With self-drive holidays originating from Hong Kong being easier than ever, there are many family-friendly tourist attractions that cater to different interests in Guangdong Province.
From wildlife parks to cultural experiences, here are some we found in our research:
1. Chimelong Safari Park
In Guangzhou, this expansive safari park is home to pandas, giraffes, and more. It's highly rated for family visits due to its interactive experiences and educational programs. The park also
features a small train ride and various animal shows, making it a superb choice for children and parents alike.
- Website: https://www.chimelong.com/
- Distance: Approximately 130 km (81 miles)
- Travel Time: About 2-3 hours
2. Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort
This resort includes multiple attractions,such as a theme park and water park, providing a full day of entertainment. Families can enjoy thrilling rides, live performances, and opportunities to interact with animals. The resort is popular for its variety of activities suitable for all ages.
- Website: https://www.chimelong.com/
- Distance: Approximately 150 km (93 miles)
- Travel Time: About 2-3 hours
3. Window of the World
In Shenzhen, this theme park features miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the globe, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China and offers a unique opportunity
for families to explore different cultures and histories in one location, along with amusement rides and performances.
- Tickets: Klook
- Distance: Approximately 180 km (112 miles)
- Travel Time: About 3-4 hours
4. Splendid China Folk Village
Also, in Shenzhen, this attraction combines a miniature park with cultural exhibitions. It showcases replicas of China's historical sites and ethnic villages, providing educational insights into the
country's diverse cultures. Daily performances enhance the experience, making it both fun and informative for families.
- Tickets: Klook
- Distance: Approximately 180 km (112 miles)
- Travel Time: Also around 3-4 hours
5. Shenzhen Happy Valley
This large amusement park offers a variety of rides and entertainment options, including themed areas and live shows. It's designed to cater to all age groups, ensuring that both younger children and older family members can find enjoyable activities.
- Tickets: Klook
- Distance: Approximately 180 km (112 miles)
- Travel Time: About 3-4 hour
6. Pearl River Night Cruise
For a more relaxed family outing, the Pearl River Night Cruise offers stunning views of Guangzhou's skyline illuminated at night. This scenic cruise is a fantastic way to experience the city's beauty and enjoy a peaceful evening together.
- Tickets: Klook
- Distance: Approximately 150 km (93 miles)
- Travel Time: About 2-3 hours
7. Guangzhou Yuexiu Park
This park is perfect for families looking to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, and features beautiful landscapes, historical monuments, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal spot for picnics and leisurely strolls.
- Reviews: TripAdvisor
- Distance: Approximately 130 km (81 miles)
- Travel Time: About 2-3 hours.
8. Baiyun Mountain
Known for its natural beauty, Baiyun Mountain is a great destination for families who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. The park offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature, making it a refreshing escape from the city.
- More Info: ChinaHighlights
- Distance: Approximately 130 km (81 miles)
- Travel Time: About 2-3 hours.
Self-Drive Holidays: Freedom, Flexibility,and the Greater Bay Area
The self-drive holiday, once a niche option for the adventurous, is poised for a major boom. The pieces are finally falling into place, creating the perfect storm for a surge in independent travel.
With the rise of accessible navigation apps, the convenience of online booking platforms, and the growing popularity of off-the-beaten-path destinations, the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive trip are now within reach for everyone.
No longer constrained by rigid itineraries or group tours, you can have your own experiences, explore at their own pace, and discover hidden treasures that traditional tourism often overlooks.
From Hong Kong With (Self-Drive) Love
For Hong Kong car owners, the HK-Zhuhai-Macao mega bridge and tunnel marvel opens the door to a world of possibilities for self-drive holidays, allowing drivers to cross borders and explore the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences of the Greater Bay Area.
No longer a fringe concept, the self-drive holiday is now a mainstream option, especially for those seeking a unique and personalized adventure across the Pearl River Delta.
If you are interested in reading about the process required to drive in China from Hong Kong, this explainer from the South China Morning Post is worth reading.
A note about travel times. These are all estimated and depends on traffic, weather, and specific routes taken. Most highways require a toll payment. All Hong Kong registered cars must use the far right lane (as at July 2024). ePayment and cash accepted. Service stations are along major highways.
[Saying that, we found ourselves on a brand new highway once and it was so new that there weren't any road signs or petrol stations along the way.]
We are not affiliated with Klook, or any company mentioned in this post.
About Ivan Theodoulou
Ivan Theodoulou is founder of Eight PR, a PR agency in Hong Kong that specializes in tech, law, and corporate PR. He first visited China in 1987 by train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou and has since traveled extensively on the mainland and in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Ivan passed his China driving test in March 2024 and now drives regularly in the GBA.
Places visited in China (by self-drive, car, plane, train, high speed train, ferry, coach, bus) include: Beijing, Beijou, Chengdu, Dali, Daya Bay, Dongguan, Foshan, Ganzhou, Gaoming, Guangzhou, Hainan, Hailing Island, Heishan, Huizhou, Junan, Kunming, Lijang, Longjiang, Nanhai, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Shilin Yi, Shunde, Wuzhou, Xiamen, Yingde, Yinghe, Zhuhai, Zhaoqing.
Read our posts on a driving holiday in China, and about the marvel that is the Hong Kong - Macau - Zhuhai Bridge.