East Lake Afternoon: A Quiet Spot to Bask in the Sun

Address: 123 Donghu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou Sometimes, I just want to find a less crowded place to take a stroll and relax. It doesn’t have to be a flashy spot for taking photos or checking in on social media. I just want to sit quietly for a while, and that’s how I stumbled upon Dongshan Lake Park. There aren’t many travel guides about Dongshan Lake, probably because it has such a local vibe. As soon as you enter, you’ll see people feeding ducks, elderly folks playing chess, and kids riding bikes. It’s full of life, which gave me a sense of belonging. The park is quite large, and the lake is beautiful. There are many willow trees with branches dipping into the water, creating a dreamy scene straight out of a period drama. That day, I was wearing a white long dress, and as I sat by the lake with the breeze blowing, I felt like I was in a short film (laughs). What I love most is that the park is completely free—yes, zero cost! Yet, it’s well-maintained and very clean, even the restrooms don’t smell (kudos for that). There are also a few wooden benches, perfect for bringing a book and chilling for a while. When I got hungry, I walked a few minutes out of the park to Dongshankou, where there are so many eateries to choose from. I ended up at a small café and had a latte for afternoon tea—so relaxing! This place doesn’t have many Instagrammable spots or people taking photos, but that’s exactly why I could truly breathe, gaze at the sky, and daydream, enjoying a genuinely beautiful afternoon. If you’re also looking for a quiet space to unwind, without the hassle of crowded subways or socializing, give Dongshan Lake a try. It’s not easy to find a slice of slow living in the city.