Haixinsha Park

Haixinsha (literally 'Sea-Heart Sand') is a small island in the middle of the Pearl River, transformed in 2010 from an industrial site into the open-air venue for the Asian Games' opening and closing ceremonies. The leftover stages, water features, and Olympic-style cauldron remain in place, now serving as a free public park. The view is the entire reason to come: directly across the river, Canton Tower's lattice spire and the entire Zhujiang New Town skyline (IFC Tower, CTF Tower, Opera House) line the south bank. Best at sunset, when both Tower and skyline light up. The nightly 'Two Banks One River' LED light show (19:30-21:30) runs on the building façades; mid-river is the optimal viewpoint, but Haixinsha is the best free land-based seat. The Footbridge to the south bank (Haixinsha Bridge) crosses to Canton Tower in 8 minutes — many visitors do Canton Tower observation + Haixinsha sunset photo as a combo. Free, 24/7. Closest Metro: Linhe Xilu (Line 3, Exit C) or Zhujiang New Town (Line 3/5, Exit B1).