At 10 am on November 29, the newest attraction, the Yunluo Botanical Garden, is open in Guangzhou. As part of China's national botanical garden system and a demonstration area for ex-situ conservation in Guangzhou, Yunluo Botanical Garden is nestled on the southern slopes of the Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area, seamlessly integrating urban life with nature.
(Photo provided to GDToday)
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
The garden boasts eight specialized gardens and conserves over 1,500 native and rare plants, including 36 species under China's first-class protection and 58 under second-class protection, showcasing unique ecological value and gardening artistry.
Plants: Treasures await your discovery
Queen staghorn fern (Platycerium wandae):
In the Lanting A Pavilion of Yunluo Botanical Garden, visitors can admire the Queen staghorn fern, stretching up to 2 meters, making it one of the largest in southern China. Its thick, tall nutritional fronds resemble a delicate queen's crown, symbolizing nobility and grace. In contrast, its spore fronds mimic deer antlers, revealing a primitive and breathtaking natural beauty that transports visitors to the mystical ambiance of a tropical rainforest.
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Colourful Bougainvillea:
The garden has invited a 50-year-old colourful Bougainvillea, standing at 4 meters tall, with a flowering period of 260 days. Through grafting, it blooms with multiple varieties such as green cherry, red cherry, Bois rose, green-leaved palace pink, and lemon yellow, creating a splendid tapestry of colours every November.
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Baobab Tree (Adansonia digitata):
The Baobab Tree is Africa's "Tree of Life" and one of the longest-lived broad-leaved plants. Its entire body is edible; the fruit pulp can be eaten raw or used to extract oil, the leaves are high in calcium and can be made into soup or used medicinally, and its thick trunk, resembling a tower, can store water and provide shelter when hollowed out, truly embodying the versatility of "food, drink, and shelter."
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Gardens: An aerial view of Guangzhou
Kapok Path: An aerial garden walkway themed around kapok trees stretches nearly 2 kilometres from Genxu Plaza, passing through the Kapok Path, Rainforest Plants Garden, and Medicinal and Edible Plants Garden. Walkers can closely interact with towering trees and enjoy distant views of Baiyun Mountain's southern slopes and city landmarks like Guangzhou Tower.
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Baiyun Pavilion: Shaped like a kapok flower, this natural viewing platform offers a panoramic view of Guangzhou. From here, visitors can see the city's skyline, including landmarks such as Guangzhou Tower and Guangzhou Global Financial Center.
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Rainforest Valley: A secluded miracle of nature within a tropical rainforest, this area is enveloped in mist, intertwined roots, and foliage, creating a dreamlike realm hidden from the bustle.
(Photo provided to GDToday)
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Secrets: The mysterious world of carnivorous plants
The Carnivorous Plant Exhibition at Lanting A Pavilion displays 33 species from six genera, including Nepenthes, Dionaea, Drosera, Pinguicula, Sarracenia, and Stylidium, creating a mini rainforest-swamp ecosystem centred around carnivorous plants and their associated animals for a mysterious and fantastical visual experience.
Lanting B Pavilion hosts the Gesneriad Exhibition, showcasing rare species of Primula malacoides.
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Getting There
Buses: Yuntai Garden Terminal (Routes 24, 63, 285, B16, 245, Tourism Line 1); Baiyun Cable Car Station (Routes 32, 46, 60, 175, 179, 199, 223, 241, 257, 285, 540, 841, University Town Line 1).
Metro: Line 11 Yuntai Garden Station (expected to open in late 2024).
Parking: Baiyun Shuangyan Robot Parking Lot, Yunshan Tiandi Parking Lot.
Ticket fee
From November 29 to December 31, an opening month discount ticket price of RMB 20 per person will be available. After the discount period, the ticket price will be RMB 40 per person.
Author | Feng Huiting
Editor | Huang Qini, James, Shen He
