More than just a place for a bunch of table tennis aficionados enjoying their favourite game, this small park is right next to Golden Ark mall, adjacened to Baiyunshan and hides a couple of cool places for kids. Discover with me this little-known, local spot in Baiyun district.

Not in a million years would I have found this park had it not been for my eyes zooming in on it when checking out Google maps whilst looking for green spaces nearby. Even my husband, who knows many places I have never heard of, couldn’t believe that there was a park so close to us that we’ve never heard of! Hidden right at the back of a very busy Yongtai area, behind Anhuahui (Golden Ark) mall, it didn’t look especially appealing at first sight…

Driving through narrow Yongtai streets can make you feel confused or even concerned about the place you’re going to but first impressions are sometimes wrong and this was indeed the case for us. The park is hard to miss as there is a large gate welcoming you and as soon as you enter, it’s like you’ve been transported into a different world, away from the cacophony of street life you left outside the entrance. Right away, you’ll spot a sandpit, simple but very pretty greenery and of course the table tennis area, right next to a number of basketball and badminton courts. Heaven for sports fans! I find it fascinating to see just how many people, of all ages, choose to spend their time exercising, playing together. I miss that in Europe; the communal spirit and the eagerness to get out of the house and be active.

Interestingly, as I discovered recently, you can also enter the park from Baiyun mountain, which makes for a less convenient but nicer ‘getting to’ process (nearest gate is in Yongtai, neat Tonghe). You’ll end up at the back of the park, where football and more basketball courts are. As you wander around, you’ll notice that one spot is particularly busy-the cafe! Is it quiet? Not during weekend, with plenty of young people snapping selfies (if you’ve been in China for a while, you’re used to it by now) but we still enjoyed our drinks and bagels while sitting outside, mainly due to the green surroundings. Plus, it’s right next to a small nature centre!

It’s more of a private reptile exhibition, where kids can see some snakes and lizards but also toads, spiders and other small creatures. Would I make a special trip there? No, but it sure adds appeal for the younger kids and the owner seemed really keen on explaining all sorts of details to our son about each animal, which was cool. I believe they have regular activities upstairs too though only in Chinese. Located literally outside the door, is another niche place for families giving you a chance to do planting. More than that, they educate about how to do it well, look after plants, etc.

Aside from those two spots, the park resembles other ones with bridges, paths, ponds, people playing traditional instruments, singing, dancing, and simply enjoying themselves surrounded by nature. It is pleasant, quiet and to me it has a certain local charm but it’s certainly not Haizhu Park or Zhujiang Park. No manicured gardens or impressive sculptures here. Therefore, I’d recommend it primarily to those either living in or visiting Baiyun, especially in the evening when the lights along the paths are on, makes for a very pretty and relaxing walk.

Ping Pong Park is a lovely place to stroll around with the family after having fun at Anhuahui mall or if you’re looking for something to do on a lazy weekend afternoon. There are plenty of eating options at the mall and along the busy streets of Yongtai though admittedly they tend to be very small eateries of somewhat questionable quality. You could also choose to start at the park and hike Baiyunshan from there, which is what we usually do as it makes for a nice outing.

Have you been? Did you play sports there? What did you think of the xiaohongshu-famous cafe:)?

Info:

Address: Baiyun Yongtai Sports Park/Ping Pong Park, Baiyun, Guangzhou

Getting there: Either through Yongtai area, nearest metro Yongtai, Line 3 or through Baiyun mountain(Yongtai/North Gate). Parking next to the park.

Price: FREE

Food: Cafe in the park serving bagels, hundreds of eateries in Yongtai area, restaurants in the nearby Anhuahui mall.

Facilities: toilets, suitable for prams and elderly.