What's included in the all-inclusive price?

The tour includes private vehicle transportation from your Guangzhou hotel, all entrance fees to Lotus Hill and Shawan, lunch at a local restaurant, and the guide's services throughout the 8-hour itinerary.

When should I visit to see lotus flowers blooming?

Lotus flowers bloom between May and August. Summer months (June–July) typically show the fullest bloom. Visits outside this window will show the park's landscaping and architecture but without flowering lotus.

How much walking is involved?

Expect 3–4 hours of moderate walking split between Lotus Hill's pathways and Shawan's cobblestone lanes and staircases. The terrain is accessible but uneven; comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential.

Is the tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, families with older children (ages 6+) will manage well. Younger children may find the walking duration and uneven terrain in Shawan challenging. The coastal views and historic temples generally appeal to children aged 8 and above.

What is ginger milk and where can I try it?

Ginger milk is a traditional Cantonese specialty—fresh ginger steeped in warm milk, naturally sweet and aromatic. It's freshly prepared in Shawan Old Town and is difficult to find elsewhere in Guangzhou, making it a signature tasting experience on this tour.

What if I have dietary restrictions for lunch?

Notify the operator in advance of any dietary requirements (vegetarian, allergies, etc.). They will arrange appropriate dishes at the local restaurant or recommend nearby alternatives.

All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou 1

All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou 2

All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou 3

All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou 4

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Top Deal1 / 5

All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou

Top Deal

1 / 5

All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou

(3)

Guangzhou, China

Sightseeing Tours

About this activity

Escape Guangzhou's urban core on a curated 8-hour private tour combining coastal natural beauty at Lotus Hill with cultural immersion in Shawan, a 800-year-old Song Dynasty settlement. This all-inclusive day covers two distinct landscapes—a scenic stone-quarry-turned-park with historic Buddhist monuments and a labyrinthine old town frozen in time, complete with authentic Cantonese cuisine.

At 8 am, you will be picked up from your centrally located Guangzhou hotel, and take a private vehicle to Lotus Hill. The park covers an area of 2.33 sqm, with a fantastic view of the ocean. It used to be the stone factory to ship the stones to Guangzhou in the ancient time. There are pretty lotus in the pool blossoming in summer, and the huge Guanyin Statue facing to the ocean is very impressive.

Afterwards, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

Shawan is an old town in the south suburb of Guangzhou, which started in the Song Dynasty about 800 years ago. There are still well-preserved old houses in the town and lots of local snacks. You can wander around the lanes to visit the temple, institute, family temple etc. and taste local ginger milk.

Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel where the wonderful day tour concludes.

Highlights

✓Lotus Hill's 2.33 km² waterfront park with blooming lotus pools and commanding ocean views
✓Massive seaside Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara) statue, a landmark visible across the coastline
✓Shawan Old Town: 800-year-old preserved architecture and narrow lanes untouched by modernisation
✓Local lunch at a traditional Cantonese restaurant included in the tour
✓Temple, ancestral hall, and historic institute visits within Shawan's heritage district
✓Signature ginger milk (fresh-made local drink) tasting experience

Insider tips

★Visit Lotus Hill in summer (May–August) when lotus flowers are in full bloom; winter visits see the park green but flowers dormant.
★Wear comfortable walking shoes for Shawan's uneven cobblestone lanes and temple stairs; sturdy footwear handles the terrain better than casual trainers.
★Arrive early at Lotus Hill before crowds; the Guanyin statue and ocean views are most photogenic in morning light.
★Try the fresh ginger milk immediately—it's best consumed warm and is a signature Shawan speciality unavailable elsewhere in Guangzhou.

Good to know

•Private vehicle pickup from centrally located Guangzhou hotels at 8 am; confirm your hotel address with the operator 24 hours prior.
•All-inclusive pricing covers transportation, lunch, and entrance fees—no additional food or entry costs.
•The tour involves moderate walking: approximately 1–2 hours across Lotus Hill's pathways and 1.5–2 hours exploring Shawan's lanes; not suitable for those with severe mobility restrictions.
•Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water; Lotus Hill offers limited shade and the coastal area has strong sun exposure.
•Return to hotel approximately 4–5 pm; exact timing depends on traffic and group pace.

Who it's for

Culture and history enthusiasts interested in Song Dynasty heritage and preserved Cantonese architectureNature lovers seeking coastal parks and botanical gardens near major citiesFood-focused travellers wanting to experience authentic local Cantonese cuisine and regional specialities like ginger milkPhotographers looking for scenic coastal landmarks and atmospheric old-town imagery

Best time to visit

Late spring through early autumn (May–September) showcases Lotus Hill's signature blooming season and warmest weather. Early morning departures (8 am) maximise daylight and avoid peak afternoon heat and crowds in Shawan's narrow lanes.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Ines B.

Mar 2026

our guide Hassan had so many stories and the frescoes inside the chapel was the highlight, and blew our Cape Town one out of the water.

Carlos D.

Mar 2025

our guide Yusuf sorted everything for us and the view from the old fort ramparts was the highlight. Booked it for my birthday so it wasnt too busy. Booked it for my birthday, and great if youre not super fit, and skipped two ticket queues. Would book again no question, def recommend

Ines K.

Jan 2025

our guide Lucia really knew their stuff and the view from the old fort ramparts was the highlight ... Last day of the trip so it wasnt too busy. Honestly better than the tour we did in paris last year, and over easter break. Would book again no question.

from€342.61€340/ person

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