Information
Landmark: Yuexiu ParkCity: Guangzhou
Country: China
Continent: Asia
Yuexiu Park, Guangzhou, China, Asia
Overview
Yuexiu Park (越秀公园, Yuèxiù Gōngyuán) is Guangzhou’s largest green space and among its most famous, with winding paths shaded by old banyan trees.Spanning more than 860,000 square meters, it’s a place where towering pines meet centuries of tradition, weaving natural beauty with deep cultural roots.In Yuexiu District, the park draws locals and visitors alike with shaded paths, still blue lakes, and centuries-old monuments.One.Yuexiu Park sits atop Yuexiu Hill, a place once home to the ancient Zhujiang civilization and the roots of Guangzhou’s early growth, where old stone paths still hint at centuries past.Long ago, this hill held the capital of the Nanyue Kingdom, back in the Western Han Dynasty, between 202 BC and 9 AD.For centuries, this spot has played a central role in Guangzhou’s cultural life and political movements, from lively street festivals to fiery public debates.The park opened in 1952 and, over the years, has grown into one of the city’s proudest symbols, where leafy trails wind past old stone monuments.Number two.Yuexiu Park stretches wide across the city, with quiet bamboo groves, historic monuments, and other highlights that showcase Guangzhou’s blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.Here are a few of the best-known spots-like the old clock tower with its bronze chimes.The Five Rams Sculpture (五羊石像), one of Guangzhou’s most famous landmarks, rises from the center of Yuexiu Park, its stone figures frozen mid-stride.The statue stands as a proud reminder of the city’s history and its old legends, bronze catching the afternoon light.Local legend says five immortals once came down to the city as five rams, their wool white as cloud, and with them came prosperity and joy for the whole region.Five rams stand frozen on a jagged rock, each striking its own distinct pose.People often see it as a symbol of fertility, good luck, and prosperity, and today travelers flock to it, snapping photos under its bright red arch.It’s the second point, marked simply with the letter “b,” like a small black note in the margin.Zhenhai Tower (镇海楼), or the Tower of the Five Rams, stands atop Yuexiu Hill, where its red walls and sweeping balconies give visitors a breathtaking view of the park and the sprawl of Guangzhou beyond.In the 17th century, during the Ming Dynasty, workers raised the tower as part of the city’s defenses, its stone walls once bristling with watchful guards.The tower rises in the traditional Chinese style, with a wooden frame and a roof of curved, dark tiles, and it’s been restored more than once over the years.Today, it’s home to a museum where visitors can wander past old maps, photographs, and exhibits telling the city’s story and culture.C. The park sits atop Yuexiu Hill, where winding paths lead through lush greenery and still lakes that catch the light.Visitors can stroll along the park’s quiet paths, climb the hill to wander among its tiny temples and shady pavilions, and take in the sweeping view of Guangzhou’s skyline framed against the afternoon haze.Winding paths weave through the park, guiding visitors to scenic spots like Xiang Lake, where they can drift in small boats and listen to the soft splash of oars on the water.The letter d sat alone, a small curve and straight line etched in black ink.In Yuexiu Park, you’ll find not just the famous Five Rams Sculpture but also the Five-Rams Monument, a tribute to the legend behind Guangzhou’s name.Legend says five rams once carried rice to the people, and from that gift, the fields burst green and full.Five massive stone rams stand together, another striking emblem of prosperity and wealth, their weathered surfaces warm under the afternoon sun.The letter “e” is the fifth in the alphabet, small and curved like a pebble worn smooth by water.Yuexiu Park houses a range of cultural and historical exhibits, so you can stroll past ancient stone carvings while enjoying a peaceful break and learning something new.As they wander the park, visitors can explore museum displays and read plaques that share its history, the story of Zhenhai Tower, and the legend of the Five Rams, sometimes with faded ink or weathered edges that hint at years in the sun.Three.Yuexiu Park is famous for its lush, carefully tended gardens and winding water features, with man-made lakes and streams like Xiang Lake and Yuexiu Lake glinting in the sunlight.Calm, glassy lakes invite visitors to glide across in small boats, stretch out in the shade, or simply soak in the park’s quiet beauty.Flora: The park is alive with greenery-ancient banyan trees with roots like thick ropes, towering bamboo swaying in the breeze, and flowers in every color you can imagine.Nature lovers and photographers will adore this spot, especially when wildflowers spill color across the hills.Open Green Spaces: The park’s wide lawns draw locals who stretch slowly through Tai Chi at sunrise, share picnic baskets under shady trees, and laugh over lively games of Mahjong.Wide stretches of green make this spot perfect for outdoor fun, whether it’s tossing a frisbee or just lying in the grass under the sun.Number four.Yuexiu Park isn’t only steeped in history-it’s alive with things to do, from winding stone paths perfect for a quiet stroll to shaded trails where locals jog in the early morning cool.Boating: Rent a small boat and drift across the lakes, the oars dipping quietly into the water as you take in the park from a fresh, peaceful angle.Photography: Yuexiu Park blends ancient monuments, lush greenery, and the hum of the city, making it a perfect spot for photos-especially when the first light spills over the rooftops or the sky turns gold at sunset.All year long, Yuexiu Park comes alive with cultural events and festivals, from the beat of traditional drum performances to bright art exhibits and open-air concerts.Five.Yuexiu Park sits right in the heart of Guangzhou, just steps from Yuexiu Park Station on Metro Line 2, and you can just as easily get there by bus or hail a taxi.The park’s open most days from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but a few spots-like the Zhenhai Tower-run on their own schedule.Admission: You can usually stroll into Yuexiu Park without paying a thing, walking past the shady banyan trees at no cost.Still, a few spots-like the Zhenhai Tower with its red wooden beams-might charge a small admission fee.Number six.Just a short walk from Yuexiu Park, you’ll find the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, its broad stone steps and sweeping roof honoring the life of the Republic of China’s founding father.The Guangzhou Museum, just a short walk away, brings the city’s past to life with artifacts, faded maps, and stories of its rich cultural heritage.Shamian Island is a historic district with graceful colonial buildings and quiet, tree-lined streets where the air smells faintly of the river.Canton Tower rises over Guangzhou, offering sweeping views of the city and the glitter of lights along the Pearl River at night.Yuexiu Park mixes lush green hills, centuries-old relics, and lively local traditions, making it a spot you can’t miss when you’re in Guangzhou.Whether you’re drawn to history, craving fresh air under the pines, or just want to stretch out in the grass, the park has something for you-and it’s an easy way to feel the city’s past and present come alive.
