[Updated 16 July 2025]
Nan Yuan Restaurant is among Guangzhou’s prestigious ‘Three Garden Restaurants,’ alongside Yangxi Restaurant and Beiyuan Restaurant.
Built in 1958, Nan Yuan specializes in Chaozhounese cuisine.
It proudly holds the esteemed title of being one of China’s 12 restaurants awarded a National rating of Platinum Five Diamonds, promising an unparalleled dining experience.
The Qianjin Road Branch in Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, is a culinary gem with a unique charm.
The exquisitely designed classical garden at Nan Yuan makes it truly unique.
With pavilions, bridges, and water features, this garden restaurant in Guangzhou sets the perfect scene for a dim sum lunch.
It provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Nan Yuan Restaurant Cantonese Cuisine
The cuisine at Nan Yuan celebrates Cantonese flavors, with occasional dishes from other provinces adding a delightful twist.
Its famous dishes include “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall,” Chaozhou-style Lo Sui Goose, and Suckling Pig.
Another outstanding dish is the banded grouper served two ways: steamed fillet rolls that are silky and juicy and the crispiest deep-fried bones seasoned with salt and pepper.
Each dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Our group of four opted for a dim sum brunch.
“Yum cha” is the core of every Cantonese person’s life, a way of living.
Due to our casual attire, the server directed us to the informal lobby on the upper floor, which caters to the general masses.
The tableware was plain white and unremarkable.
Signature Red Rice Rolls with Shrimp, 金沙紅米腸粉
Rice noodle rolls are a must-have on any dim sum menu, and Nan Yuan Restaurant offers a version combining shrimp rolls with “zha liang” fried dough.
The red rice roll initially looked like a pig’s tail.
Initially skeptical, I loved the contrasting textures of crispy fried dough and crunchy shrimp.
The hoisin sauce, sesame paste, and added hot sauce enhanced the flavors beautifully.
Private Rooms
Nan Yuan Restaurant Guangzhou offers elegant private rooms perfect for special occasion dining in Guangzhou or a quiet business lunch with garden views.
The private dining menu steps things up.
Featuring live seafood like lobster, Alaskan crab, abalone, and ginseng, all staples of luxury Cantonese cuisine.
These dishes go beyond the usual dim sum offerings and reflect the restaurant’s premium touch.
Each room is decorated in a traditional style and comes with a dedicated server, adding to the personalized experience.
Cost: Google reviews suggest about RMB 4000 for a 10-person private room, including a bottle of wine and a few beers.
Pricing will vary based on your order.
Tip: Book a private room in advance, especially on weekends. Ask if a garden-facing room is available—it’s worth it.
What to Eat at Nan Yuan Restaurant Guangzhou
The kitchen sticks to its traditional Cantonese roots, with enough finesse to keep it interesting.
Think delicate dumplings, nostalgic broths.
Perhaps there’s that one dish you didn’t know you were craving until it showed up at your table.
Must-try dishes
- Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)
- Char Siu BBQ Pork
- Braised Goose or Duck
- Classic Cantonese Soups
There are seasonal specials too, and a few dishes borrowed from other regions for good measure.
Some hit, some miss—but the menu’s heart is in Guangdong.
Beyond the high walls lies Nan Yuan’s beautifully landscaped Chinese gardens.
Landscape Gardens
The restaurant’s landscape, once a courtyard for wealthy individuals, includes fountains and ponds, showcasing its rich history and cultural significance.
Spanning over 10,000 square meters, it features traditional Lingnan garden elements.
Nan Yuan is elaborately decorated with lakes, traditional Chinese-style bridges, pagodas, and flowing water.
The antique and beautiful decor enhances the ambiance, offering a unique dining experience steeped in tradition and elegance.
The traditional Chinese garden adds a sense of tranquility and sophistication, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
Nan Yuan is beautifully decorated with water fountains
Nan Yuan features mini waterfalls and ponds teeming with koi fish
Architecture
The hall’s design showcases traditional Lingnan characteristics, including stained glass tile windows that preserve the ancient Lingnan style.
I was thoroughly impressed by the ambiance.
The luxurious atmosphere of the restaurant almost steals the show for our dining experience.
The furniture in the private rooms is crafted from sturdy hardwood.
Nan Yuan showcases traditional Lingnan characteristics, featuring stained glass tile windows that preserve the ancient Lingnan style.
Stained glass tile windows in the dining hall of Nan Yuan preserved the ancient Lingnan style.
Seasons dining hall in Nanyuan features clean and beautiful tableware.
Getting There
Nan Yuan Restaurant Guangzhou is on Qianjin Road in Haizhu District.
Closest Metro
Jiangnanxi Station (Line 2) is the nearest stop. It’s about a 10-minute walk from there.
Look for the flyover—yes, that one.
The garden entrance is right across the road.
We actually took a taxi since there were four of us, and no one wanted to deal with morning rush hour on the metro.
Good to Know
Opening Hours
Daily: 11 am to 10 pm
(Weekends can get crowded. Dim sum waits are a thing.)
Reservations
Highly recommended if you’re aiming for garden seating.
Price Range
Mid to high. You’re paying for the craftsmanship, the calm, and the bragging rights.
While You’re in the Area
If you’ve made the trip to Haizhu, don’t stop at lunch.
Here’s how to stretch the vibe:
- Pearl River Promenade – Take a stroll, maybe let the dumplings settle
- Guangdong Museum of Art – 15 minutes away and good for the soul
- Local Tea Houses – When you’re not ready to rejoin the real world
Why Smartdory Picks Nan Yuan
It’s not just about the dumplings, although yes—they’re little pillows of joy.
It’s the quiet in the garden.
The hush between courses.
The sense that someone actually built this place to last.
You don’t just eat here.
You arrive. Linger.
You maybe get a table overlooking the gardens and forget that there’s a flyover buzzing at the entrance.
FAQ: Visiting Nan Yuan Restaurant Guangzhou
Is it hard to find?
It’s hidden, but not impossible. Use Jiangnanxi Station, look for the flyover, and you’ll find the entrance opposite.
Do they speak English?
Some staff do. There’s an English menu. Smiles and polite pointing will get you far.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Mostly, yes. But some garden areas have steps. It’s best to call ahead.
Can I walk in without a booking?
Maybe on weekdays. On weekends, especially if you want garden seating, please book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, but it’s not rowdy. Bring snacks and hope they like koi fish.
Is it worth the trip from other parts of Guangzhou?
If you love gardens, Cantonese food, or just want a meal that feels like a pause button—absolutely.
Nan Yuan Review
However, our food experience could have been more remarkable, falling short of our high expectations for a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Michelin Stars might be overrated, as the dishes didn’t meet our expectations of exceptional dining.
Despite this, we enjoyed strolling through the landscaped gardens and admiring the beautiful surroundings.
We also peeked into other dining halls where patrons were more elegantly dressed.
Service
The service in the private rooms involves plate changes and possibly long waits to find a server, as the restaurant is nonstop busy.
Expect long queues on the weekend as it is a well-known favorite restaurant for locals to eat Dim Sum in Guangzhou.
The video is here if you want to watch it.
Nan Yuan 南园酒家
142 Qianjin Rd, Haizhu District,
Guangzhou, Guangdong Province,
China, 510230
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +86 20 8444 8380
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
Source:
Nan Yuan MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View
