Yuexiu Park

Sprawling across scenic hills in the very heart of Guangzhou, Yuexiu Park is a magnificent green expanse where history is closely intertwined with nature. It is the city's oldest and largest park, covering an area of approximately 860,000 square meters. It brings together seven hills of the Yuexiu mountain range and three tranquil man-made lakes, creating a unique landscape amidst the modern skyscrapers of China.

Yuexiu Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Yuexiu Park is more than just a recreational area; it is a true cultural reserve with a national AAAA status. Key city symbols are concentrated here, including the legendary "Five Rams" sculpture and the majestic Zhenhai Tower. Strolling through its shaded alleys, you can see the remains of ancient city walls and elegant pavilions hidden within lush subtropical vegetation.

This place is ideal for those who want to swap the noise of the metropolis for birdsong—more than 40 species live here. The park serves as a favorite meeting spot for locals and an essential stop for any tourist wishing to touch the soul of ancient Canton and enjoy panoramic views of the city blocks.

For information regarding special events or group visits, you can use the park's official contact details.

It is best to start your exploration of the park with the historical route, which will lead you past the most iconic landmarks. Be sure to visit Zhenhai Tower: inside this five-story building with its striking red walls, you'll find the city museum. After climbing to the top floors, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Guangzhou, where ancient rooftops stand alongside futuristic high-rises.

Don't miss the chance to see the Five Rams Statue—the park's main photo spot. This massive monument, carved from granite, commemorates the legend of the city's founding. History buffs will enjoy finding fragments of the Ming Dynasty City Wall, which stand as silent witnesses to the region's centuries-old past. The park also houses the monumental Sun Yat-sen Memorial, situated on one of the hills.

If you're looking for relaxation, head to the lakes for a boat ride or simply sit by the shore in the shade of ancient trees. You can often see locals practicing Tai Chi or playing traditional games, which you are welcome to join. For families with children, there are amusement zones, and numerous pavilions offer spaces for quiet contemplation of nature.

Reaching this green oasis in the heart of the metropolis is quite easy. The most convenient way is to use the Guangzhou Metro. You need the Yuexiu Park station (Line 2), with exits leading directly to the park's west gate. Alternatively, you can travel to Guangzhou Railway Station (Lines 2 and 5), from where a walk to the entrance takes about 15–20 minutes.

For those who prefer ground transportation, numerous buses run in the vicinity, stopping at the West, North, or East gates. If you are coming from Baiyun Airport, a taxi ride or a high-speed train journey will take between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you are already in the central districts, you can take a taxi or rent a bicycle—a popular way to get around among locals. The park has several entrances, so when planning your route, aim for the sights you are most interested in, such as Zhenhai Tower or the Five Rams Statue.

The transformation of Yuexiu Hill into a modern recreation area began in 1921 at the initiative of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The park officially opened its doors to the public in 1927, becoming the city's first public park in the modern sense of the word. After an extensive restoration in the 1950s, it took on its current appearance, harmoniously blending the natural landscape with architectural heritage.

One of the oldest structures on the grounds is Zhenhai Tower, built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty. Throughout its 600-year history, it has been destroyed and rebuilt five times, consistently serving as an important defensive and watch post. Since 1929, it has housed the Guangzhou Museum, which stores unique artifacts tracing the city's journey from the Neolithic period to the present day.

An equally significant symbol is the Five Rams Sculpture, installed in 1959. It embodies an ancient legend of celestial immortals who appeared to the residents riding rams and gifted them rice, saving the city from famine. It is thanks to this legend that Guangzhou is often called the "City of Rams" or the "City of Rice Ears." The park also preserves authentic fragments of the city wall from the Ming Dynasty, which are over 600 years old.

To leisurely stroll along the main paths and see the park's primary symbols, a typical visitor will need about 2–3 hours. This is enough time to follow the popular historical route and take commemorative photos at the famous monuments.

If you plan to explore the Guangzhou Museum exhibition in Zhenhai Tower in detail, climb all the observation decks, and perhaps have a small picnic by the lake, it's worth setting aside 4–5 hours for your visit. Yuexiu Park is a place where you shouldn't rush, so it's better to allocate a good half of the day for it.

The main area of Yuexiu Park is usually open to visitors daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This allows you to enjoy the morning cool or see the park in the soft evening light. It's worth noting that entrance to the park itself is free.

However, cultural sites within the park have their own schedules. For example, the Guangzhou Museum in Zhenhai Tower typically welcomes visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Before your trip, it's recommended to check the current schedule on official resources, as opening hours may change depending on the season or holidays.

The park's location in the historical center makes it easy to combine your visit with other interesting sites. Exploring the surrounding area will help you dive deeper into the atmosphere of the modern and ancient city, revealing new facets of the region's culture and entertainment.