dining and services

Several restaurants are spread throughout the tower, including Chopstix, which offers a menu of Cantonese and Western cuisine. The lower levels house shops, ticket office and waiting areas.

Practical information

• Opening hours: the tower is open daily, generally from late morning until evening. Hours vary by season and summit attractions: check before you visit.
• Admission: several ticket options are available, from access to intermediate decks to combined passes including the Bubble Tram and 488 m decks. Budget a modest fee for basic access, and significantly more for the full summit pass.
• Duration of visit: allow 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the number of attractions you choose.
• Booking: recommended at weekends and during peak season, particularly for the Bubble Tram where time slots are limited.

When to visit the tower

Canton has a humid subtropical climate. The months of October to December generally offer the best visibility, with drier air and less haze. Summer, hot and stormy, can limit the panorama. The most popular time is late afternoon through early evening: you can watch the sunset over the Pearl River, then the progressive lighting up of the tower's LED lights and the Zhujiang New Town district.

How to get there

• Metro: Line 3, Chigang Pagoda station (exit A), a few minutes' walk from the tower.
• APM Metro: automatic light rail connecting Zhujiang New Town to the tower via a dedicated station, convenient from the northern business district across the river.
• Bus: several routes serve the Dijingyuan Zhujiang stop, in immediate proximity. From the stop, follow Yiyuan Road or the Pearl River banks.
• On foot: from Zhujiang New Town, you can cross the river via the Liede footbridge or take one of the ferries that operate on the Pearl River.

What to see nearby

The tower sits in an area dense with points of interest. Chigang Pagoda, an immediate neighbour, is a nine-storey Ming edifice dating from when southern Chine concentrated its navigation landmarks. Opposite, on the north bank, the Zhujiang New Town district lines up contemporary skyscrapers, Canton Opera designed by Zaha Hadid and the Guangdong Provincial Museum. To further explore the city, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial and the ancient alleyways of the Liwan district complete a Canton visit. The complete Canton guide details other possible stops.

Frequently asked questions

Include Canton Tower in your trip

Canton Tower can easily be visited in half a day, preferably combined with a walk along the Pearl River banks or exploration of Zhujiang New Town. To build a tailor-made itinerary incorporating Canton and southern Chine, check out our Chine travel suggestions.