Located in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, Yuexiu Park is the largest comprehensive urban park in the city and one of Guangzhou’s most famous cultural and natural attractions.
Covering the scenic Yuexiu Mountain area, the park combines beautiful subtropical landscapes with rich historical heritage. It is not only a popular leisure destination for local residents but also an important place for preserving and promoting Guangzhou’s traditional culture.
Yuexiu Park plays an important role in the inheritance and promotion of local intangible cultural heritage, including:
* Guangzhou Hakka folk songs
* Wing Chun martial arts
* The legends and stories of Yuexiu Mountain
With its combination of mountains, gardens, historical monuments, and cultural landmarks, Yuexiu Park represents the unique character of Lingnan culture.
History of Yuexiu Park
Yuexiu Mountain has played an important role in Guangzhou’s history for more than 2,000 years.
During the Western Han Dynasty, Zhao Tuo, the king of Nanyue, once built a viewing platform called “Chaohan Terrace” on the mountain. This historical connection made Yuexiu Mountain an important symbol of Guangzhou’s ancient civilization.
Since the Yuan Dynasty, Yuexiu Mountain has been recognized as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Yangcheng (Guangzhou).
In 2006, Yuexiu Park was officially rated as a National 4A-Level Tourist Attraction.
Natural Scenery and Cultural Heritage
Yuexiu Park features beautiful natural scenery with typical subtropical vegetation and landscapes.
The park’s well-designed walking paths connect various attractions, allowing visitors to explore historic sites while enjoying peaceful gardens, lakes, hills, and green spaces.
Important attractions within Yuexiu Park include:
* Zhenhai Tower
* Ancient Ming Dynasty City Wall
* Sifang Fortress
* Sun Yat-sen Monument
* Wu Tingfang Tomb
* Martyrs’ Memorial Area
* Seamen’s Pavilion
* Five-Ram Stone Sculpture
* Spherical Water Tower
The combination of nature and history makes Yuexiu Park one of the best places to experience Guangzhou’s cultural heritage.
Main Attractions in Yuexiu Park
Ancient Ming Dynasty City Wall
Behind the Sun Yat-sen Monument, visitors can find a preserved section of the ancient Guangzhou city wall built during the Ming Dynasty.
The remaining wall stretches for about 200 meters and winds through the forest on Yuexiu Mountain.
Originally, the wall extended from the Small North Gate in the east to the Large North Gate in the west, with a total length of approximately 1,100 meters across Yuexiu Mountain.
Today, it is:
* The only remaining section of the Ming Dynasty city wall in Guangzhou
* The oldest surviving city wall structure in the city
The ancient wall provides a rare glimpse into Guangzhou’s urban history.
Zhenhai Tower – The Symbolic Landmark of Guangzhou
Zhenhai Tower, also known as the Five-Story Tower, is one of the most famous historical buildings in Guangzhou and is often called the “First Scenic Spot of Lingnan.”
The tower was built in 1380 AD, during the 13th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, by Zhu Liangzu, Marquis of Yongjia.
Originally named “Wanghai Tower” (Sea-Viewing Tower), it was later renamed “Zhenhai Tower,” meaning a building that protects and overlooks the sea.
The five-story structure became an important symbol of Guangzhou’s history and architecture.
In 1956, the tower was converted into the Guangzhou Museum, where visitors can learn about the city’s history, culture, and development.
Five-Ram Stone Sculpture – The Symbol of Guangzhou
The Five-Ram Stone Sculpture (Wuyang Stone Statue) is one of Guangzhou’s most recognizable symbols.
Located on the wooden-shell hill area of Yuexiu Park, the sculpture represents the famous legend of the Five Immortal Rams, which is believed to be the origin of Guangzhou’s nickname “Yangcheng” (Ram City).
The sculpture was created in 1959 by three artists:
* Yin Jichang
* Chen Benzong
* Kong Qiuchuan
Made from 130 pieces of granite, the sculpture is:
* More than 10 meters high
* Approximately 53 cubic meters in volume
As a key protected cultural relic in Guangzhou, the Five-Ram Sculpture has become an iconic symbol of the city and its cultural identity.
Why Visit Yuexiu Park?
Yuexiu Park offers travelers a perfect combination of:
* Ancient Guangzhou history
* Traditional Lingnan culture
* Beautiful subtropical landscapes
* Historic architecture
* Local legends and folklore
Unlike many modern city attractions, Yuexiu Park allows visitors to experience Guangzhou’s history within a peaceful natural environment.
For travelers interested in Guangzhou culture, Chinese history, architecture, and local traditions, Yuexiu Park is one of the city’s must-visit destinations.