| 
|
The largest park in Guangzhou, Yuexiu Park
covers an area of 93 hectares. Besides a number of artificial lakes and
a huge swimming pool, the park is renowned for its Zhenhai Tower and the
Sculpture of the Five Rams.
Zhenhai Tower
Standing on the top of Yuexiu Hill in the northern suburbs, the 28-metre-high
five-storey tower - also known as the Five-storey Pagoda - was built on
the order of Zhu Liangzu, the Yongjia Marquis of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644),
to flaunt his power said to be able to "shake the seas and mountains".
It is a magnificent building, commanding a bird's-eye view of the whole
city. The tower now houses the City Museum, with exhibits which describe
the history of Guangzhou from Neolithic times till the early part of this
century.
British and French troops occupied the tower during the Opium Wars on
account of its strategic location. The 12 cannons in front of the tower
are from that time. Now the City Museum is situated in the tower. To help
you learn something of the history of Guangzhou, you are sure to find
the exhibits dating from Neolithic times to the early part of this century
in the museum of great interest.
The Sculpture of the Five Rams, the symbol of Guangzhou, was erected in
1959. A beautiful legend said that long, long ago there were five celestial
beings, who wore robes of five colors. One day they rode rams through
the air to Guangzhou, each carrying a stem of rice. They presented to
the people the auspicious sign from heaven and told them that the area
would be free from famine forever. Later, according to the story, the
city took a name: City of Rams, or just Goat City. Its official name Guangzhou,
however, means 'broad region" in Chinese.
Admission Fee: RMB 15
Opening Hours: 06:10 to 21:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: 45 minutes
Bus Route: 5,7,24,29,101,103
|
|
