Nestled amid Guangzhou’s skyscrapers, Liuhua Lake Park masterfully blends urban greenery, poetic ruins, and ecological wonders into a single breathtaking escape. This sprawling sanctuary features three major lakes and four smaller reflective pools, framed by lush subtropical canopies and dotted with historical whispers – most notably the ancient Liuhua Bridge from the Southern Han Dynasty era.
Wildlife Spectacle
The park’s crown jewel is its 3,000㎡ Egret Island, where thousands of snowy herons perform aerial ballets at dusk. Birdwatchers flock to the dedicated observation decks and tea pavilions, where the rustle of wings mingles with the fragrance of freshly brewed jasmine tea.
Zones of Discovery
East District: Trek through the Xishuangbanna-inspired Mengli Garden, where exotic blooms frame dramatic rockeries and cascading waterfalls. Don’t miss the nostalgic Nanhai Fishing Village Restaurant with its lakeside decks.
Central District: The Rongyin Kuidi area invites leisurely strolls past the Xinguang Garden Restaurant, while fitness enthusiasts utilize the outdoor exercise circuits.
South District: Pine forests cast dappled shadows over the Pulin Teahouse, where the scent of aged pu’er blends with birdsong – a perfect prelude to visiting the adjacent Guangzhou Youth Palace.
Architectural Icon
The Liuhua Lake White House (currently closed) floats ethereally on the water’s surface. This former restaurant, awaiting conversion into a museum, remains a photographer’s paradise with its European-inspired facades creating mirror-perfect reflections at golden hour.
Essential Context
Built in the 1950s as a flood-control reservoir, the park now serves as both vital urban infrastructure and a recreational haven. Unlike neighboring Yuexiu Park, over 60% of its area is water – recently enhanced with lotus and hibiscus plantings that create seasonal pink spectacles. The landscape design showcases classic South Asian tropical flora: towering palms, sprawling banyans, and vibrant flowering shrubs.
Visitor Intel
Free admission | Walking distance from Yuexiu Park (Yuexiu Park to Liuhua Lake Park: A pleasant 15-minute stroll through Guangzhou’s green heart.)
Best at dawn/dusk for bird activity and soft light photography
Hidden gem: The western Bonsai Garden displays miniature landscapes worthy of a Song Dynasty painting
📍 ADDRESS & TRANSPORT
🏠 Address:
English: 100 Liuhua Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Chinese: 广州市越秀区流花路100号
🚇 By Metro (Most Recommended):
- Line 2 to Yuexiu Park Station (越秀公园站), Exit B1 (8-min walk)
- Line 5 to Xicun Station (西村站), Exit D (12-min walk)
🔴 • Line 11 to Liuhuahu Station (流花湖站), Exit A (3-min walk to North Gate) [Newest Option!]
🚖 By Taxi/Didi:
Show driver: “请到流花湖公园北门” (Qǐng dào Liúhuā Hú Gōngyuán běi mén)
Pronunciation: “Lyo-hwah Hoo Gong-ywen Bay Mun”
🎫 TICKET & HOURS
💰 Admission:
- FREE
💳 Payment for Activities:
- Boat rental: ￥60-100/hour (Cash: ￥10/￥20 bills preferred)
- Teahouses: WeChat Pay/Alipay (China-linked cards only)
⏰ Opening Hours:
- 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM)
- Best light for photography: 6:00-8:00 AM / 4:00-6:00 PM
🚶 SUGGESTED ITINERARY
⏱️ Short Visit (1-2 hrs):
North Gate → Egret Island → White House (photo spot) → Bonsai Garden
🌅 Half-Day Trip (3-4 hrs):
Morning: Mengli Garden → Nanhai Fishing Village (breakfast)
Afternoon: Rent paddle boat → Pulin Teahouse → Sunset at White House
🌍 NEARBY HIGHLIGHTS (Walkable Gems)
✨ Culture & Nature Combo:
5-min walk from East Gate
Why go: Classical Lingnan courtyard with 200+ orchid species
Pro Tip: Tea house hidden behind the rockery (open 10AM-5PM)
- Mausoleum of the Nanyue King (Nanyue King Tomb)
8-min walk from South Gate
Must-see: 2,000-year-old jade burial suit
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall : 10-min drive
🚶♀️ Pair With Smart Routes:
Morning Deep Dive:
Liuhua Lake (egrets) → Orchid Garden (open 8AM) → Nanyue King Museum (opens 9AM)
Afternoon Explorer:
Liuhua Lake (boat ride) → Qihang Park (aviation photos) → Yuexiu Park (5PM sunset at Zhenhai Tower)
Full-Day Culture Tour:
Start at Nanyue King Museum → Lunch at Liuhua Lake’s fishing village → Afternoon in Orchid Garden → Sunset stroll connecting all parks