Citic Plaza

CITIC Plaza Guangzhou: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

CITIC Plaza is a defining symbol of Guangzhou’s modernization, representing the city’s rapid economic growth and architectural ambition. Completed in 1997, it became the world’s tallest concrete building at the time and remains a landmark in the bustling Tianhe District. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of visiting CITIC Plaza, including essential information on opening hours, access, tickets, transportation, amenities, nearby attractions, and practical travel tips. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a business visitor, or a traveler eager to experience Guangzhou’s vibrant urban landscape, this resource will help you make the most of your visit.

Citic Plaza skyscraper in Guangzhou city showing modern architectural design

CITIC Plaza skyscraper in Guangzhou with reflecting glass windows under a blue sky

CITIC Plaza skyscraper in Guangzhou city

Introduction
Historical Background and Significance
Architectural Features
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Transportation and Access
Facilities and Amenities
Shopping and Dining
Special Events and Guided Tours
Nearby Attractions
Visitor Tips and FAQs
Visuals and Media
Conclusion
References

Historical Background and Significance

Emergence Amidst Guangzhou’s Skyscraper Boom

CITIC Plaza was completed in 1997, marking a pivotal moment in Guangzhou’s urban transformation. As the tallest building in China and the tallest concrete structure in the world at the time, it showcased the city’s aspirations to become a global economic and financial center (thetowerinfo.com). Developed by China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC), its construction paralleled Guangzhou’s emergence as a major commercial hub in southern China.

Landmark Status and Urban Role

For over a decade, CITIC Plaza dominated the city’s skyline, serving as a beacon of economic progress and urban development. Its location in Tianhe District, the heart of Guangzhou’s business activity, established it as a focal point for commerce, transit, and city life. Even after taller buildings like the Guangzhou International Finance Center and the Canton Tower emerged, CITIC Plaza retained its prominence as an architectural and cultural landmark.

Architectural Features

Design and Engineering Innovation

At 391 meters (1,283 feet) with 80 above-ground floors, CITIC Plaza was a trailblazer in skyscraper engineering. Its slender, tapering profile maximizes usable space while minimizing wind resistance—crucial for supertall structures. The building’s reflective glass and aluminum façade gives it a contemporary look, contrasting with Guangzhou’s traditional architecture.

The tower uses high-strength reinforced concrete for its core and perimeter columns, providing exceptional structural stability and fire resistance. Advanced seismic and wind-resistance technologies ensure safety in the region’s typhoon-prone climate.

Integration with Urban Infrastructure

CITIC Plaza is part of a mixed-use complex that includes two 38-story residential towers and a multi-level shopping podium. This integration of office, residential, and retail spaces reflects current urban development trends, positioning the building as a hub for work, living, and leisure.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Visiting Hours

General Public Areas: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday–Friday).
Retail and Dining: Typically open until 10:00 PM.
Note: Access may be limited on weekends and public holidays.

Ticket Information

Public Areas & Shopping: Free entry; no general admission fee required.
Special Events or Office Areas: Access may require prior authorization or tickets.
Observation Deck: Currently, there is no dedicated public observation deck.

Visitors are advised to check the CITIC Plaza Official Site or Guangzhou Tourism Website for the most up-to-date information on hours and access (Skyscraper Center).

Transportation and Access

Location

CITIC Plaza is located at 233 Tianhe North Road, in the core of Guangzhou’s Tianhe District (Skyscraper Center).

Metro and Train Connections

Metro:
- Linhexi Station (Line 3 and APM) and Guangzhou East Railway Station (Line 1) are within walking distance (Wikipedia).
Rail:
- Guangzhou East Railway Station connects to high-speed rail and intercity trains, including routes to Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Touristlink).

Bus and Road Access

Multiple city bus routes serve the area, including lines 183, 195, 209, 256, 263, and night routes.
Taxi and private vehicles can access Linhe Zhong Road; underground parking is available with 904 spaces (Skyscraper Center).

Facilities and Amenities

Office Spaces: Multinational corporations, financial institutions, and professional services.
Residential Towers: Two 38-story towers adjacent to the main building (Touristlink).
Shopping Podium: Banking services, mobile phone shops, boutiques, and basic retail (Triphobo).
Dining: Fast food, coffee shops, and bakeries on-site; extensive options in nearby malls.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms; bilingual signage.
Security: CCTV surveillance and staffed security personnel; information desks and digital directories.

Shopping and Dining

On-Site and Nearby Shopping

Within CITIC Plaza: Retail outlets and essential services for office workers and residents.
Nearby Malls:
- Taikoo Hui: Over 180 international brands and gourmet supermarkets (Business in Guangzhou).
- OneLink Walk: Fashion, electronics, beauty (Business in Guangzhou).
- Fashion Tianhe Commercial Square: Trendy underground shopping (Trip.com).
- Parc Central: Park-like mall with dining and lifestyle shops (Business in Guangzhou).

Dining Options

On-Site: Chinese fast food, bakeries, and coffee shops (Triphobo).
Nearby: Upscale and casual dining at Taikoo Hui, Parc Central, and Fashion Tianhe Food Court (Business in Guangzhou), (Trip.com).
Local Cuisine: Cantonese dim sum, roast meats, and seafood; many restaurants offer English menus (Top China Travel).

Special Events and Guided Tours

CITIC Plaza occasionally hosts business events, conferences, and exhibitions. Guided tours focusing on the building’s architecture and the urban development of Tianhe District are available through select local operators. For details on upcoming events and tour availability, refer to the Guangzhou Tourism Website.

Nearby Attractions

Canton Tower: Iconic city landmark and observation tower.
Grandview Mall & Tee Mall: Major shopping and entertainment centers.
Guangdong Museum & Guangzhou Opera House: Cultural attractions accessible via metro.
Tianhe Park: Green space ideal for relaxation and city views.
Guangzhou East Railway Station: Transport hub connecting to regional and national destinations.

Visitor Tips and FAQs

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather (Wanderlog).
Dress Code: Smart casual, especially for office or upscale dining.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi in malls and cafes; local SIM cards available nearby.
Language: Bilingual signage; English is spoken in major hotels and some restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the visiting hours for CITIC Plaza?
A: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays; retail and dining open later.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No general admission fee for public areas.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local operators focusing on architecture and urban development.

Q: Is CITIC Plaza accessible for disabled visitors?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are there dining options on-site?
A: Yes, as well as numerous options in adjacent malls.

Visuals and Media

(Insert high-quality images: CITIC Plaza exterior, Tianhe District skyline, public gardens, nearby malls. Use alt tags such as “CITIC Plaza Guangzhou skyscraper,” “CITIC Plaza garden area,” “Taikoo Hui shopping mall near CITIC Plaza.”)

For virtual tours and image galleries, visit the Official Guangzhou Tourism Website.

Conclusion

CITIC Plaza is not only a marvel of modern engineering but also a vibrant center of business, shopping, and urban life in Guangzhou. Its strategic location, convenient access, and array of amenities make it an essential destination for both leisure and business travelers. While the building’s interior is primarily reserved for tenants and employees, its public plazas, surrounding gardens, and proximity to major attractions offer a rich experience of Guangzhou’s dynamic spirit.

To optimize your visit, plan ahead using official resources, explore the vibrant Tianhe District, and immerse yourself in the city’s blend of innovation and tradition.