"Guangzhou's finest yum cha — the White Swan Hotel's Michelin-starred dim sum hall on Shamian Island, awarded its star in 2024."
About Hongtu Hall
Hongtu Hall occupies the second floor of the historic White Swan Hotel at 1 Shamian South Street, on Shamian Island in the Liwan district of Guangzhou, with views over the Pearl River. It is one of the city's most celebrated dim sum rooms, awarded one Michelin star in the Guangzhou 2024 guide and holding it again in 2025, and it carries deep sentimental weight for both local Cantonese and the Guangzhou diaspora.
For Guangzhou's other tables, compare the refined Cantonese cooking of Jiang by Chef Fei, the polished Imperial Treasure or the seafood at Catch at Four Seasons.
The Kitchen
The kitchen specialises in yum cha — the Cantonese ritual of tea and dim sum — with elaborate dumplings and buns hand-crafted by dim sum masters each day. The signature is the Yangcheng fresh shrimp dumpling, plump prawn wrapped in a fine, chewy skin, alongside velvety congee, juicy roast meats and a roster that ranges from classics to newer creations. A distinctive tableside tea service honours Cantonese tea culture. Service runs from 8am daily, and the room is busy throughout; expect upper-mid hotel pricing for the quality.
The Room
The setting is a polished, river-view hotel dining hall rather than a backstreet teahouse: comfortable, formal-leaning and steeped in the White Swan's history on Shamian Island. The tableside tea service adds a personal, traditional touch, and the room fills with families, hotel guests and returning Cantonese diners. Reservations are taken for hotel guests, while others queue — a measure of how sought-after a table here remains.
Best for Business Lunch
A Michelin-starred kitchen, a river-view room and a refined yum cha service make Hongtu Hall a strong choice for a daytime business lunch or a meal to impress clients in Guangzhou. The celebratory dim sum setting also suits a family birthday.
Not for
Not for travellers chasing a cheap backstreet teahouse or a quick à la carte dinner — Hongtu Hall is a starred, hotel-set dim sum hall with morning queues and upper-mid pricing, built around the yum cha ritual.
Frequently Asked
What is Hongtu Hall known for?
It is the White Swan Hotel's Michelin-starred dim sum hall on Shamian Island, Guangzhou, known for hand-crafted Cantonese dim sum, roast meats and a tableside tea service overlooking the Pearl River.
Does Hongtu Hall have a Michelin star?
Yes — Hongtu Hall was awarded one Michelin star in the Guangzhou 2024 guide and retained the star in 2025.
What should I order?
The Yangcheng fresh shrimp dumpling is the signature, alongside velvety congee and roast meats; the tableside tea service is part of the experience.
Do I need a reservation at Hongtu Hall?
Reservations are accepted for guests staying at the White Swan Hotel; other diners join the queue, so arriving early for the 8am yum cha service helps.
Where is Hongtu Hall located?
On the second floor of the White Swan Hotel at 1 Shamian South Street, on Shamian Island in the Liwan district of Guangzhou.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Hongtu Hall
Reservations for White Swan Hotel guests; others queue — arrive early for morning yum cha.
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Practical Information
AddressWhite Swan Hotel, Shamian Island, Guangzhou
NeighbourhoodShamian Island, Liwan
CuisineCantonese / Dim sum
PriceUpper-mid hotel pricing; dim sum & roast meats
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingRiver-view hotel dim sum hall
ReservationHotel guests only / queue
