Huacheng Square (花城广场), often referred to as Guangzhou’s “City Living Room,” is the largest square in the city. Officially opened to the public on October 25, 2010, it covers an area of approximately 560,000 square meters. The square is beautifully landscaped with over 600 large trees, including ancient species, and features a two-kilometer-long wooden walkway, as well as a floating island lake that spans more than 15,000 square meters. The square is known for its year-round blooming flowers, adding to its charm as a natural oasis in the heart of the city.
One of the most celebrated events at Huacheng Square is the Guangzhou International Light Festival, which has been held annually since 2011. Taking place at the end of each year, the festival ranks alongside those of France and Sydney as one of the world’s three major light festivals. The square transforms into a dazzling display of light and color, drawing visitors from all over the world. Another signature event is the Light and Music Show, held every Chinese New Year. Centered around the iconic Canton Tower, the show features synchronized lights from both sides of the Pearl River and the New Central Axis of Guangzhou, combined with live music performances in the square. This creates a stunning visual and auditory spectacle, making it a festive highlight for locals and tourists alike.
Surrounding Huacheng Square are 39 carefully planned buildings that contribute to its status as a cultural and financial hub. Notable structures include the Guangzhou Library, the Guangdong Museum, the Guangzhou Opera House, and the Guangzhou Chow Tai Fook Finance Centre, among others. The Guangzhou Opera House, designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, stands out with its unique “double pebble” shape. Resembling two smooth stones placed on gentle hills, it is an architectural marvel by the Pearl River.
The Guangzhou Chow Tai Fook Finance Centre, at 530 meters tall, has overtaken the nearby West Tower as the tallest building in Guangzhou by nearly 100 meters, establishing a new skyline for the city. This skyscraper marks Guangzhou’s rapid modernization and serves as a symbol of its growing prominence as a global metropolis.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-020-8560-1882 |
Location and Transportation
Huacheng Square is located in the central business district (CBD) of Zhujiang New Town in Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. It stretches from Xian Village Road in the east to Huaxia Road in the west. To the north, it is bordered by Huangpu Avenue, while to the south, it extends toward Haixinsha Island along the Pearl River. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 40, 90, 194, or 777 and get off at Huacheng Square Stop (花城广场站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Huacheng Square is Huacheng Avenue (花城大道) on line APM. After getting out of the station from Exit A, you will be standing right in the center of the square.
