Hidden Local Gems in Guangzhou—Yuexiu Park～

Hey guys, if you’re visiting Guangzhou, you absolutely can’t miss Yuexiu Park! This is a free treasure of a park with picturesque natural scenery and plenty of historical sites. Whether you’re taking the kids out, going on a date, or just wandering by yourself, it’s perfect! Today, I’m sharing my personal Yuexiu Park travel guide with you all, so jot it down quickly! Basic Information 🌸Yuexiu Park 📍Address: No. 960 Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 🕙Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM, free admission, you can enjoy it without spending a dime! 🚇Transportation: - Take Metro Line 2 to Yuexiu Park Station, Exit B1. The main park entrance is about 100 meters to the right. This route is very gentle, perfect for families with elderly or kids, no worries about tiring uphill climbs. - If you want to visit the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall first, get off at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station on Line 2, then enter the park from the South Gate mountain entrance. However, this route has stairs and is more physically demanding, so choose based on your condition. - You can also get off at Xiaobei Station on Line 5 and walk 500 meters south to reach the park. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Five Rams Statue: This is Guangzhou’s iconic symbol and a top must-visit! The five immortal rams each have unique postures and look lifelike. Legend says they brought harvest and good fortune to Guangzhou. Be sure to take photos here, standing at the side or diagonal front to capture all five rams—super memorable. 2. Zhenhai Tower (Guangzhou Museum): Built in the Ming Dynasty, this five-story ancient building looks grand. Tickets are cheap, only 10 yuan. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic city view, which feels amazing. The museum’s collection is rich, and a visit deepens your understanding of Guangzhou’s history. Wearing traditional-style clothes for photos adds great atmosphere. 3. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Monument: Built to honor Dr. Sun Yat-sen, it stands 37 meters tall with his will engraved on the front. Climb the “Hundred Steps Staircase” with 498 steps to reach it. The staircase is in Lingnan style and very photogenic. When climbing, have a friend snap some shots—you’ll get stunning photos in no time. 4. Guangzhou Ancient City Wall: The only remaining section of the Ming Dynasty city wall, covered in moss and full of historical vibes. You can stroll along the wall, feel the traces of time, and touch the ancient bricks as if talking to history. For photos, lean against the wall and look sideways into the distance for a beautiful historical atmosphere. 5. Dongxiu Lake, Nanxiu Lake, Beixiu Lake: These three man-made lakes each have unique charm and are all stunning. Dongxiu Lake offers a distant view of the TV Tower and has kayaking activities—thrill-seekers don’t miss it; Nanxiu Lake overlooks Zhenhai Tower, surrounded by green trees and blooming flowers, perfect for walking and photos; Beixiu Lake is quieter with shady trees, a flower pavilion, an island in the lake, and Jin Garden filled with many koi fish. Bring some bread to feed the fish—it’s super fun. You can also row boats on the lake and enjoy a leisurely time. 6. Korean Garden (Haijing Dongjing Garden): Located in the valley behind Beixiu Lake, it’s full of traditional Korean style. The low walls and stone hibiscus elements are distinctive, making it a perfect photo spot for Hanfu, traditional, and Japanese-Korean style lovers. Wearing beautiful clothes, any shot in the garden looks great. The Tea Mountain Pavilion at the highest point of the garden gives a cool, quiet vibe; at the courtyard gate, slowly opening and walking out while friends take continuous shots easily creates story-like photos. 7. Idiom Fable Garden (Famous Green Bench Theater): A must-visit for Wong Kar-wai aesthetic fans! There’s a row of green benches that are super photogenic. Come in the evening when the warm yellow sunset shines on the benches, creating a full atmosphere. For photos, casually sit or stand by the benches, keep the pose natural and simple. The simpler the outfit, the better—wear a plain T-shirt and jeans, or for girls, a polka dot dress with big waves for a strong Hong Kong vibe. Food Recommendations - Inside the park: There are some snack stalls selling grilled sausages, fish balls, stinky tofu, and more. If you get tired from walking, grab some snacks to fill your stomach, but don’t eat too much—save room for a big meal outside. - Near the park: - Liuhua Congee City: Authentic Cantonese dim sum like boat congee, rice rolls, shrimp dumplings. The congee is soft and fragrant, rice rolls thin and smooth, shrimp dumplings packed with shrimp—super satisfying. Come here to experience genuine Cantonese morning tea. - Changlai Xiaoju: Famous for sizzling clay pot dishes, must-try are the sizzling eel and sizzling chicken. When the clay pot arrives, it sizzles and smells amazing. The flavors are rich, and the chicken and eel are very tasty. - Weidao Congee City: A 34-year-old established brand with intangible cultural heritage handmade food. The signature pork offal congee is a must-try, full of fresh ingredients with a smooth, delicate congee base; handmade soufflé is mountain-sized, soft, smooth, melts in your mouth, topped with nuts for a rich texture; golden sand cuttlefish cake with shrimp is chewy with a strong salted egg yolk flavor. Nearby Accommodations - Guangzhou Dongfang Hotel: A classic hotel with complete facilities, very close to the park, convenient for travel whether visiting the park or shopping nearby. - Guangzhou Baiyun Hotel: Excellent location, some rooms offer views of Baiyun Mountain, with attentive service for a comfortable and reassuring stay. One-Day Itinerary Suggestion - Morning: Enter from the main park gate, first visit the Five Rams Statue for a close-up photo with Guangzhou’s symbol. Then head to the Guangzhou Ancient City Wall to feel the weight of history. - Noon: Grab a simple bite at the park’s snack stalls, or if you want a proper meal, go to nearby restaurants to try Cantonese cuisine. - Afternoon: Visit the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Monument, climb the Hundred Steps Staircase and take photos. Then go to Zhenhai Tower to tour the Guangzhou Museum and learn about the city’s history. Afterward, row a boat on Dongxiu Lake or try kayaking to enjoy a leisurely afternoon. - Evening: Exit from the park’s East Gate, explore the surroundings, find a place for dinner, and end a wonderful day. Notes - Guangzhou’s weather is changeable, remember to wear sunscreen and bring an umbrella. In summer, mosquitoes are common, so don’t forget insect repellent. - Some areas in the park prohibit smoking and littering. Please protect the environment and behave civilly. - Guangzhou Museum is closed on Mondays, so avoid visiting then. - Parents with children must watch them carefully, especially near lakes and playgrounds. Safety first.