Tired of the summer heat? Step into a world of towering bamboo, shaded trails, and quiet green retreats in Guangzhou! Here are some of the best places to enjoy bamboo walks this summer.
Yushu Park (玉树公园)
Yushu Park is a lesser-known gem ideal for peaceful strolls and light hikes. Towering bamboo arches over the shaded trails, keeping the air cool and refreshing even in midsummer. In the grove area, grassy lawns provide great spots to sit back, read, play games, or simply relax.
(Photo: Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau)
The park also features over 800 plum trees and a hilltop pavilion for panoramic views. Nearby, the Science City Skywalk connects seven parks with six elevated walkways, including the colorful Tengxiang Bridge, making it easy to extend your bamboo stroll.
(Photo: Guangzhou Huangpu Fabu)
Location: At the junction of Lanyue Road and Kexue Avenue, Huangpu District, Guangzhou (黄埔区揽月路和科学大道的交界处)
Transportation: Metro Line 21, Science City Station (科学城站), Exit A1
Admission: Free
Xiaogang Park (晓港公园)
Known as Guangzhou's "Bamboo Park," Xiaogang Park houses the city's largest collection of ornamental bamboo. Shaded trails wind through dense groves, evoking the quiet elegance of a Chinese ink painting. Locals come here for morning strolls, exercise, or simply to breathe in the subtle scent of bamboo. Meanwhile, historic bridges, mini docks, and century-old trees make this park a nostalgic favorite for many residents.
(Photo: Guangzhou Haizhu Fabu)
Location: No. 146 Qianjin Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (广州市海珠区前进路146号)
Transportation: Metro Line 2, Jiangnanxi Station (江南西站), Exit A; Metro Line 8, Xiaogang Station (晓港站), Exit C
Admission: Free
Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area (白云山风景区)
For a more immersive experience, head to Baiyun Mountain's bamboo retreats: Cuizhu Garden (翠竹园) and the Zhuxi (竹溪) area.
Cuizhu Garden features over 30 varieties of bamboo, forming a shady tunnel perfect for summer walks. A gentle brook flows through the bamboo, offering a quiet spot for playful splashing. Visitors can also continue on to the 520-meter boardwalk at Huangpodong Reservoir for serene views of water, forest, and distant hills.
(Photo: Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area)
The Zhuxi area, accessible from the west gate, offers a more secluded escape. With fresh mountain air, dense bamboo groves, and a peaceful creek, it's an ideal place to unwind in nature.
(Photo: Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area)
Location: No. 801 Guangyuan Middle Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou (白云区广园中路801号)
Transportation:
Cuizhu Garden Gate: Take Bus 660 to GDUFS Bus Terminal (广外总站), then walk 10 minutes.
Zhuxi (West Gate): Take Bus 38, 66, 76, or others to GDUFS (Baiyun Mountain West Entrance) station (广外(白云山西门)), then walk 5 minutes.
Admission: 5 RMB
National Trails System of Changling (长岭国家登山健身步道)
The National Trails System of Changling is Guangdong's first national-level hiking route, nestled in the lush hills of Huangpu District. The Huangma Trail Loop, located in Huangma Village, winds through dense bamboo groves, babbling streams, and serene reservoirs. It's a refreshing trail for those seeking nature without venturing far from the city.
(Photo: GZphotos)
Location: South of the Huangma Community Committee Bus Stop, Changling Sub-district, Huangpu District, Guangzhou (黄埔区长岭街道黄麻社区委员会公交站南)
Transportation: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 21 to Changping Station (长平站), exit from C3, then take Bus 569 (branch line) to Huangma Community Committee Stop (黄麻社区居委会站).
Admission: Free
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He