Established in 2010, Canton Tower is among the tallest towers in the world with a total height of 600 meters (1,968 feet). It is located in Guangzhou at the intersection of Pearl River and Guangzhou New City Central Axes. Canton Tower directly faces Haixinsha Island, where the 16th Asian Games opening and closing ceremonies were held.
The Canton Tower, also known as Guangzhou TV Astronomical and Sightseeing Tower, features a unique shape and design bringing a more beautiful scene for Guangzhou and the famous Pearl River. The Canton Tower resembles a fine-standing lady, trying to charm you with her narrow waist. This design has made photographers more creative as the pictures they take, can look different from each angle.
Canton Tower is a world-famous tourist attraction that has many entertainments for the visitors inside. One of these attractions is its outdoor observation deck 488 Look Out, which holds the title for the second-highest outdoor observation deck in the world.
The tower has a vertical free fall inside called Sky Drop on its top for adrenaline lovers. The revolving restaurant of the tower is the tallest in the world situated on the 106th floor at a height of around 420 meters (1,387 feet).
This 600-meter (1,968-foot) tower is the second tallest tower in China after the Shanghai Tower. 450 meters (1,476 feet) of total height is the main body, and the other 150 meters (492 feet) is the antenna on its top. The distinctive design alongside the tall height of Canton Tower has made it a unique global structure.
Canton Tower is considered a new landmark and one of the Eight New Sights in Guangzhou. The idea behind the tower was to reflect not only the ancient history and culture of the city but also to show the development of Guangzhou on its way to becoming an international metropolis. The tower is considered as Guangzhou’s new symbol and image or in other words, a new landmark in the new Guangzhou.
Different Sections of Canton Tower
Canton Tower is divided into five zones, named A, B, C, D, and E. These names are based on the height of the tower where Zone A is the lowest, and Zone E is the highest. In each zone of the Canton Tower, there are different entertainments available for the visitors to have an interesting experience. Let’s check what each zone has for the visitors, starting from top to the bottom of Canton Tower.
Zone E
This is the highest portion of Canton Tower, and many of the entertaining areas are located here. This Zone starts from 376 meters (1,233 feet) and includes the antenna of the tower as well.
488 Look Out
This is the second-highest outdoor observation deck in the world according to the Guinness World Records. This observation deck is situated at a height of 488 meters (1,601 feet). Here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Guangzhou.
488 Look Out is the place for photography enthusiasts to take wonderful photos of moonlight, the starry sky, the panoramic view of Guangzhou, and the sunrise.
Sky Drop
This is something not suitable for everyone! It’s a 30-meter (100-foot) freefall from 485 meters (1,591 feet). The Sky Drop is an exhilarating experience as one of the highest vertical freefalls in the world. If you are ready to experience this thrilling free fall, you have two options; one is a Sitting Drop, and the other is a Standing Drop.
Bubble Tram
If you love to go around at that height without Sky Drop, then Bubble Tram is what you need. This is one of the most popular activities of Canton Tower with 16 crystal sightseeing cabins that revolve around the tower’s top part at a height of 455 meters (1,492 feet). The panoramic city view that Bubble Tram offers is unique and romantic.
Engineering Marvel Tour Hall
Engineering Marvel Tour Hall is located at Canton Tower’s 109th and 110th floors and its function is to protect the tower from earthquakes and hurricanes.
Star and Cloud Observation Decks
Cloud Observation Deck and Star Observation Deck are located on the 107th and 108th floors, respectively. The Star Observation Deck works as the highest place in Canton Tower for indoor sightseeing. This is the place to enjoy the white clouds, the blue sky, and the starry night all together. You can also buy postcards or souvenirs from the Space Post Office.
Zone D, The Spider Walk
Zone D includes the 334 to 355 meters (1,095 – 1,165 feet) levels of the Canton Tower. This zone is also where the Spider Walk, the world’s longest spiral staircase is located. The Spider Walk has 1,096 stairs (around 1 km- 0.6 miles long). By using this staircase, you can climb up from 168 to 334 meters (551 – 1,095 feet).
The Spider Walk is located around the narrowest part of the Canton Tower and climbing it can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you are up to the task.
Zone C
This Zone is another sightseeing site, which starts from 147 to 168 meters (482 – 551 feet).
Zone B
Situated between 84 and 116 meters (275 – 380 feet), Zone B is mostly famed for the video shows it has. There is a huge futuristic 4D cinema here from the 17th to the 22nd floor. Besides the 4D cinema, two 3D screening halls have a capacity of over 270 guests. These cinemas are equipped with the state of the art facilities and can be an excellent choice when visiting the Canton Tower.
Zone A
Zone A has the lowest height among all zones starting from the ground floor to 32 meters (105 feet). Adjacent to the Pearl River, you will find the Outdoor Plaza. On its second floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Pearl River and take magnificent pictures of its beautiful scenery.
Here you can find the Riverside Café and the Chopstix Restaurant to enjoy a meal of your choice, either Western-style food or traditional Cantonese. There is also a large banquet hall for wedding ceremonies or other affairs. Besides, you can gift shops to buy souvenirs to remember your visit to the Canton Tower.
By Metro
Metro Line 3 can help you to reach Canton Tower Station
By Bus
Bus No.11, 262, 468, or tour line 1 can help you to reach Canton Tower West Station (Guangzhou Xi)
Bus No.121a, 121, 204, 262, and tour line 2, can help you to reach Zhujiang Dijingyuan Station. You should walk in the direction of Yiyuan East Road to find the Easy Square of the Tower.
By Tram
Tram lines 4 & 8 in Wanshengwei Metro Station can help you to reach the Canton River.
- Adults: 150 Yuan
- Children between 3.9 and 4.9ft (1.2 and 1.5m): 75 Yuan
The Cloud Observation Deck and Cloud Observation Deck are included in the ticket.
Single Tickets
- Sky Drop: 180 Yuan
- Bubble Tram: 180 Yuan
Combination Tickets
Cloud & Star Observation Decks/ Sky Drop/ 450 Lookout
- Adults: 228
- Children: 114
Cloud & Star Observation Decks/ 450 Lookout/ Bubble Tram
- Adults: 298 Yuan
- Children: 149 Yuan
Cloud & Star Observation Decks/ 450 Lookout/ Bubble Tram/ 488 Lookout
- Adults: 398 Yuan
- Children: 199 Yuan
It is interesting that the designer of Canton Tower, Mark Hemel, was inspired by the hip joint bone of women; then he added a twist to the design. The twist resembles a beautiful lady twisting her waist while looking behind!
