Yuexiu Park spans 86 hectares in the heart of Guangzhou (Canton), on Jiefang Street. Seven forested hills, three artificial lakes, historic monuments, and the emblematic statue of the five rams make it one of the major green spaces in this Guangdong metropolis.

Why Visit Yuexiu Park

• A verdant 86-hectare sanctuary right beside the city center, accessible by metro.
• The statue of the five rams, symbol of Guangzhou, erected in 1959.
• The Guangzhou Museum housed in the Zhenhai Tower, over 600 years old.
• The Sun Yat-sen Monument from 1929, with its striking pyramidal silhouette.
• Centuries-old ceiba trees, among the city's oldest specimens.
• Free admission with multiple access points scattered around the park.

History of the Park

The park takes its name from Yuexiu Mountain, on whose slopes it extends. Its creation was proposed by Sun Yat-sen, but development only materialized in 1952, under the People's Republic.

The site is deeply connected to a foundational legend of Guangzhou. According to tradition, five celestial beings descended from heaven astride rams, bringing ears of rice to the inhabitants to deliver them from famine and indicating the propitious place to establish a city. From this tale comes the nickname of Guangzhou, the "City of the Five Rams." To commemorate this myth, a monumental sculpture of five goats was installed in the park in 1959.

What to See in the Park

Lakes and Nature

The park unfolds across seven hills covered in dense vegetation. Three artificial lakes — Beixiu, Nanxiu, and Dongxiu — structure the landscape. One of them offers water activities: pedal boats and rowing, particularly popular with families. The century-old ceiba trees, some exceeding 300 years, rank among Guangzhou's oldest specimens.

The Statue of the Five Rams

Carved from stone, the statue of the five rams stands on a circular plaza. An official symbol of the city, it is the park's most frequented photo stop.

The Guangzhou Museum

The museum is housed in the Zhenhai Tower, a defensive structure built over 600 years ago. Its collections chronicle Guangzhou's history through artifacts and relics, some dating back around 2,000 years.

The Sun Yat-sen Monument

Not to be confused with the Sun Yat-sen Memorial outside the park, this monument erected in 1929 honors the first president of the Republic of Chine. Its pyramidal form and 32-meter tower contrast sharply with traditional Chinese architecture. Inside, a few documents and photographs recount the leader's life.

Practical Information

• Address: Jiefang Street, central Guangzhou.
• Admission: Free.
• Hours: Opens early morning until evening; check on-site for seasonal variations.
• Duration: Allow 2 to 4 hours to explore walking paths, monuments, and the museum.
• Access: Five entrances distributed around the park.

When to Visit

Guangzhou enjoys a humid subtropical climate. October through December offer the most pleasant conditions for walking: moderate temperatures, low rainfall, soft light. Spring (March–April) remains viable but often rainy. Summer, from June to September, is hot, humid, and marked by frequent showers; early morning visits are preferable. In winter, the park remains open and keeps its evergreen vegetation.

How to Get There

The easiest option is the metro: Line 2, Yuexiu Park station, Exit B1, which opens directly onto the main entrance. Numerous bus routes also serve the park's perimeter, with a stop called "Yuexiu Park." Taxis and ride-sharing services remain convenient options from major downtown neighborhoods.

Nearby Attractions

Yuexiu Park fits naturally into a broader discovery of Guangzhou. To extend your journey across Chine to other major sites, consider:

• The Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, a 7th-century Buddhist monument.
• The Great Wall at Juyongguan, one of the fortified passes near Beijing.
• Longgong Grotto, in Guizhou.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Trip

Yuexiu Park integrates naturally into a stay in Guangzhou and more broadly in Guangdong. To build a custom itinerary including this stop, explore our Chine travel suggestions.