A Sunday at Renmin Park
Our first week of work proved highly instructive yet rather demanding, so the weekend arrived at just the right moment for some well-deserved rest.
Our first week of work proved highly instructive yet rather demanding, so the weekend arrived at just the right moment for some well-deserved rest. And to say the least, there is no shortage of places to visit!
Renmin Park
Our primary objective that Sunday was to discover the pedestrian street Beijing Lu, renowned for its history and numerous shops. It is located near Gongyuanqian station, which we mentioned in a previous article. Upon exiting the metro, we are overwhelmed by the crowds, but a small patch of greenery catches our eye nearby.
Entrance to Renmin Park
Beyond its renowned Cantonese cuisine, it's worth knowing that Guangzhou is celebrated for the many parks that dot the city. We would later learn this was Renmin Park, smaller than Yuexiu Park but spacious enough to keep us occupied all afternoon. So we take the opportunity to explore it and enjoy a breath of fresh air amidst the towering buildings. Despite its size, the park is bustling, with locals of all ages gathering for various activities: dance classes, singing, badminton...
And then, a peculiar object catches our attention. From a distance it resembles a badminton shuttlecock but is used for passing back and forth with one's neighbor using the feet (inside, outside, toe, or knee) without letting it touch the ground.
A lesson in Jianzi from seasoned players
This game, which clearly requires genuine skill, is a true sport in China, known as Jianzi 毽子 (or Da cau, Plumfoot, or Shuttlecock)—literally the Shuttlecock Game.
Intrigued, we decide to give it a try, and though our initial attempts are rather clumsy, it takes us about ten minutes before we manage to pull off a few consecutive passes. Our exploration of Renmin Park continues, and in the distance, we notice a small gathering beneath a covered structure. A group is singing and dancing joyfully around a man and woman dressed in traditional costumes.
It's a deeply moving moment—the singing is captivating, and the camaraderie of the Chinese singing together in unison is beautiful to witness, reinforcing the sense of warmth and community we had already come to appreciate. The park is also a prime spot for exercise, as the Chinese often prefer to work out in the open air in full view of everyone, whether it's simple stretching routines or strength training. We have actually made a habit of observing them each morning on our commute to the office, along the riverside going through their exercises. A scene far removed from our typical enclosed gyms back home...
Beijing Lu
It's time to head to Beijing Lu, which was after all our primary objective. Located just a short walk from the park, it has certainly lived up to its reputation... The crowds are undeniably present, and the sheer number of shops is staggering...
The famous Beijing Lu
This street also has a history, evident in its multiple archaeological remains preserved underground, which create a stark contrast with the bustling commercial activity above.
An ancient pathway
There is also a striking contrast between the upscale shops, mostly modern, and the Chinese residential apartments located on the upper floors, as you can see in the photo below.
A contrasted streetscape
In any case, our wanderings lead us into a narrow alley that harbors a temple, its discreet entrance guarded by two lions. The presence of these lions is far from incidental, as it is understood throughout China that they protect the entrances of temples and palaces, and are often adorned with rounded attributes (spheres, collars with coins...).
A temple appears!
This temple is Dafugu Si, otherwise known as the Great Buddha Temple. Inside is a courtyard where the faithful come to pray, workers go about their business, and Chinese locals simply rest or chat.
The temple courtyard
Charlène takes a moment of reflection
Through a doorway we discover several Buddhist monks, apparently in prayer before the statue of the Great Buddha.
The atmosphere is one of contemplation
Our visit continues behind the temple, where the setting shifts dramatically once again—we find ourselves in narrow alleys marked by poverty. Families are crammed into 10-square-meter spaces, and everyone coexists as best they can.
A passage that serves as a reminder that China has many faces and that inequalities are unfortunately very real...
Another side of China
To view our photos of Guangzhou, feel free to visit the gallery.
Frequently asked questions
Renmin Park (人民公园) in Guangzhou is generally free to access. It welcomes residents and visitors daily for strolls, dance classes, badminton, and other outdoor activities.
Renmin Park is easily accessible by metro: it is located near Gongyuanqian station, served by several lines. Upon exiting the metro, the park is easily spotted thanks to its green spaces amid the buildings.
Jianzi (毽子), also called Plumfoot or Shuttlecock, is a traditional Chinese game that involves keeping a feathered shuttlecock aloft using only the feet (inside, outside, toe) and knees. It is a true sport requiring skill and balance, and is very popular in parks throughout China.
Beijing Lu is Guangzhou's major pedestrian shopping street, renowned for its numerous shops, lively crowds, and archaeological remains preserved under glass at street level. There is also an alley leading to Dafugu Si temple (Great Buddha Temple), a cultural visit not to be missed.
Dafugu Si, located in an alley branching off Beijing Lu, is accessible to visitors. Its interior courtyard welcomes the faithful, monks, and simple passersby. The discreet entrance is marked by two guardian lions, symbols of protection in Chinese tradition.
