Yuexiu Park

Yuexiu Park is the green heart of central Guangzhou and the city's largest urban park, a rolling landscape of wooded hills, three artificial lakes and monuments that tell the story of Guangzhou itself. It takes its name from Yuexiu Hill and gathers, in one easy walk, the legends and landmarks that define the city.

What to see

The park's most famous resident is the Five Rams Statue, the very symbol of Guangzhou. Legend tells that five immortals descended on rams bearing rice stalks, blessing the city with prosperity and giving it the nickname "City of Rams". Crowning the highest point is the Zhenhai Tower, a striking five-storey red pavilion first built in 1380 and now home to the Guangzhou Museum, whose galleries trace two thousand years of local history. Nearby stand long stretches of the Ming-dynasty city wall, the Square Cannon, and the Sea-Viewing terrace. The lakes, lawns and flower beds make the rest of the park a favourite for picnics, morning exercise and paddle boats.

Opening hours

The park is open daily from early morning until late evening, roughly 06:00 to 22:00. The Guangzhou Museum inside Zhenhai Tower keeps shorter hours, generally 09:00 to 17:00 and closed on Mondays.

Tickets

Entry to the park is free. A small separate ticket of around 10 RMB covers the Guangzhou Museum in Zhenhai Tower.

Getting there

Take Metro Line 2 to Yuexiu Park Station, which sits right at the southern gate. The park connects easily on foot to the nearby Memorial and the old city core.

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are loveliest, when flowers bloom and the air is mild. Come in the morning to see locals practising tai chi, dancing and singing Cantonese opera among the trees — the park at its most characterful. Allow two hours, more if you climb to Zhenhai Tower for the museum and the view.

Practical notes

The park is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes for the climb to Zhenhai Tower. Paths are well shaded, making it a good refuge on a hot day.