Located along the banks of the Pearl River, Party Pier is one of Guangzhou's most vibrant nightlife areas. The post-industrial nightlife zone was one side of the Zhujiang Brewery and has been transformed into the dedicated nightlife area, the Party Pier.

Known for its dynamic blend of international bars and riverside clubs, it's the go-to destination for those seeking a lively atmosphere with stunning city skyline views. The most “Instagrammable” venue of them all at Party Pier is a rooftop bar and restaurant “Jojos Riverside.”

One of the latest and greatest additions to the Party Pier is “Cages”, the multi-sports bar and games facility in the Zhujiang Beer Museum. Otherwise, nosy into one of the many pounding clubs like W-Suns or cowboy bar Mr Rocky.

There is a new development behind the Canton Tower with the relocated GOAT from Huajiu Lu.

Tips: Catch the Haizhu tram from the Canton Tower to the Party Pier station. It can be difficult to get home, late at night, due to the long taxi line – Area B. Therefore, exit the Party Pier from Area A if you can hail a ride share.

As Guangzhou's modern business district, Zhujiang New Town offers an upscale nightlife experience with a variety of international restaurants and stylish bars.

The foreign bar street has gravitated to Huajiu Lu (华就路) with classic Brit pub “Morgans,” the newly opened grill, "Butcher’s Block", the hole-in-the-wall bar “ATOC”, and Mexican cantina “Bandidos.”

There is a craft beer house and a Vietnamese restaurant on the bar street too. Around the corner are Americana joints “Gails” and “13 Factories”, while Indian restaurant ‘Little Papa’ is a staple.

While in the Kingold building is the original flagship Happy Monk branch.

Tips: As Zhujiang New Town is a concrete jungle, use Zhujiang New Town metro station exit B1 or cross Guangzhou Dadao after exiting B of Wuyangcun metro station. 

That said, there are also many stops in Zhujiang New Town along the AMP Line which runs between Canton Tower and Linhexi metro stations.

The ‘other half’ of Zhujiang New Town on the other side of the central axis park that bisects the new city is Liede. The rocking Irish bar “Hooleys” is centre stage for live music, and down the eat-street, Xinsheng Lu is the late-night club “OMMA”.

Xinsheng Lu runs into Liede Dadao, and the opposite side Liede Commercial Tao, with a slew of joints in the faux-European building development. 

Down Liede Dadao towards the river is ‘Lieren Feng’ which is another new development along a creek with ‘ancient’ buildings. There is an Italian and a Turkish along the canal promenade in Qing dynasty-style buildings.

Pop into the shopping centre, GTLand Plaza – Autumn building for lunch at the “Eating Table,” while the concept restaurant Ganea is opposite W Hotel.

Tips:Liede station is on Line 5 and is a wonderful walk from Zhujiang New Town’s central axis park to sightsee all of the city’s tallest buildings. Underneath the park runs Guangzhou’s driverless people mover, and the AMP Line is a short walk to Liede from Huacheng Dadao station.

Panyu, located to the south of the city, is home to a growing expat community and features a variety of international restaurants and entertainment options.

Whether you're after a taste of Western cuisine or a more relaxed bar setting, Panyu has a lively scene that is an alternative to the city centre.

Around the metro station Nancun Wanbo, Panyu’s new city centre is rising with its own growing gravity. Look out for a development called Fours Seas with a North American craft bar, the GOAT, German beer hall Paulaner Wirsthaus, Italian restaurant Porto Cervo Pizzeria and Chinese mega club Catwalk.

There are various Western cuisines across the large district of Guangzhou and we recommend checking out Memo Shawarama.

Dongshankou is a charming district offering a variety of international dining spots, from Western-style cafes to fusion restaurants. Known for its turn-of-the-century architecture, this historic area is full of hidden gems tucked away on its lively narrow streets.

Tips: There are trendy speakeasies and tiny bars that you might need an advanced booking. Our pick is the authentic Italian pizzeria “Hideaway Temple”.

Before the rise of Zhujiang New Town, the Tianhe downtown had many foreign establishments.

 In its many mega malls, downtown Tianhe there are still corporate chainsTaco Bell or Outback Steakhouse. However, there is still a French and a Russian restaurant plus a discotheque.

Tips: More interesting than mega malls is the ‘Olympic’ village behind them between Huangpu Dadao and Tianhe Lu. Once the athlete’s village for the 1990 China National Games, and is now home to many cute neighbourhood bars, cafes and restaurants.

No matter where your favour destination in Guangzhou is, “Lanzhou Lamian” is the ubiquitous choice for foreigners travelling in China. This simple fare from northwest China has its appeal for its street-level convenience and price, but its appeal to the Western taste buds. 

A bowl of hearty beef stretched noodles with savoury and zesty flavours is a must-try for Western taste buds.

If you look out for a white and green Chinese restaurant with halal food, a foreign favour is always around.

Want to check out some of our to picks? Check out the Zhujianger City Guide.

What is your favourite destination in Guangzhou? Is there anything that you want to know about dining and nightlife in Guangzhou? Comment below.