Nestled on Yuexiu Hill in the heart of Guangzhou, Yuexiu Park is the city’s oldest and largest comprehensive urban park. This expansive green space features seven tree-covered hills and three peaceful artificial lakes. With a history dating back to 1927, the park has been a beloved natural retreat for generations and is recognized as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. It is home to Guangzhou’s most important cultural symbols, including the iconic Five Rams Sculpture and the ancient Zhenhai Tower, making it an essential introduction to the city’s history and natural beauty.
Yuexiu Park Facts
- Chinese Name: 越秀公园
- Established: 1927
- Type: Historical Sites, Architectural Buildings, Cultural Relics, Park and Nature
- Address: No. 988, Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
- Area: 690,000 square meters
- Recommended Visiting Hours: 1.5~3 hours
- Opening Hours: 06:00~22:00
- Tickets: Free (Note: Some attractions inside the park may charge a separate fee)
History of Yuexiu Park
Yuexiu Park is built upon the historic Yuexiu Hill, known in ancient times as Yuewang Hill and Guanyin Hill. This area has been recognized as a notable scenic destination since the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) and was formally listed among the prestigious “Eight Views of Canton” (Yángchéng Bā Jǐng) during the Yuan Dynasty.
- In 1921, Dr. Sun Yat-sen first proposed the visionary idea of transforming Yuexiu Hill into a public park.
- In 1927, this vision was realized with the formal establishment of Yuexiu Park, opening its gates to the public for the first time and marking the beginning of its modern identity.
- In 1950, the Guangzhou municipal government initiated a major restoration project, mobilizing teams to repair historical sites and carry out extensive landscaping and reforestation across the park.
- In 1957, the newly renovated Yuexiu Park was officially reopened, showcasing enhanced greenery, refreshed historical landmarks, and improved public facilities.
- In 1959, the iconic Five-Rams Sculpture was unveiled, becoming not only a centerpiece of the park but also an enduring symbol of Guangzhou itself.
Throughout its history, Yuexiu Park has welcomed numerous distinguished visitors from China and abroad, including world leaders such as former U.S. President Richard Nixon.
Top Attractions within Yuexiu Park
Zhenhai Tower (Five-Story Tower)
A legendary landmark of Guangzhou, Zhenhai Tower was built in 1380 under the order of Zhu Liangzu, a Ming Dynasty marquis. History records that he was told by a sorcerer that the yellow and purple air rising from Yuexiu Mountain was an omen of a new emperor, and the tower was constructed to suppress this energy. Over its 600-year history, it has been destroyed and rebuilt five times. Known as the first tower in Lingnan, it stands 28 meters high with its striking green tiles and red walls creating an elegant silhouette.
Since 1929, it has housed the Guangzhou Museum, showcasing over 2,000 years of the city’s history through fascinating relics and documents. Climb to the top for one of the best panoramic views of the city.
- Tickets: ¥10
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Monday)
Five-Ram Sculpture
The Five-Rams Sculpture is not merely a statue; it is the official emblem of Guangzhou and embodies the city’s founding legend. Crafted from over 130 pieces of granite in 1959, this 11-meter-high masterpiece depicts the moment five immortals, riding on rams, descended upon the city over 2,000 years ago.
According to the legend, Guangzhou was once a barren land suffering from famine. The five immortals, adorned in five-color robes, arrived playing magical music. They bestowed sheaves of rice upon the people, blessing the land with abundance before departing. Their five rams, however, stayed and turned into stone, ensuring the city’s perpetual prosperity. This is why Guangzhou is poetically known as the “City of Rams” (Yangcheng) and the “City of Ears” (Suicheng).
The sculpture vividly captures this tale: the central mighty ram holds rice sheaves high in its mouth, gazing into the distance as a symbol of hope and striving. The four other rams, surrounding it in playful and nurturing poses, represent the vitality and harmony brought by the blessing. Its cultural significance was further cemented when it was incorporated into the emblem of the 16th Asian Games, held in Guangzhou in 2010.
Ming Dynasty City Wall
The Ming Dynasty City Wall within Yuexiu Park is the only preserved ancient city wall in Guangzhou. Constructed during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, it once served a critical role in guarding the city of Guangzhou. Along with Zhenhai Tower and the Lingnan First Tower in Wuxian Temple, it is honored as one of the “Three Great Historic Sites of Early Ming Guangzhou”.
Though now over six centuries old, sections of the wall remain visible today. The most well-preserved portion runs near Zhenhai Tower, with a total existing length of approximately 1,137 meters.
What makes this wall particularly fascinating is the remarkable sight of ancient trees growing directly from the masonry, their roots intertwining with the stones. This unique feature has made it a popular spot for visitors to take photographs. It is also common to see local residents using the paths along the historic wall for exercise and leisure.
Sun Yat-sen Monument
Located at the summit of Yuexiu Hill, the Sun Yat-sen Monument stands as a commemorative structure honoring the revolutionary legacy of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Designed in 1929 by renowned architect Lü Yanzhi, this granite monument combines unique architectural form with profound cultural symbolism.
The entire structure rises 37 meters from a square base that tapers upward into a pyramidal peak. Its construction from solid granite ensures both durability and visual grandeur. An internal spiral staircase leads visitors to upper levels, where the first and second floors feature observation decks on all four sides. Higher levels contain viewing windows that offer expansive perspectives of Guangzhou’s urban landscape and the surrounding park.
The monument’s base is encircled by 26 finely carved ram’s head sculptures, representing Guangzhou’s identity as the “City of Rams” and celebrating the region’s historical and cultural heritage.
Leisure and Recreational Facilities
By the shores of Dongxiu Lake, visitors will find a children’s playground and barbecue area—perfect spots for family fun and relaxation. Nanxiu Lake, in contrast, is bordered by a wide open lawn, ideal for casual activities and picnics. Beixiu Lake, nestled among lush trees, offers a tranquil boating experience on its mirror-like surface. Here, guests can also explore the lakeside Flower Exhibition Hall, the little island in the lake, and Jinyuan Garden, home to a vibrant population of koi carp.
Additionally, Yuexiu Park features two free playgrounds—Jinyin Playground and Dongxiu Playground—offering a variety of play facilities suitable for children and families.
Recommended Visiting Routes in Yuexiu Park
Yuexiu Park offers a variety of themed routes that combine classic cultural attractions with natural scenery and historical sites.
Historical Route (2-2.5 hours)
West Gate → Five-Rams Statue → Ming Dynasty City Wall → Sun Yat-sen Monument → Guangzhou Museum (Zhenhai Tower) → Guanyinshan Battle Site → Sailors’ Pavilion → Restoration Pavilion → Four-Fortress Site → Zhongyuan Tower Exhibition Hall → East Gate
Family Fun Route (2 hours)
East Gate → Dongxiu Children’s Playground → Dongxiu Lake Boating → Huacheng Tea House → Guangzhou Urban Park Exhibition Hall → Jinyin Playground → Lawn Bowling Court → Beixiu Amusement Park → Beixiu Lake Boating
Leisure & Culture Route (1.5 hours)
North Gate → SITE Contemporary Art Center → Flower Pavilion → Yuxiu Waterfall → Beixiu Performance Stage → Haedong Kyŏnggi Garden → Yuexiu Academy → YunDao (Skywalk)
Useful Tips
- The West Gate is closest to the Five-Rams Statue. Alternatively, shuttle services (¥10 per person/one-way) are available from the Main, North, and East Gates directly to this attraction.
- Wear anti-slip sports shoes! Many stone steps are moss-covered and can be slippery.
- Reaching the Sun Yat-sen Monument requires climbing the “Hundred-Step Ladder”—a staircase of 498 stone steps. Recommended for visitors with good physical condition.
- Pilot your own boat on Dongxiu Lake — a relaxing and fun activity for all ages. Prices range from ¥40 to ¥70 per 30 minutes.
- The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, allowing you to avoid crowds and intense sunlight while enjoying pleasant weather and beautiful sunrise or sunset views.
- Be sure to bring mosquito repellent, as Yuexiu Park has many mosquitoes.
Best Time to Visit Yuexiu Park
The best time to visit Yuexiu Park is from March to October, with the most pleasant seasons being spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is comfortable, the park offers a variety of activities, and the overall visitor experience is at its best.
In spring, the Guangzhou Garden Expo is held here, presenting a spectacular display of flowers and landscape art, adding a unique charm to the visit.
Autumn is an ideal time for leisurely walks and enjoying the serene autumn scenery. This season is a paradise for photography enthusiasts: the park’s vibrant autumn foliage, tranquil lakes, and lush vegetation provide excellent material for capturing stunning images.
Recommended Restaurants at Yuexiu Park
North Garden Restaurant (Near Yuexiu Park West Gate)
A time-honored establishment famous for its traditional dim sum. Must-try dishes include Supreme Shrimp Dumplings, Shaomai, and Cantonese Boathouse Porridge. The restaurant features a classic Lingnan-style garden setting.
YaYun Xuan (Next to Zhenhai Tower)
Serves refined vegetarian cuisine with creative dishes such as “Vegetarian Abalone” and Braised Assorted Vegetables (Luohan Zhai). Offers a tranquil courtyard dining atmosphere.
How to get to Yuexiu Park
By Metro
- Take metro Line 2 to Yuexiu Park Station. Get out from Exit B1 to the main entrance of the park.
- Take Metro Line 5 to Guangzhou Railway Station. After exiting the station, walk 1,000 meters west to reach the North Gate of the park.
- Take Metro Line 5 to Xiaobei Station. After exiting, walk 500 meters south to reach the East Gate of the park.
- Take Metro Line 2 to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station. The South Gate of the park is just a 100-meter walk from the exit.
By Bus
- The Main Entrance: Take bus 5, 7, 21, 24, 42, 58, 58A, 87, 101, 103, 105, 108, 109, 110, 113, 124, 180, 182, 186, 211, 244A, 244B, 256, 265, 273, 284, 519, 528, 543, 555 or 556 and get off at Yuexiu Gongyuan Station.
- North Gate: Take bus B2, B2A, B10, 30, 109, 110, 111, 185, 201, 225, 278, 280, 290, 301A, 301, 529, 545, 550, 862, 862B, 886A or 886 and get off at Yuexiu Gongyuan North Gate Station.
- East Gate: Take bus 6, 10, 36, 66, 76A, 76, 93, 184, 185, 190, 191, 219, 220, 233, 297, 544, 833 or 864 and get off at Xiaobei Huaquan Station.
Yuexiu Park Tickets & Opening Hours
| Admission Fee Of The Park | Free |
| Zhenhai Tower | CNY10 |
| Opening Hours | 06:00~22:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. It’s the #1 park in Guangzhou, seamlessly blending natural beauty, profound history, and local culture. It’s essential for understanding the city’s identity.
We recommend at least 3 hours to see the main historical sites. If you want to relax, boat on the lake, or explore more thoroughly, plan for a half-day (4-5 hours).
Yes! Beyond history, the park has an amusement park with rides, open spaces to run, and paddle boats on Beixiu Lake, making it a great family destination.
The Main Entrance (from Metro Line 2, Exit B1) is best for first-time visitors aiming for the historical core (Zhenhai Tower). The West Gate is closest to the Five Rams Sculpture.
The simplest way is to take Metro Line 2 (toward Jiahewanggang/嘉禾望岗) directly to Yuexiu Park Station. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs ¥6.
Luggage storage lockers are available at both the North Gate and the West Gate. Storage is free from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Each locker can accommodate suitcases up to 24 inches in size. Luggage larger than this cannot be accepted.
Attractions Nearby Yuexiu Park
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall – A magnificent octagonal palace-style building commemorating Dr. Sun Yat-sen
- Guangxiao Temple – One of Guangzhou’s oldest and most influential Buddhist temples
- Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King – the oldest and largest Han tomb with the most funerary objects in Lingnan Area