As Guangzhou’s first and largest urban park, Guangzhou Yuexiu Park serves dual roles as the city’s green lung and an open-air museum of Cantonese culture. This 212-acre sanctuary offers urban escapees more than just subtropical flora – it’s where history breathes through every ancient banyan tree and weathered stone.
Morning Rituals & Natural Wonders
Dawn reveals the park’s true character. Join locals practicing tai chi by Dongxiu Lake, where mist dances across the water’s surface. Retirees in white cotton shoes trace graceful arcs in the morning air, their portable radios murmuring Cantonese opera as steam rises from thermos cups of pu’er tea. The subtropical canopy bursts with vibrant greens. Follow the scent of osmanthus blossoms to discover.
- Five Rams Sculpture – This 11-meter bronze masterpiece isn’t just a photo stop. Legend says the grain-carrying rams brought prosperity, making this the spiritual birthplace of Guangzhou. Pro tip: Arrive before 8am to capture the monument bathed in golden light without crowds.
- Ming Dynasty City Wall – Run your fingers along the 600-year-old weathered bricks, where time has etched stories into every crevice. The photogenic moss-covered sections near the west gate feel straight from a period drama.
Cultural Immersion
The park transforms into a living Cantonese cultural showcase by mid-morning:
Watch calligraphers create water-brush poetry on pavement—ephemeral art that vanishes by noon.
Listen for impromptu Cantonese opera performances near the rose garden.
Join the badminton game or table tennis matches at the community courts
Must-Visit Landmarks
Zhenhai Tower: Panoramic city views from this 1380s fortress , Visit the Guangzhou Museum inside (closed Mondays)
⏰ Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 05:30 PM
💰 Admission: ¥10
Sun Yat-sen Monument ： Historical significance
Five Rams Sculpture：Contemporary art contrast
Smart Visiting Strategies
✓ Timing: Mornings (6-9am) for local culture; evenings for cooler temperatures
✓ Transport: The park’s eco-shuttles (¥10/ride) save walking – but note single-stop policy
✓ Footwear: Pack walking shoes – the hilly terrain covers 7km of pathways
Dining Nearby
- Beiyuan Restaurant (East Gate): Savor dim sum in a 1920s garden villa
- Congee City (North Gate): Try century-egg porridge post-exploration
Getting There
📍 Metro Line 2 to Yuexiu Park Station (Exit B1)
🚶♂️ 10-min walk from Xiaobei Station (Line 5)
📍 ADDRESS & TRANSPORT
🏠 Address: No. 988, Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou City
Chinese广州市越秀区解放北路988号
🚇 By Metro:
📍 Metro Line2 to Yuexiu Park Station (Exit B1)，5-minute walk from Exit B1
🚶♂️ 10-minute walk from Xiaobei Station (Line 5)
🚖 By Taxi/Didi:
Show the driver this Chinese text: “越秀公园” (pronounced Yuèxiù Gōngyuán ) or the address above.
🎫 TICKET & HOURS
💰 Admission: Free
⏰ Opening Hours: 6:00 AM -10:00 PM
🚶 SUGGESTED ITINERARY
⏱️ Short Visit (1-2 hrs):
🌅 Half-Day Trip (3-4 hrs):
Pair with the Nanyue King Tomb Museum (10-minute walk) to explore 2,000-year-old Lingnan history + Guangzhou Lanpu Garden (Guangzhou Orchid Garden)
🌍 NEARBY HIGHLIGHTS
✨ If you have extra time, consider these nearby spots:
🏯 Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: Step into 2,000-year-old Lingnan history at this extraordinary underground mausoleum, where exquisite jade burial suits and bronze artifacts whisper tales of the ancient Nanyue Kingdom.
🌉 Guangzhou Orchid Garden, A serene haven showcasing 300+ orchid species, best visited March-May when blooms peak (Located directly opposite Yuexiu Park’s east gate).
