Guangzhou South China Botanical Garden: A Tropical Scientific Wonderland
(中国科学院华南植物园)
Operated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) since 1956, this 300-hectare flagship botanical garden ranks among the world’s most significant repositories of tropical biodiversity. Just 25km from downtown Guangzhou, its 6,000+ scientifically curated species transform the Longdong area into a breathtaking living laboratory.
Collections of Global Importance
The garden’s 17 professionally designed zones offer unparalleled botanical diversity:
Palmarium: A Jurassic Park-like canopy of 200+ palm species
Ginger & Magnolia Conservatories (featuring IUCN Red List protected species)
Fossil Plants Garden: 20+ ancient cycad varieties predating dinosaurs
Orchidarium: Epiphytes blooming on stunning artificial karst formations
Designed for Discovery
The Public Science Park (67 hectares) innovatively combines education and nature:
“Plant Hunter” guided trails with QR-coded specimens for instant information
Serene lakeside bamboo forests featuring artistically pruned tea bushes
Geodiversity exhibits highlighting Lingnan’s unique volcanic rock formations
📍 ADDRESS & TRANSPORT
🏠 Address: South China Botanical Garden, CAS,723 Xingke Road, Tianhe District,Guangzhou
广州市天河区兴科路723号
How to get to the Guangzhou South China Botanical Garden
🚇 Metro Access (Most Recommended):
Take Line 6 to Botanical Garden Station
From Exit A: Turn left (with exit behind you) → 5-minute walk to main gate
🚖 By Taxi/Didi:
Show the driver this Chinese text: “ 华南植物园正门 main entrance” (pronounced: Huánán Zhíwù Yuán ) or the address above.
🎫 TICKET & HOURS
💰 Admission:
Standard: ¥20 (Adult) | ¥10 (Student/Child 1.2-1.5m) | Free (Seniors 65+/Kids <1.2m)
Combos: ¥50 (All Zones) | ¥80 (Family Package: 2 Adults + 1 Child)
💳 Payment:
Cash (¥10/¥20 bills preferred)
Mobile Pay: WeChat/Alipay (requires China-linked bank card)
⏰ Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM)
Greenhouse & Special Exhibits: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Seasonal Adjustments:
Summer (Jun-Aug): Closes 30 mins later (6:00 PM)
Winter (Dec-Feb): Closes 30 mins earlier (5:00 PM)
Best Visiting Times:
☀️ Mornings (7:30–10:00 AM):
Coolest temperatures, fewer crowds
Highest chance to see morning mist in bamboo forests
🚶 SUGGESTED ITINERARY
⏱️ Short Visit (3hrs)
