Current Time in Guangzhou, China
Exact time synced with atomic clocks (IANA + NTP)
Country
中国
Dialling: +86
City Details
Guangzhou
广州
Lat: 23.1291° N
Long: 113.2644° E
Population: 13,500,000
Time Zone
Asia/Shanghai
GMT+8
Public Holidays in China
Labour Day
劳动节
Dragon Boat Festival
端午节
Mid-Autumn Festival
中秋节
Via Nager.Date
Time Difference from You to Guangzhou
Business Hours in Guangzhou
Sunrise & Sunset in Guangzhou Today
Data via sunrisesunset.io
Current Weather in Guangzhou, China
Data via Open-Meteo · Updates every 30 min
Moon Phase in Guangzhou Tonight
Overview
Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong Province and the largest city in southern China, with a permanent resident population of around 18.8 million as of 2024. Known historically to Western traders as Canton, it has been one of China's primary maritime trading ports since the 3rd century CE and is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine — a globally famous culinary tradition that gave rise to dim sum culture.
Administrative Region
Guangdong Province
CN-GD
Local Currency
¥
Metadata
- Web Domain.cn
- ISO CodeCN-GD
Culture & Daily Life
📜 History & Origins
First settled in 214 BCE when the Qin Dynasty established the Panyu commandery here, making it one of China's oldest continuously inhabited cities. The city became Guangzhou under the Tang Dynasty and served as China's only officially designated foreign trade port from 1757 to 1842. Its role as gateway to the West was formalised by the Canton System and it was the first port opened to regular European trade.
🗣️ Languages
👥 Demographics
✨ Leisure Highlights
- •Canton Tower and Pearl River night cruise
- •Chen Clan Ancestral Hall — intricate Qing-era architecture
- •Shamian Island — colonial-era European architecture
- •Baiyun Mountain scenic area
- •Yuexiu Park and the Museum of the Nanyue King Mausoleum
🎒 Visitor Tip
The Guangzhou Metro is comprehensive and cheap; buy an Yangcheng Tong card at any station. The Canton Tower observation deck and evening Pearl River cruise are the best ways to take in the skyline. Eat dim sum at a traditional tea house (yum cha) for breakfast — this is the birthplace of the tradition. The city has a large African expatriate community in the Xiaobei area, making it one of China's most internationally diverse cities.
Geography & Climate
Land & Terrain
Surface area and physical characteristics
Situated on the Pearl River Delta at the confluence of the Dongjiang, Xijiang and Beijiang rivers, approximately 120km northwest of Hong Kong. The urban core is flat delta plain; the wider municipality includes hills and mountains rising to the northeast. Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain) at 382m is the most prominent landform near the city centre. Significant land reclamation has expanded usable flat terrain.
Climate Stats
Humid subtropical monsoon (Köppen Cwa)
Avg Summer
29°C
Avg Winter
13°C
Annual Rainfall
1696 mm
Best Months (Sunshine)
Travel & Connectivity
✈️ Nearby AirportsIATA / Distance
🚄 Rail ConnectionsOperator / Distance
Nearby Cities & Excursions
Other times compared to Guangzhou
Frequently Asked Questions about time in Guangzhou
What timezone is Guangzhou in?↓
Guangzhou is in the Asia/Shanghai time zone (Asia/Shanghai), currently UTCGMT+8.
Does China observe daylight saving time?↓
No. China does not observe daylight saving time. Guangzhou stays on Shanghai (UTCGMT+8) year-round, so the clocks never change.
What is Shanghai?↓
Shanghai stands for Asia/Shanghai. It is UTCGMT+8 and is the standard time used in China.
How many hours ahead is Guangzhou compared to London?↓
Guangzhou is 8 hours ahead of London (GMT). During UK summer (BST), the difference reduces by 1 hour to 7 hours.
What is the time difference between Guangzhou and New York?↓
Guangzhou is 13 hours ahead of New York (EST). When New York switches to EDT in summer, the difference decreases by 1 hour.
How accurate is the time shown for Guangzhou?↓
The time displayed for Guangzhou is synced with atomic clock sources via NTP (Network Time Protocol) and uses IANA timezone data to ensure accuracy to the second. It automatically reflects any daylight saving time changes.
What does UTCGMT+8 mean for Guangzhou?↓
UTCGMT+8 means Guangzhou is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the global standard for timekeeping.
What are the business hours in Guangzhou?↓
Standard business hours in Guangzhou are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Shanghai (UTCGMT+8). Many businesses also operate Saturday mornings. Public holidays follow the China national calendar.
What is the best time to call Guangzhou from London?↓
The best overlap for a call between London and Guangzhou is typically early morning in London (8–10 AM GMT), which corresponds to late afternoon or evening in Guangzhou. Always check the current time before calling to avoid unsociable hours.