2Guangzhou

But if you’d rather sit back and enjoy a show than walk around a park of any kind, head to the Chimelong International Circus. Opened in 2005, it is the world’s largest permanent circus. The show features award-winning performers from America, Russia, Africa, Columbia, Kazakhstan, and China. The set design, lighting, and costumes are all incredible, and the performances are breathtaking. For a night you won’t forget, the Chimelong International Circus is a great choice.

Getting there: Bus number: 221, 247, 512, 562

Easily one of the most beautiful spots in Guangzhou is the Liuhuahu Park. Just a short walk from the Yuexiu Park Metro stop (Line 2), this massive park encircles the Liuhua Lake. As the city’s largest artificial lake it was originally created for the purposes of water conservation and flood control, but now the grounds of the park have been renovated to attract the public to this scenic spot. It is split into three major areas, the first being the Sightseeing and Resting area. This area is a wonderful place to have a picnic or go for a walk or run along the edge of the lake, and is particularly beautiful in the evening when the sun is setting. The second area is the Entertainment and Activities area, which has playgrounds for kids, as well as occasional public workshops or music performances. The last area is the Aviary and Botanical Garden area. The aviary houses a wide variety of birds and the botanical garden is pleasantly fragrant and well kept.

Located near the popular shopping district Beijing Lu. Take the Metro to the Gongyuanqian stop and leave the station through exit F and you will find yourself in the shadow of several massive floral arrangements at the park gates advertising the 2010 Asia games that are to be held in Guangzhou. Once in the park you will find that it is quite temperate, even on hotter days, because of the canopy of the foliage overhead. There is usually a great deal of activity in the park as it is frequented everyday by many people who want to enjoy its ambience. It is not uncommon to find choral groups, dance groups, and dozens of groups of people playing tiqiu all at the park at the same time. Despite the number of people you may find there, it is still a very relaxing place to spend an afternoon.

If you want to find a place outside where you can have a picnic or perhaps a barbecue, Xiao Gang Park is a great bet. On an idle weekend day, after a short ride to the Xiao Gang metro stop, you will find this large park quite enjoyable. It has numerous floral gardens as well as side paths and seating areas that take their shade from the looming bamboo forests found in the park. A small lake runs through the middle of the park, over which old fashioned bridges are poised. The real charm of the park, however, is found in the picnic area. Here you find a large number of stone tables each with its own barbecue pit. If you bring some food and some skewers this park is the perfect place to grill some food and enjoy it in the shade of the towering trees around you. Just remember to pick up after yourself!

The Orchid Garden, also located near the Yuexiu Park metro stop (exit B), is small, but surprisingly rewarding. Rebuilt in 1957, this quite little garden boasts 200 different species of orchids and has won numerous awards for its design. Its paths are surrounded by tropical plants and trees, all of which are labelled for those who are interested in botany. If you don’t want to do any stair climbing or long walks around a park, this is probably the place for you. It also allows visitors to take part in a Tea Ceremony. Go late in the afternoon and enjoy the light sifting through the trees.