Whether shrouded in mist during summer rains or bathed in the golden glow of sunlight, Guangzhou's scenic spots reveal their dual charms across seasons. As summer rains sweep across Guangzhou, these picturesque destinations unveil their poetic beauty, inviting visitors to embrace Lingnan's heritage through elegant pavilions, corridors, and indoor viewing areas.
Orchid Garden (兰圃)
Nestled near Yuexiu Park, Orchid Garden is a dreamy escape in the rain. Its winding corridors, koi ponds, and arched bridges fade into swirling mists, evoking a traditional Chinese ink painting. The award-winning Fanghua Garden, with its intricate rockeries and pine-draped vistas, is a must-see.
(Photo: Orchid Garden)
Address: No.901 Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District (越秀区解放北路901号)
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
Admission: RMB 8
Transportation: Metro Line 2, Yuexiu Park Station (越秀公园站), Exit B2
Yuyin Shanfang (余荫山房)
With a history of more than 150 years, Yuyin Shanfang is one of the four famous classical gardens in Guangdong. It weaves pavilions, halls, and bridges into a poetic retreat. The iconic corridor bridge offers rain-sheltered views, while the octagonal Linglong Shuixie pavilion frames classical garden scenery through delicate windows.
(Photo provided by Yuyin Shanfang)
Address: North Street, Nancun Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou (广州市番禺区南村镇北大街)
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:00)
Admission: RMB 18
Transportation: Take Metro Line 7 to Yuangang Station (员岗站), Metro Line 3 to Shiqiao Station (市桥站), or Metro Line 3 to Hanxi Changlong Station (汉溪长隆站), then transfer to Bus Panyu 30 and alight at the Yuyin Shanfang stop (余荫山房总站).
Guangzhou Cultural & Arts Centre (广州市文化馆新馆)
Nestled next to Haizhu Lake, this picturesque space blends traditional Lingnan architecture with waterscapes and lush greenery. When shrouded in mist and rain, the lakeside pavilions and traditional corridors evoke a dreamlike scene straight out of poetry. Visitors can explore folk art exhibitions, browse books in the intangible heritage library, or enjoy a rainy view of the Canton Tower from the upper floors.
(Photo: Guangzhou Haizhu Fabu)
(Photo: Guangzhou Cultural & Arts Centre)
Address: No.288 Xinjiao Middle Road, Haizhu District (海珠区新滘中路288号)
Opening hours: 9:00-17:30 (last entry at 16:30); closed on Mondays
Admission: Free (Booking is required via the center's official WeChat account "广州市文化馆")
Transportation: Metro Line 3 or 11, Datang Station (大塘站), Exit B
Dongchong Custom Street (东涌水乡风情街)
With its idyllic beauty, Nansha's Dongchong Town is often synonymous with the word "water." The 300-meter-long Dongchong Custom Street harmonizes with Lingnan ancient architecture. Boating on the waterways and walking on stone arch bridges through the clear water and mist allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the unique charm of Lingnan water towns. You may even come across a unique water village wedding!
(Photo: Guangzhou Nansha Fabu)
(Photo: Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau of Nansha District)
Address: No.44 Guanchong 2nd Street, Dongchong Town, Nansha District (南沙区东涌镇官涌二街44号)
Transportation: Take Metro Line 4 to Dongchong Station (东涌站), then transfer to Bus Nansha 35/37 to Liyelu Entrance stop (励业路口站).
Guangzhou Shennong Caotang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum (广州神农草堂中医药博物馆)
This museum is located at the foot of Baiyun Mountain, blending over 1,300 medicinal plants with pavilions, corridors, and other classical garden elements. You can wander along bamboo-shaded paths and delve into Lingnan's health culture at a popular science corridor on traditional Chinese medicine culture, the Chinese herbal medicine planting area, and the Wanglaoji Herbal Tea Museum, all while enjoying the earthy fragrance of herbs.
(Photo: Guangzhou Shennong Caotang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum)
Address: No.389 Shatai North Road, Baiyun District (广州市白云区沙太北路389号)
Opening hours: 8:30-12:00, 13:30-17:00 (last entry at 11:30 and 16:30); closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
Admission: Free (Booking is required via the center's official WeChat account "广州神农草堂中医药博物馆")
Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Meihuayuan Station (梅花园站), use Exit B, then transfer to Bus 791 to Baiyunshan Zhongyaochang stop (白云山中药厂站)
Note: English-guided tours are available at 150 RMB per session (1 hour, up to 50 people). Reservations must be made at least one day in advance by calling 020-6628-2302.
Lingnan Academy·Geshan Academy (岭南书院·隔山书院)
Hidden near the bustling Jiangnanxi area, this tranquil academy was once the residence of renowned Qing Dynasty painters Ju Chao and Ju Lian. The two artists taught students at the Shixiang Garden Memorial Hall (十香园纪念馆), where they mentored future masters like Gao Jianfu and Chen Shuren. The Geshan Lecture Hall (隔山讲堂) houses a collection of over 3,000 books. Visitors can enjoy reading under a skylight or immerse themselves in traditional Chinese paintings and exhibitions within a peaceful atmosphere.
(Photo: Lingnan Academy·Geshan Academy)
Address: No.3 Huaide Street, Central Jiangnan Avenue, Haizhu District (海珠区江南大道中怀德大街3号)
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30); closed on Mondays
Admission: Free
Transportation: Metro Line 2 Jiangnanxi Station (江南西站), Exit A, or Line 2/8, Changgang Station (昌岗站), Exit C2
Author: Huang Xinying
Poster: Cai Junru
Editor: Huang Qini, James, Shen He
