To take these nine photos, I specially flew to Guangzhou

Here is a photo guide for Guangzhou Tower, Guangzhou Window (also known as Guangzhou Copper Coin Building), Shamian Island, and Dongshankou: Guangzhou Tower • Best time: 3-4 PM to capture the daytime cityscape and the golden tower at sunset; after 7:30 PM, the tower lights up fully, paired with the Pearl River night view, perfect for night shots. • Must-visit spots: During the day, head to Ersha Island Art Park, where there is a sunflower sea in May and June, great for wide-angle upward shots; the south side walkway of Guangzhou Bridge offers an industrial-style contrast between the bridge structure and the tower. The rainbow glass walkway at the tower base creates light spots in the sun, crouch and shoot upwards for longer legs. For night scenes, choose Haixinsha Music Fountain Square, with a light show at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays; the Zhujiang Pa Ti Beer Culture Area captures neon signs, cruise ships, and the Canton Tower in one frame; the McDonald's rooftop at Guangzhou Tower allows using fries or ice cream cones as foreground props. Guangzhou Copper Coin Building • Best time: Recommended to visit at night, the building lights up from 7:00 to 10:00 PM, with changing colors. The golden light is the most beautiful but appears infrequently, so patience is needed. • Must-visit spots: The main entrance offers a full view of the building; at Nanpu Jinxiu Peninsula Pier, climb over the riverbank railing and take the small stairs down to capture the building and its reflection on the river, but be careful as the rocks are slippery. • Shooting tips: Bring a wide-angle lens of 16mm or wider, and prepare a tripod for time-lapse shots to make the river sparkle and the building shine brighter. Shamian Island • Best time: Early morning from 7 to 9 AM when there are fewer people and soft light, and evening from 5 to 7 PM for stunning sunsets—both great for photography. • Must-visit spots: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church is perfect for backlit portraits; the spiral staircase at Shamian Primary School offers great shots; the Locomotive French Restaurant with fallen plane tree leaves creates a strong autumn and winter atmosphere. Additionally, the yellow windowsill at No. 2 South Shamian Street is full of Instagram vibes, and the vintage phone booth outside Victory Hotel is ideal for Hong Kong-style photo shoots. • Outfit suggestions: French-style dresses or vintage suits in light colors are recommended for better photos. Dongshankou • Best time: On sunny days from 3 to 5 PM, the light filtering through the trees is beautiful and perfect for photos. • Must-visit spots: Next to the red brick Western-style buildings on Xuguyuan Road and Xinhepu Road, such as Baiyuan and Mingyuan. Miao Qian West Street and Qiming Community have many trendy brand boutiques and niche cafes. The bougainvillea wall at the intersection of Peizheng Road and Yandun Road (blooms in spring) and the old-fashioned barbershop on Qiming Avenue are also great photo spots. • Outfit suggestions: Vintage or artistic styles work well, such as dresses paired with straw hats or shirts.