Tucked away in Guangzhou’s Panyu District (17km from downtown), the postcard-perfect Yu Yin Shan Fang (余荫山房) stands as one of Guangdong’s Four Classic Qing Dynasty Gardens. This 1,598-sqm horticultural gem whispers the legacy of the Wu family – whose father and two sons remarkably clinched top-three rankings in imperial examinations – making it a symbolic pilgrimage site for academic aspirants even today.
Spatial Poetry in Stone & Wood
Defying its compact footprint, the garden unfolds like an intricately carved jewelry box. Every inch of the 300-step perimeter has been orchestrated to frame:
Architectural cameos: Moon gates reveal lily-pad dotted ponds, while crimson-lacquered xieshan-style pavilions cast delicate shadows on limestone “mountain”scapes.
Four carving arts symphony: Brick reliefs depicting scholar’s tales, openwork wooden partitions filtering dappled light, ethereal lime sculptures, and granite bridges with hidden drainage channels – each element converses in silent elegance.
Design Secrets for the Discerning Eye
The true genius lies in its trompe-l’œil spatial choreography:
The “Eight Views” principle: Strategically placed latticed windows (漏窗) transform into living landscape paintings, with each aperture framing seasonal highlights – from summer lotus clusters to winter plum blossoms.
Corridor Bridge as pivot: This zigzagging covered walkway (廊桥) does double duty as both spatial divider and unifier, seamlessly connecting the garden’s yin-yang eastern/western sections while creating Instagram-ready view corridors.
How to get to Guangzhou Yu Yin Shan Fang
📍 ADDRESS & TRANSPORT
🏠 Address:
广州市番禺区南村镇北大街余荫山房
Yu Yin Shan Fang, North Main Street, Nancun Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou
🚇 By Metro:
Take Line 7 to Hanxi Changlong Station (汉溪长隆站)
Exit D → 10-min taxi ride (¥15-20) or 15-min bus ride (番30路)
🚖 By Taxi/Didi:
Show driver: “去番禺余荫山房” (Qù Pànyú Yúyìn Shānfáng)
🎫 TICKET & HOURS
💰 Admission:
Adults: ¥18 (≈$2.50)
Students/Seniors: ¥9 (with ID)
Free: Children <1.2m, disabled visitors
💳 Payment Methods:
Cash (Small bills preferred – ¥5/¥10/¥20)
Mobile Pay: WeChat Pay/Alipay (QR codes at ticket booth)
⏰ Opening Hours:
Peak Season (Apr-Oct): 8:30AM-6:00PM (last entry 5:30PM)
Off-Season (Nov-Mar): 8:30AM-5:30PM
Closed: 1st Monday of each month (maintenance)
🌍Yu Yin Shan Fang & Nearby Attractions
Located just 15 minutes by car from the bustling Chimelong Resort Area, Yu Yin Shan Fang offers a perfect cultural escape before or after visiting Guangzhou’s most famous theme parks. Here are the top nearby attractions:
🎢 Chimelong Resort Complex (15 min drive)
Chimelong Water Park (长隆水上乐园) – One of Asia’s largest water parks, featuring thrilling slides (like the “Behemoth Bowl”), wave pools, and a lazy river. Perfect for cooling off after exploring Yu Yin Shan Fang.
Chimelong Safari Park (长隆野生动物世界) – Home to pandas, tigers, and a massive safari drive-through zone.
Chimelong Paradise (长隆欢乐世界) – Roller coasters, 4D theaters, and family-friendly rides.
Chimelong International Circus (长隆国际大马戏) – A world-class acrobatic night show.