Yuexiu Park is the largest urban park in the center of Guangzhou, covering an area of approximately 860,000 square meters. It was designed and created in 1952, becoming the first and largest park in the city after the founding of the People`s Republic of China. The park is situated on seven hills (including Yuexiu Hill and Jinsui Hill) and three artificial lakes, creating a diverse landscape with scenic elevations and water features.
The design skillfully combines natural slopes with thoughtful planning: here you can find open lawns, dense groves, and rock gardens.
The "Five Rams" Sculpture – Symbol of Guangzhou
The park`s main attraction is the famous "Five Rams" (Wu Yang Shixiang) sculptural composition, which is the official symbol of Guangzhou. According to an ancient legend, over two thousand years ago, this region suffered from drought and famine. One day, five immortals descended from the heavens, riding five rams of different colors (other versions say one ram carried four rice stalks in its mouth, surrounded by the others). Each ram held a stalk of rice in its mouth, which they gave to the people, promising that the land would always be fertile and famine would never return. After this, the immortals disappeared, and the rams turned to stone. This legend is associated with Guangzhou`s other name – Yangcheng, which means "City of Rams" or "City of Rice."
Description of the sculpture: The composition was created in 1959 by sculptors Yin Jicheng, Chen Benzong, Kong Fanwen, and Wang Wenxin. It features five stylized rams made of white marble and bronze. The central figure is a large, powerful ram looking into the distance, surrounded by four younger rams, one of which is suckling from its mother. The sculpture is installed on a pedestal in the western part of the park and is an extremely popular spot for photography.
Main Areas of Yuexiu Park
Lakes and Water Features
The three artificial lakes – East Lake, West Lake, and North Lake – are connected by traditional-style arched bridges. Visitors can rent rowboats or electric boats to tour the lakes; this is especially picturesque in autumn when the shores are adorned with yellowing trees. On an islet in West Lake stands a Tea Pavilion where tea ceremonies are held.
Tropical Jungle and Banyan Groves
The northern part of the park features an area with dense subtropical vegetation. The many banyan trees (ficus) are particularly impressive with their characteristic aerial roots, forming entire galleries. Some trees are over 100 years old. Winding paths in this zone create the feeling of a real jungle.
Flower Beds and Gardens
The Yuexiu Park is famous for its seasonal flower displays:
• Spring: tulips, narcissi, camellias
• Summer: lotuses on the lakes, hibiscus
• Autumn: chrysanthemums (a large-scale exhibition is held annually)
• Winter: flowering cherry and plum trees
Historical and Cultural Sites
• Zhenhai Tower (the "Tower that Pacifies the Sea") – a five-story historical tower from the 16th century, now the Guangzhou Museum.
• Yuexiu Stadium – one of China`s first large sports arenas.
• Ming Dynasty City Wall – a fragment of the ancient city wall.
• Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen – a monument to the founder of modern China.
Sports and Recreation Areas
The Yuexiu Park includes children`s playgrounds, a mini-golf course, running paths and areas for morning Tai Chi practice, as well as open spaces for badminton and table tennis.
Popularity and Events
Yuexiu Park is visited by thousands of people daily. Local residents come here for morning exercises, family walks, singing, and dancing (group fan dances and open-air choir practices are especially popular). Tourists include the park in their essential itinerary for Guangzhou.
Key Events:
• Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): traditional decorations, flower exhibitions, folk performances.
• Chrysanthemum Festival (November-December): the largest exhibition in South China with thousands of varieties.
• Lantern Festival during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• Bonsai and Orchid Exhibitions held throughout the year.
• Free concerts on open-air stages on weekends.
Yuexiu Park serves as Guangzhou`s main green space and cultural center, where both locals and tourists relax daily. The Park is especially beautiful at dawn when elderly residents practice Tai Chi slowly by the lake.
