Sweltering outside? Skip the sun and chill out in a world of cool air and culture! From ancient Chinese medicine to immersive fragrance experiences, these fascinating museums across Guangdong offer the perfect summer escape.
Guangdong Chinese Medicine Museum, Guangzhou (广东中医药博物馆)
Nestled within the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in the Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, this museum provides a deep dive into the rich legacy of Lingnan traditional Chinese medicine. Its most striking feature is a soaring "Crystal Palace" of over 600 herb specimens suspended in liquid, spanning three floors.
(Photo: PANYU JETSO.)
Visitors can explore themed halls dedicated to ancient medical tools, acupuncture, herbal therapies, wellness regimens, and more, each weaving together stories of healing traditions from Neolithic stone needles to Qing Dynasty bronze models.
(Photo: PANYU JETSO.)
Opening hours: 9:00–16:45 (last entry at 16:00; closed on Fridays)
Admission: Free. Reservation is required via the museum's official WeChat account "广东中医药博物馆."
Address: No. 232 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou (广州大学城外环东路232号)
Xuelei Fragrance Museum, Guangzhou (雪蕾香氛博物馆)
This is the world's largest fragrance museum, an immersive 7,000-square-meter space blending scent, technology, and art. From ancient Egyptian incense rituals to Song Dynasty court aromas and the rise of modern perfumery, this museum takes your nose on a time-traveling adventure. Visitors can sample over 300 unique scents, interact with digital scent installations, and marvel at a treasure trove of aromatic artifacts.
(Photo: China Guangzhou Fabu)
(Photo: Guangzhou Baiyun Fabu)
Opening time: 10:00?- 19:00?(last entry at 18:30).
Admission: 98 yuan (early-bird); book via Meituan or Dianping.
Address: No. 1 Ketai 2nd Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou (广州市白云区科泰二路1号)
Related news: Journey to world's largest fragrance museum
Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum (广州十三行博物馆)
In the 18th and 19th centuries, amid the Qing Dynasty's reign, Guangzhou was the sole Chinese port engaged in foreign maritime trade. The Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum, located on the original site of the bustling trading zone, brings this golden era to life. With more than 5,000 artifacts and rare documents, including Cantonese porcelain, reverse glass paintings, ivory carvings, and other export treasures, the museum vividly showcases the prosperity and global connections of the Thirteen Hongs.
(Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Fabu)
(Photo: Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum)
Opening hours: 9:00-17:30 (last entry at 17:00). The museum is closed on Mondays, except for statutory public holidays.
Admission: Free.
Address: In the Guangzhou Cultural Park, No. 37-1 Xidi 2nd Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区西堤二马路37号-1, 广州文化公园内)
Nanshan Museum, Shenzhen (南山博物馆)
Known for its beautifully curated exhibitions and comfortable atmosphere, Nanshan Museum offers a cool and quiet retreat from the summer heat.
(Photo: Nanshan District Converged Media Center)
This summer, don't miss the highly anticipated "Dunhuang Splendors: Culture and Art Exhibition of Mogao Grottoes", which runs from July 26 to November 23. The exhibition features over 200 precious cultural relics, including rare original artifacts, six full-scale cave replicas, and digital recreations of the caves. Visitors can also join lectures and public workshops on Dunhuang art, mural restoration, and traditional pigments.
(Photo: Nanshan District Converged Media Center)
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00, Tuesday-Sunday (last entry at 17:30); open until 21:00 on Saturday evening (last entry at 20:30)
Admission: Free for general entry; tickets required for some special exhibitions.
Address: No. 2093 Nanshan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (深圳市南山区南山大道2093号)
Zhen Museum, Shantou (臻宝博物馆)
Zhen Museum is a treasure trove of exquisite jewelry craftsmanship. Dedicated to traditional Chinese jewelry and ornamentation, the museum houses over a thousand pieces, including gold and silver accessories from Han Chinese traditions and rare items from ethnic groups like the Miao and Yao communities.
(Photo: Zhen Museum)
Among its highlights is the filigree inlaid "Wind and Rain Bridge", the largest known filigree work of its kind in China and perhaps the world. This work blends architectural form with masterful metalwork, showcasing the height of Chinese decorative arts.
(Photo: Zhen Museum)
Opening hours: 10:00–17:00, Tuesday–Friday; 10:00–17:30, Saturday–Sunday
Admission: Free. Reservation via the official WeChat account "臻宝博物馆".
Address: CHJ Jewelry Plaza, No. 98 Nanbin Road, Haojiang District, Shantou (汕头濠江区南滨路98号潮宏基广场)
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya, Li Wu (intern)
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
