Unique Sights Throughout Guangdong, China

Explore the province beyond the cities, one stop at a time.

When people picture Guangdong, it’s usually the glass towers of Shenzhen or the business districts of Guangzhou that come to mind. And while those cities are packed with interesting tourism features, they barely scratch the surface. Teaching anywhere in Guangdong gives you something most travelers never get: time to explore the province’s quieter, lesser-known gems.

Whether you’re into mountain views, historic river towns, or handcrafted art, Guangdong has a lot to offer.

Hike the Red Cliffs of Danxia Mountain

UNESCO World Heritage views in northern Guangdong

Located in Shaoguan, northern Guangdong, Danxia Mountain (丹霞山) is one of the most striking landscapes in China. Think towering red sandstone cliffs, narrow ravines, and rock formations that look like they were pulled from another planet. The landscape was formed through a combination of tectonic uplift followed by centuries of weather erosion.

Sunrise and sunset are especially memorable here. The reddish rocks shift from orange to gold to deep maroon as the light changes. The trails are well-marked, making it a great weekend hike for teachers based anywhere in the province.

Danxia Mountain is a UNESCO Global Geopark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Step Back in Time in Chikan Ancient Town

Old Cantonese architecture meets traditional riverside charms

Tucked away along the Tan River in Kaiping, Chikan Ancient Town feels like a snapshot from the Qing Dynasty. Its most famous feature includes rows of Qilou buildings, which are arcaded shop-houses influenced by both Cantonese and overseas Chinese design. Chikan town was founded in the year 1649 and was originally part of Xinhui County. Due to it being surrounded by the Tan River on all sides, it thrived in waterway transport until the silting of the Tan River in the 20th century.

Wander the quiet alleyways, stop at a riverside teahouse, and browse local markets for souvenirs and snacks. The area is famous for over 600 late-Qing and early-Republic sites and the famed Chikan Studio City portion of town, which has been used for filming historical scenes. Some famous films featuring the area include The Grandmaster and Drunken Master II. 

Experience the Art of Ceramics in Foshan

A 5,000-year-old tradition endures

If you’re teaching in or around Foshan, don’t miss a visit to the Shiwan Ceramics Market. This city has been producing pottery for over five millennia, and today it remains a hotspot for both professional artists and curious visitors. This area has more than one hundred shops selling both Chinese and modern styles ceramics with a wide variety of sizes and colors available for shoppers.

Here, you’ll find handcrafted teapots, sculptures, tiles, and porcelain goods sold by local masters. Many workshops even let you try your hand at making your own ceramic piece. The market is located in the Shiwan District of Foshan, which is also home to the Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum.

Shiwan Art Pottery, also known as Shekwan ware, remains a vital part of the Chinese traditional culture. Shiwan ware has been a vital feature in Chinese folk ceramic art since the Tang and Song Dynasties (618-906AD). It especially flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Shiwan craftsmen are well-known for their glazing techniques and unique forms which create singular piece of art, making each piece singular and distinct.

Your Adventure Starts with a Teaching Job

See more of China with the right support

At China Link ESL, we don’t just connect you with reliable schools in Guangdong—we help you build a life that includes real travel, real people, and real experiences. With guaranteed housing, paid holidays, and a schedule that allows for short trips, you’ll have time to explore everything this province has to offer.

So yes, you’ll be teaching—but in your downtime, you’ll be doing a lot more.