As one of South China’s largest metropolises, Guangzhou has no shortage of bustling street scenes, luxury shopping experiences, and perhaps most notably, world-class food. But intrepid wanders venturing outside the city’s central business districts will find something else worth raving about: creative and colorful street art.

And while Guangzhou’s street art scene may not be as notable globally as Berlin or Georgetown, Penang, the city formerly known as Canton has no shortage of stunning roadside surprises for those who know where to look.

This article is in no way intended to be a comprehensive list of street art spots in Guangzhou, instead serving as an introduction to three accessible spots with outdoor urban art worth gawking at.

1. O2 Park (创客公园)

O2 Park is a place of artisanal delights: a vegan Chinese restaurant, a woodworking shop, and of course, the incredible street art you’ll encounter as soon as you arrive.

Located in Guangzhou’s Haizhu district, the park is actually a commercial complex built in an abandoned factory. The colorful artwork that adorns many of the walls helps temper the area’s entrepreneurial vibes with a spark of creative flair.

Home to a coworking space, cafes, and a clothing store, the art-covered area has become a popular setting for online influencers to snap photos.

Address: Haizhu District Gongye Avenue South 882, 海珠区工业大道南882号

2. Zhongchuanhui Plaza (中船汇广场)

Like the previous entry, this plaza is located in Guangzhou’s Haizhu district, within walking distance of the mighty Pearl River. A business and creative park based in old, reclaimed red-brick warehouses, the area is home to a wide assortment of bars and restaurants and a movie theater.

Here, creative murals are prominently displayed, with the cinema’s exterior adorned with beloved Chinese and Western characters, including Spider-Man, Captain America, and Sun Wukong (aka the Monkey King), among countless others.

Address: Haizhu District Gexin Road 139, 海珠区革新路139号

3. Fuxue West Street (府学西街)

Arguably home to some of Guangzhou’s most spectacular public art, this street is near one of the city’s most bustling commercial areas: Beijing Road. The area is chock-full of restaurants, bars, and stores specializing in sports gear, streetwear, books, jewelry — you name it.

Shoppers that stroll down Fuxue West Street are treated to a diverse array of colorful, highly detailed street art that often looks like someone pulled it straight out of a gallery.

Address: Yuexiu District Fuxue West Street, 越秀区府学西街

So there you have it: three great spots in Guangzhou to appreciate the artistic prowess of Canton residents. As mentioned in the introduction, this is a partial list, and we encourage you to share your favorite street art spots in Guangzhou in the comments below!

All images courtesy of the author, Audrey Schmuelling, and Karan Adhrit