Don’t delay, visit this fantastic natural spot right by Baiyun mountain with kids during autumn/winter season when you can appreciate the trees in their various hues and leisurely explore the entire wonderful area without worrying about the rain or unbearable humidity.

We are too lucky here in Guangzhou! There are so many fantastic green spaces all over the city, once weekend comes it can be hard to decide where to take kids. I’m not one to complain about having too many options though! Especially when the space in question is as stunning as Yunluo Botanical Garden!

First thing to note is that to enter you need to pay. And that itself means that there will definitely be significantly less people there-which can only be a good thing! The fee is 20rmb per adult and kids under 1.2m can enter free and let me tell you-this place is SO worth the 20rmb! Right next to the entrance you’ll find very clean, modern toilets, a nice baby feeding and changing room and most notably, you’ll notice that you’re right under the Baiyun cable car! Not surprising bearing in mind the entrance is very close to the beautiful Yuntai Garden and the south entrance to the cable car. My son kept waving to people inside the pods flying above him and it is rather fun knowing that in a moment you’ll be nothing but a speck to them as they go up higher and higher up Baiyunshan.

The views over Yunluo Garden must be amazing from there! There is a big square out the ticket office and when we visited, a stage was being constructed so I imagine they must hold performances of some sort there-it would be interesting to know what and when is happening but I could not find any posters about it.

Pass through the ticket gates and you’ll find yourself in a quiet, tranquil world with meticulously designed, colourful and fantastically-shaped plants, bushes, trees and shrubs of all sorts.

The first thing you’ll notice is probably the cafe/shop area. I LOVE park cafes, can’t get enough of them but to my annoyance, they also sold small toys…which means we spent far too long in there as opposed to appreciating nature AROUND IT. To be fair though, the small shop there does have some pretty cool stuff, like organic, natural hand creams, home fragrance, recycled bags and the dessert cafe has an amazing view so do check it out, just steer your kids away from the toy area or you’ll spend the next 30 painful minutes staring at small plastic figurines.

The garden itself is actually part of Baiyun mountain, which is apparent as you near its east side, which borders with the famous mountain area. In fact, I could clearly, TOO CLEARLY, hear the old folks singing up there from where I was trying to read facts about medicinal herbs-the information signs have some English, which is great as you’re able to share the relevant facts with your kids as you stroll along.

Arguably, the most symbolic view-the bridge with bald cypresses around it is the most popular photo spot (though I believe the ones in Luhu Park and at Maofengshan are way more impressive!). The paths are paved and even with some stairs that elevate you well above ground level giving you spectacular views not only over the garden itself but also the area around it and eventually, of the city centre (those with strollers will struggle a bit). You don’t even need to make it to the top of the highest ‘flower’ viewing deck. I do strongly recommend you do walk all the way up though (most of the kapok-flower-pods contain fun ropes for kids), sitting there admiring the view, even with all the background noise that cannot be avoided if you visit on a weekend, is magical. Note that the garden closes at 6pm so night-time shots of city lights for you.

I am not going to write about all the impressive, incredible variety of flora we encountered on our walk but I will mention that if you think of skipping the orchid garden-don’t. Go through it and at the back, you’ll find a really lovely small waterfall and a bridge, which lend a serene atmosphere you’ll love whilst ignoring your kids’ moaning about being bored.

I worried a bit about how my 5 year old would behave in a place that isn’t exactly designed with kids in mind but that was completely unnecessary as there is lots to entertain little ones actually. From the actual cool layout, blink-and-you’ll-miss mystical rainforest spot with scheduled rainfall (3pm and 5pm) and climbing ropes to trampolines and nature-themed activities. I can honestly say we truly had a wonderful time there. You can use this outing for your child to learn more about nature, talk about protecting environment, plant preservation and little creatures you might see around. The local gray squirrels were huge hits with all the kids around us!

In terms of facilities, there are more toilets in the centre of the garden and in addition to the cafe right at the front of the park, there is another one near the aforementioned bridge, which sells Chinese desserts (think mango sago) as well as very nice souvenirs. The place has outdoor seating area surrounded by flower displays, staff speak some English and were really nice. There are also two cafes up on the two flower viewing decks but they’re only good for some drinks, I’d pass on the food which sell the standard weird sausages on sticks. If your child is keen on drawing, they’ll have plenty of opportunities to whip out their drawing gear (a small erasable board, in my son’s case) and sketch their beautiful surroundings. Equally, if they’re into photography, boy will they have a field day there!

All in all, instead of the planned two, we spent almost 4 hours exploring Yunluo Garden! I did make a point of not skipping ANY spots though so we were mega tired at the end. Luckily, there is a small mall right by the south gate to Baiyun mountain (next door) and so we finished our outing relaxing with a good, old mug of Starbucks hot chocolate🙂 They have a great dim sum place(Dim Dou Duk) there, too, overlooking the mountain so if it’s nearing dinner time, look no further. Very convenient. Not only that but when we visited, they had kids’ entertainers in and musical performances from 7pm.

Yunluo Botanical Garden is another one of those truly quiet, stunning nature spots in the city, not unlike Yunxi Botanical garden in Baiyun. The two give off a different vibe and, in my view, Yunluo is more child-friendly. So if you’re into nature but have been to Baiyun mountain, South China Botanical Gardens or public parks, such as Haizhu Lake or Luhu Park, too many times, I highly recommend this genuinely impressive and super pleasant garden in Yuexiu. Next time, we want to see it from the comfort of a cable car above, on our way to the Baiyun Aviary!

Info

Address: Yunluo Botanical Garden, Yuexiu, Guangzhou

Opening times: 8am-6pm, Monday to Sunday

Getting there: Take metro Line 11 to Yuntai Garden station, get out of exit B and walk past the entrance to Yuntai Garden. Get a taxi directly to Yunluo Botanical Garden or South Gate of Baiyunshan.

Parking: There is a big car park right opposite the garden (paid separately).

Cost: 20rmb per adult, kids under 1.2m enter free (ticket counter staff speak English)

Facilities: Very nice, clean toilets, baby changing room. There are some steps so those with mobility problems and with strollers might struggle to access some parts, however there are still many flat areas.

Food: Several cafes, selling mostly Chinese desserts; a convenience store. Restaurants are located in the nearby mall-go out of the main gate and turn left, you’ll see it immediately.

Age: Best for younger kids and older teens or any child, who can actually appreciate nature.