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Guangzhou City Tour Packages
Yuexiu Park |
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Yuexiu Park is the largest park in
downtown Guangzhou. Covering an
area of 860,000 square meters (212.5 acres), the park is made up of
three artificial lakes and seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain; hence the
name Yuexiu Park.
Yuexiu Park is a perfect combination of cultural relics
and ecological tourism, reputed for its pretty water and hills as
well as cultural relics. The main places of interest include the
stone sculpture of the Five Rams, Zhenhai Tower, the site of the
Ming Dynasty City Wall, and Square Cannon Site.
The Five-Ram Sculpture is one of the most famous
structures in Guangzhou. It has become the emblem of Guangzhou City.
Legend has it that more than 2,000 years ago, Guangzhou was a barren
land with people who despite hard work were suffering from famine.
One day five immortals in five-color garments came riding on five
rams, playing their legendary music. The rams held sheaves of rice
in their mouths. The immortals left the sheaves of rice for the
Guangzhou people, gave blessings to the city and left. The rams
turned into stone and the city of Guangzhou became a rich and
populous place. Guangzhou got the name of the City of Rams and the
City of Ears.
Zhenhai Tower, better known among the
locals as the Five-Story Tower, is one of the landmarks of Guangzhou
city. An interesting historical record has it that Zhu Liangzu,
Yongjia Marquis of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), saw yellow and
purple air rising over Yuexiu Mountain and was told by a sorcerer
that it was the omen of a new emperor. To subdue this omen, Zhu
Liangzu ordered this tower to be built in 1380. Over the past 600
years, the tower has been destroyed five times and set up five
times. Now it is the Guangzhou Museum, housing relics and documents
showing Guangzhou's history over 2, 000 years. Known as the first
tower in Lingnan (South of Nanling Mountain) Area, Zhenhai Tower now
is 28 meters (91.9feet) high and 16 meters (52.5 feet) wide. The
striking contrast of green glazed titles and red walls makes the
tower elegant.
While the historical traces create a serene
environment, singing birds and exuberant plants add vigor and
natural beauty to the park. Three artificial lakes -- Dongxiu,
Nanxiu, and Beixiu-- cover an area of more than 50,000 square meters
(538,213 square feet). Dongxiu Lake and Nanxiu Lake are tranquil and
elegant, inviting painting and sketching artists. Beixiu Lake,
surrounded by trees, is open for boating and fishing. What's more,
the lakes are connected with arch bridges and decorated with
pavilions and corridors in the Lingnan Style. Flower exhibitions are
held here from time to time. For nature lovers who can't get to the
faraway countryside or forests, Yuexiu Park is an optimum choice
with modern conveniences.
As a large comprehensive park, Yuexiu Park provides an
amusement park, swimming pool, gymnasium, restaurants, stalls,
museum and art museum besides plant and flower viewing area. All
visitors find pleasure in Yuexiu Park.
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