Guangzhou is the capital of the province of Guangdong, is a metropolitan city full of history. It is located in the Pearl River Delta. The name Guangzhou comes from a very old legend. The word "Guangzhou" means the city of Rams or the City of Goats, others will customarily call it the flower city. As far as China economy and progression are concerned, it should always be remembered as the origin of contact between the West and the East.
On my second day in Guangzhou, met up with mom's cousins and went for lunch in downtown Panyu. After that, I spent the rest of the afternoon in Yue Xiu Park 越秀公园 , one of Guangzhou's scenic parks that has three artificial lakes, a historical building, lots of jogging paths, and a statue that has a beautiful story behind it.
Took the subway line 2, got off at Yue Xiu Gong Yuan Station, the park entrance is 2 minutes from the station exit. Just like any park in Guangzhou, there's an entrance fee of RMB5. Spread over 200+ acres, Yue Xiu Park is one of the largest municipal parks in China, smacked right in the city centre.
As you walk a few metres into the park, the noise and hustle and bustle of the city gradually fades away and is replaced by a cool and calm atmosphere. Tall leafy trees shelter the paths that wind through the park and the lakes are full of lotuses. Chirping birds accompany you as you roam the hills.
As you walk a few metres into the park, the noise and hustle and bustle of the city gradually fades away and is replaced by a cool and calm atmosphere. Tall leafy trees shelter the paths that wind through the park and the lakes are full of lotuses. Chirping birds accompany you as you roam the hills.
The Sun Yat Sen Monument, located at one of the hills. It is a 37 metre tall monument made of chips of granite stones, was erected to commemorate Dr. SunYat Sen's work and displaying his will and testament.
The highlight of the park no doubt is the Five Rams Statue, the city symbol to commemorates the myth that Guangzhou was founded by Five Celestials riding five rams, who planted sheaves of corn to ensure that famine would never strike. It was pretty long walk towards the statue. We climbed more than 50 steps to finally come face to face with this mythical statue.
After the celestials given their blessings, the rams turned into stones.
I was struggling to take a good shot of the statue but every angle I aimed, there were buttocks pointing at all directions, what an unpleasant view!
Stone carving showcasing the legend. Couldn't captured the whole piece of carving coz was blocked by some obasan playing badminton!
On the south-east side of the park is the Zhenhai Tower. It is a few hundred years old and houses a museum that showcases Guangzhou's long history.
After kilometres of walking, I was sweating and panting. I decided to abandon the rest of the park and headed for my dinner instead.
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