South China Botanical Garden is just as much a family-friendly park with bikes to rent and lawns to relax on as it is a scientific facility with an astonishing amount of fascinating flora.

We are really spoiled here in Guangzhou. There are so many wonderful parks and green spaces in the city, many of which are available to us completely free. Then there are those, which offer much more than just a space to stroll/run around. South China Botanical Gardens is one of them and as a place for scientific research, and one that is very well maintained, it is understandable that they charge an entry fee. Plus, this place is so massive and has so much to offer that really, the 20rmb ticket price is well worth it!

Our favourite activity to do at the Botanical Gardens is renting a family bike and cycling around, especially to the less popular parts located further away from the main gate. We were the only people there even though it was a Saturday afternoon-for anyone who has seen Chinese parks on weekends, you know this is rare! We didn’t feel like we were in the same place as hundreds of others whom we saw near the gate and thoroughly enjoyed peaceful and quiet environment. So if you’re worried about crowds-don’t. Yes, the main avenues do get busy on weekends and holidays but the general area is so vast that it really is very easy to find secluded spots, where you can admire nature, relax and have fun with your kids.

The most appealing part of Botanical Gardens, for those with younger kids, are no doubt the sprawling laws perfect for picnics, ball games, flying kites and the like. There is also a small, educational playground for toddlers, too.

Many people choose to have their photoshoots taken here so don’t be surprised if you see individuals, couples or groups in unusual outfits posing for photos. The environment is just too visually attractive!

It may come as a surprise to you, as it did to me, that people live on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens! I was a bit taken aback when I saw private houses, cars and yards while cycling around. Would you like to live there? Even more surprising was the presence of graves. Yes, graves, ones you see often on mountain-sides when hiking. Don’t be alarmed, there are only a few. I’m actually glad the authorities kept some graves in their original place rather than moving them, as in the case of Luhu Park and the adjoining golf course, which I believe used to be a cemetery!

What would make the Botanical Gardens even more appealing and more educational would be ‘ the oldest village in Guangzhou‘, a truly ancient settlement, which is located there BUT sadly looks very run down from the outside and was closed to public when we visited recently. Here’s hoping it will re-open soon-after undergoing some major necessary maintenance! What we found very cool in that part of the gardens, were the military games, some (grown up) people seemed to be playing, i.e. running around, hiding and spying on each other in full soldier-gear! Apparently it’s a thing and my son desperately wanted to join them:) I have to say, it did look like a lot of fun albeit somewhat out of place.

Visit on a balmy evening in May and you might have a chance of seeing glow worms in action! I know there are several other places in Guangzhou (Tianhe Park, Dafushan, Dayuan Park), where one can witness this magical spectacle that can be observed for a very limited time. Full disclosure: we were slightly disappointed because there didn’t seem to be that many fireflies around on the evening that we visited and their glow was very weak despite the place being pitch black, I mean can’t-see-your-own-hand kind of dark (tricky when you’re with kids! Hold their hand tight!) BUT that could be because we were there quite early and left at 7.30pm, so perhaps more appeared later on? Maybe it depends on the day? I’d say try it but go around 8pm or later (watch out for special opening hours apply during firefly season). Be mindful that many other people will likely have the same idea as you:)

*August 2025 update: Botanical Gardens cancelled firefly viewing last May/June due to crowds so do check ahead of time if this special event is running.

So what is there for kids to do? I believe that, in addition to the lawns and green houses, young kids would love the family bikes, mini train and running down the sloped bridges!They don’t need much, do they:)? If you forgot to bring any toys with you, fear not, there are a couple of snack/toy stalls near the gate so you can whip out bubbles or other park essentials if necessary but honestly-I doubt you’ll need it. If I let him, my son would have happily spent the entire afternoon running down the bridges and play Hide & Seek in the bamboo grove:)

This place is VAST (1,155 hectares)! I always encourage everyone to bring their own picnic to any park but in the case of Botanical Gardens it is pretty much necessary as kuai di (delivery) drivers cannot enter and the eateries located near the main gate are a bit meh. There is a stylish hotel right on the lake, where you can stay the night or have a meal at but we haven’t tried it. Is it any good?

Botanical Gardens are definitely not the kind of place you visit once and are done with it. Try and see it at different seasons. We have been several times so far and will definitely go again!

Are Botanical Gardens one of your favourite spots in the city, too?

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Info:

Address: No.1190 Tianyuan Rd., Tianhe district, Guangzhou

Opening times: 7:30-17:30 (last admission). Conservatories: 8am-5.30pm (Nov-April, till 6pm May-Oct). The gardens stay open till late during firefly season so watch out for announcements on their official Wechat account or in local media, such as GDToday.

Getting there: Best way is to take metro Line 6-Botanical Garden station. There is a fairly large car park and also a bus stop right outside the main gate.Route B12, 30, 39, 83, 84, 345, 346, 494, 564 and 775 will take you to ‘Main entrance of South China Botanical Garden（植物园正门’ station.

English website: http://english.scib.cas.cn/fl/

Food: Snack stalls, a couple of Chinese restaurants near the main gate and a hotel restaurant in terms of eating spots within the gardens themselves. Immediately outside there is a café but I’m not sure if they serve food. We tend to bring snacks with us and finish the day with a dim sum dinner at a nearby hotel, 3min drive from the gardens, just along the main road driving towards Tonghe. Food is yummy and they have menus with photos if you don’t speak/read Chinese. Bear in mind, it won’t be a quiet meal-the place is big and busy.

Price: 20rmb per person for the gardens or 50rmb for gardens+ green houses.

Bike rental: 50rmb per hour + deposit (max.4 adults)

Facilities: Toilets, baby changing room.

Age: All

Tips:

-Go early morning – you’ll avoid the crowds in the most visited parts and won’t have to queue up for the rental bike:)

-Bring food and drinks

–Essential – mosquito repellent! Spray liberally/use special stickers on kids to avoid being absolutely devoured!