Yuexiu Park

Yuexiu Park is one of the earliest parks of Guangzhou and is a large-scale comprehensive park. It is also is the largest park in downtown Guangzhou. Covering an area of 860,000 square meters (212.5 acres), it is made up of three artificial lakes and seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain; hence the name Yuexiu Park.

In the modern times, Sun Yat-sen had brought forward to build Yuexiu Mountain a large park. His wish didn't come true at that time; Yuexiu Park was only a small park instead of a large one. After the liberation of Guangzhou, the people's government realized his fancy. Now Yuexiu Park is a park that is like in spring all the seasons with undulating hills and jade green trees, fulfilled with the thriving life and green charms of subtropical areas. Besides the kinds of historical relics and remains reserved, the newly built paths in the park extend in all directions connecting every scenic spots together.

The park is a perfect combination of cultural relics and ecological tourism, reputed for its pretty water and hills as well as cultural relics. The main places of interest include the stone sculpture of the Five Rams, Zhenhai Tower, the site of the Ming Dynasty City Wall, and Square Cannon Site.

The Five-Ram Sculpture is one of the most famous structures in Guangzhou. It has become the emblem of the city. Legend has it that more than 2,000 years ago, the city was a barren land with people who despite hard work were suffering from famine. One day five immortals in five-color garments came riding on five rams, playing their legendary music. The rams held sheaves of rice in their mouths. The immortals left the sheaves of rice for the local people, gave blessings to the city and left. The rams turned into stone and the city became a rich and populous place. Guangzhou got the name of the City of Rams and the City of Ears.

Zhenhai Tower, better known among the locals as the Five-Story Tower, is one of the landmarks of the city. An interesting historical record has it that Zhu Liangzu, Yongjia Marquis of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), saw yellow and purple air rising over Yuexiu Mountain and was told by a sorcerer that it was the omen of a new emperor. To subdue this omen, Zhu Liangzu ordered this tower to be built in 1380. Over the past 600 years, the tower has been destroyed five times and set up five times. Now it is the Guangzhou Museum, housing relics and documents showing Guangzhou's history over 2, 000 years. Known as the first tower in Lingnan (South of Nanling Mountain) Area, Zhenhai Tower now is 28 meters (91.9feet) high and 16 meters (52.5 feet) wide. The striking contrast of green glazed titles and red walls makes the tower elegant.

While the historical traces create a serene environment, singing birds and exuberant plants add vigor and natural beauty to the park. Three artificial lakes -- Dongxiu, Nanxiu, and Beixiu-- cover an area of more than 50,000 square meters (538,213 square feet). Dongxiu Lake and Nanxiu Lake are tranquil and elegant, inviting painting and sketching artists. Beixiu Lake, surrounded by trees, is open for boating and fishing. What's more, the lakes are connected with arch bridges and decorated with pavilions and corridors in the Lingnan Style. Flower exhibitions are held here from time to time. For nature lovers who can't get to the faraway countryside or forests, the park is an optimum choice with modern conveniences.

Yuexiu Mountain is a delicate card for Guangzhou. Tourists come to Guangzhou for the first time cannot afford not going to Yuexiu Mountain. We can say without exaggeration that one has not really been to Guangzhou if not goes to Yuexiu Mountain. In addition, Yuexiu Park also provides an amusement park, swimming pool, gymnasium, restaurants, stalls, museum and art museum besides plant and flower viewing area. All visitors find pleasure there.

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