Yuexiu Park is 212.5 acres of rolling hills and valleys. Here historic meets modern. The wall built in the Ming dynasty to protect the people from bandits now protects dancers from the sun. There are several entrances to the park, but the western entrance nearest the metro station leads to the historic sections of the park. It also allows visitors to avoid some of the longer staircases in the park. Entering from this direction leads visitors past one of the three man-made lakes. Signs lead guests towards the various attractions and sights worth seeing in the park.
Locals gather here to do group dancing, play cards and shuttlecock hackysack. Moving along the paths into the wide courtyards at various levels visitors will pass these groups. If someone wants to try their hand (or foot) at any of these they are usually welcomed with smiles, even laughter. From the first main courtyard, signs point towards the Statue of the Five Rams. At the top of the hill stands the statue erected in the mid-1960's. Built from blocks of cement these five rams stand at the peak looking out over the park. The statue is 36 ft. (11m) hall from the base to the top of the tallest horn of the largest horn. The rams are part of the story of Guangzhou. In the far past, the citizens of Guangzhou were starving and prayed for assistance. From the heavens came five Immortals riding of five rams. Each ram carried a sheaf of barley which were given to the people to plant. From that time Guangzhou prospered and grew. The Immortals rose into the sky; the rams turned into stone. The statue honors this story and has become an emblem of the city. Taking the stairs down to another courtyard, guest will find the signs directing them towards the wall of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). This is the only section of the wall left in the city. A metal walkway carries visitors around the end of the wall to the next hilltop. Here the signs point towards the monument obelisk of Sun Yat-sen, honored son of the South. Sun Yat-sen, born 1866 in Guangdong to peasant farmers, he led the up-rising against the Qing government in 1911. Following this the country fell into the “warlord period”. He was able to rally the southern provinces in 1924, with the capital of his newly formed government seated in Guangzhou, to bring an end to the warlords and unite the country under one governmental rule. He was also able to merge his government with the Chinese Communist Party. Sun Yat-sen, for all his efforts, is “The Father of Modern China.” His dedication to the south of China has made him a favored son. Approaching the obelisk from the side of the Ming wall means avoiding the “100 steps” which are many more than 100. The monument is a two-level stone obelisk. The second level has a promenade that allows people to get a better look at the carvings on the wall. The hall below is filled with echoes, even when people try to keep quiet. A tiny side courtyard is filled with people playing games. One young man does flips and handstands on the edge of the stairs with his friend taking pictures. From here the path back to the the main park lead people up the hill. The path circles the hill up to the museum of Guangdong housed in Zhenhai Tower, the five story pagoda. The long, narrow building stands in a tree filled garden. It's red walls and green tiled roofs stand out on the tallest hill in the park. This is the fifth tower to stand here and provides one of the best views in the city. The view was noted as one of the great scenic spots in the city during the Qing dynasty. Inside the museum grounds a collection of Dutch and Chinese cannon used to (unsuccessfully) defend the city during the Opium wars is housed. A water clock, jewelry, ceramic statues and other items which explain the history of the Guangdong region fill the display cabinets of the museum galleries. The fifth floor opens onto a balcony and offers a broad view of Yuexiu and Baiyun districts. In the spring and summer this is improved with the blossoms of the kapok tree which are at eye-level with the balacony. Down the hill from the tower is the white building of the Art Museum. Here the exhibits of the Gems Left by Overseas trade and Earth and Evolution of Life fill the halls. A silk loom and some of the products made on it are on display in one area. Ceramics fill another hall and geologic history fill the third. The hours of this hall are a bit odd, with the curators taking a long lunch in the middle of the day. Visitors should plan their arrival carefully to avoid arriving at a closed gate. The rest of the park is filled with paths and man-made lakes. An exercise trail with fitness stations circles the parameter and roves up and down the hills. The air here is usually cooler and cleaner because of the trees that cover the hillsides. It's a pleasant day out in the park. |
Time needed : 4 - 6 hours
Ticket price : Park is Free. Zhenhai Tower Exhibition is 10RMB and the Art Gallery Exhibition area is 10RMB Opening Times : The park is always open, but guests are encouraged not to enter after dark. Zhenhai Tower is open from 9AM - 5:30PM Art Gallery Exhibition area is open from 9AM-11:30AM and 1PM-5PM. Closed on Monday. How to get there : Take Metro line 2 and stop at Yuexiu Park Station. Exit . A. Turn right into the park. |