Unlike the formal city parks, Liwan Lake Park in the western Liwan District is a place where the most authentic, unvarnished life of Guangzhou pulses. It is a vast green zone created not for pomp but for people, immersing you headfirst in the atmosphere of traditional Cantonese daily life.
History: From Gardens to a People`s Park
The park in its current form is relatively young. It was officially established in 1958 by the citizens themselves as part of a large-scale improvement project. But its spirit and history run much deeper. Previously, this area, known as the "Lijiao District," consisted of marshy lowlands, a network of old canals, and, most importantly, the famous flower gardens and lychee plantations ("Liwan" means "Lychee Bay"). For centuries, this was a picturesque rural suburb supplying the city with flowers and its famous fruit. The park became a civilized continuation of this landscape tradition.
Layout: A Labyrinth of Lakes, Islets, and Gardens
The park`s layout feels natural, as if it wasn`t created but merely gently smoothed out. Its foundation is four large artificial lakes, connected by a network of canals and elegant bridges. Water is the main element:
• The lakes were artificially created in 1958, but today they look completely natural, their banks overgrown with willows and other trees.
• You can take a boat ride (traditional rowing boats or swan-shaped paddle boats) on them, a favorite pastime for families and couples.
• The lakes form several quiet islets, accessible by small bridges, creating a sense of seclusion even in the heart of the large park.
Famous Banyans and the Bubbling Life Beneath Them
The park is unimaginable without its majestic banyan trees (ficuses), many of which are older than the park itself. Their sprawling canopies create giant natural awnings, and their aerial roots, hanging like the beards of wise men and taking root in the earth, form entire colonnades and living tunnels.
It is precisely beneath these banyans that the social heart of the park beats. Every morning and evening, hundreds of elderly people and seniors flock here. This is not just relaxation - it`s a whole cultural phenomenon:
• Group Dances: From graceful fan dances to lively waltzes, all accompanied by portable speakers.
• Exercises: Tai Chi, Qigong, calisthenics - all measured and graceful.
• Folk Opera and Karaoke: The sounds of Cantonese opera (Yueju) and amateur singing fill the park. Audiences gather for impromptu performances.
• Games and Socializing: Mahjong, Chinese chess (Xiangqi), conversations over tea.
An atmosphere of easygoing community reigns here, where everyone finds an activity to their liking.
The Park`s Gem: The Five-Arch Bridge
The park`s signature landmark is the elegant Five-Arch Stone Bridge spanning the largest lake. It is a fine example of traditional southern Chinese bridge architecture. Its main feature is five stone arches of different sizes, with the central arch being the tallest and widest, creating a classic, harmonious symmetry. The curved lines of the arches and their mirror reflection in the calm water together form perfect circles, creating a picture of serene harmony.
The bridge looks especially magical at dusk when soft lighting is switched on, highlighting the elegance of its lines and creating a romantic atmosphere. This bridge is not only a functional crossing but also a favorite subject for photography, perfectly integrated into the park`s landscape.
The Surroundings of Liwan Lake Park:
Liwan Lake Park is not an isolated object but the core of a whole conglomerate of attractions. Exciting the park, you step into a historical environment:
Renwei Temple: Located right by the park`s northeast entrance. This magnificent Taoist temple, dedicated to the God of Water and over 1000 years old, is famous for its incredibly detailed stone, wood, and ceramic carvings.
Liwan Museum: Housed in a historical building in the eastern part of the park. It tells the history and culture of the Liwan District, known as "Old Guangzhou."
Yongqingfang Historical Quarter: To the west, the park seamlessly transitions into this renovated quarter. Once ordinary residential buildings, it is now a trendy space with cafes, craft shops, bookstores, and galleries built into traditional "Qilou" houses with inner courtyards. It`s a perfect example of the harmony between old and new.
Liwan Lake Park is a must-visit for those who want to see not just the touristy, but the genuine, "living" Guangzhou. Come here on a weekend morning to feel the energy of local life, take a boat ride, get lost in the maze of paths, and then head out to explore Renwei Temple and the vibrant streets of Yongqingfang. This is an immersion into the Cantonese soul of the city that you won`t find among the skyscrapers of Zhujiang New Town.
