3 GUANGDONG MUSEUM OF ART

Leave the tower and cross Zhujiang River (Pearl River) via Guangzhou Avenue – a ten-minute walk will bring you to Er Sha Island. Walk west along the island’s southern riverbank to reach the Guangdong Museum of Art. The museum has 12 exhibition halls showcasing large- and small-scale works ranging from oil paintings and sculptures to ceramic work and calligraphy, from both local and international artists. Remember to bring your passport as you need to go through a security check before entering the museum. (Free admission; open daily 9am–5pm except Monday; 38 Yinyu Road, Er Sha Island, Yuexiu district, Guangzhou; gdmoa.org) THE MEMORIAL MUSEUM OF GENERALISSIMO SUN YAT-SEN’S MANSION Jump in a taxi for a ten-minute zip back across the river to learn about the “Father of the Nation” Sun Yat-sen. The Memorial Museum of Generalissimo Sun Yat-sen’s Mansion, built in 1917, was once Sun’s house and office, and an important military facility due to its close proximity to the river. In 1999, the city government conducted a RMB15 million (US$2.2 million) renovation of the building and it was reopened as a museum in 2006. There are two buildings – North and South – depicting the original setup during Sun’s brief residence. There are also exhibitions talking about Sun’s life and the history of Guangzhou. (Free admission; open 9am–5.30pm except Monday; 18 Dongsha Street, Fanzhi Road, Haizhu district, Guangzhou; dyshf.com)

5BAR 5 Cross back over the river once more and head to Yanjiang Middle Road, where you will find LN Hotel 5. The hotel recently joined the Small Luxury Hotels collection and has a fabulous rooftop bar on level 7 called Bar 5. Skilled bartenders practise molecular mixology alongside classic cocktails. Try the signature Baijiu rice wine cocktail, relax on the comfortable couches and enjoy fantastic 180-degree river views that encompass the iconic Canton Tower – a perfect way to finish the day. (Open 5.30pm–1.30am; 277 Yanjiang Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou; lingnanhotelfive.com)