As the Year of the Horse begins, what better way to set the tone than on horseback? Combining speed, strength and elegance, equestrian sports offer an energetic start to the year. Across Guangdong, from mountain-ringed suburbs to seaside shores, professional clubs provide riding experiences for beginners and seasoned riders alike. Here are some recommended spots to saddle up.
Tianlu Equestrian Club, Guangzhou (天麓马术俱乐部)
Nestled among rolling hills and lush greenery, Tianlu Equestrian Club is one of the largest and best-equipped equestrian clubs in Guangzhou, just a 20-minute drive from downtown. The club features professional arenas, training paddocks and round pens, with dozens of well-bred horses and certified coaches offering lessons for children and adults.
(Photo: Tianlu Equestrian Club)
Beyond riding, accommodation, dining and leisure facilities make it suitable for family outings or weekend retreats.
Address: No. 1 Hewu Street, Huangpu District, Guangzhou (广州市黄埔区何屋街1号)
Shangwu International Equestrian Archery Academy, Shenzhen (尚武国际马术骑射学院)
The academy specializes in British-style equestrian training, traditional Chinese mounted archery and archery arts, offering riders the unique experience of galloping on horseback while drawing a bow.
(Photo: Shangwu International Equestrian Archery Academy)
The academy operates three bases in Shenzhen. At its Bantian base, visitors can also explore the Horse Culture and Mounted Archery Exhibition Hall. The exhibition features more than 400 artifacts related to traditional Chinese mounted archery, including bows, arrows, stirrups, armor and riding attire, offering an up-close look at China's rich equestrian heritage.
(Photo: Shangwu International Equestrian Archery Academy)
Address:
Bantian Base (坂田基地): Room 106, Building B, Penghua Logistics Park, Xinxue Community, Bantian Sub-district, Longgang District, Shenzhen (广东省深圳市龙岗区坂田街道新雪社区鹏华物流园B栋106号)
Jinxiu Base (锦绣基地): Splendid China Folk Village, No. 9003 Shennan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (广东省深圳市南山区深南大道9003号锦绣中华·中国民俗文化村)
Chengfeng Base (骋风基地): Building 7, Yuhai Bay Resort, No. 1309 Honghai Avenue, Hongquan Village, Houmen Sub-district, Shenzhen-Shanwei Special Cooperation Zone (深圳市深汕特别合作区鲘门镇红泉村红海大道1309号玉海湾度假村7栋)
Shenshan Beach Equestrian Club, Shenzhen-Shanwei Special Cooperation Zone (深汕海骑会)
Located on the sandy shores of Paijiao Village, this is one of the few seaside equestrian clubs in Guangdong. Offering coastal riding along a 12-kilometer shoreline, it is a premier destination for beach riding, equestrian training, horse boarding, horseback photography, and leisure tourism.
The club now houses over 40 quality horses and attracts riding enthusiasts from across China. With professional instructors and a dedicated equestrian academy, visitors can ride along the shore at sunset, enjoying the orange-red sea, coastal rocks, seabirds, and the elegant rhythm of horseback riding.
(Photo: Public Utilities Bureau of the Shenzhen-Shanwei Special Cooperation Zone)
Address: Paijiao Beach, Houmen Sub-district, Shenzhen-Shanwei Special Cooperation Zone (深圳市深汕特别合作区鲘门街道排角村沙滩). Navigate to "海骑士马术俱乐部".
Joy Pony Equestrian Club (Foshan Haiyi Town Branch), Foshan (骑乐马术 佛山海逸小镇俱乐部店)
Joy Pony operates multiple branches across Guangdong, with the Foshan Haiyi Town club currently the largest fully indoor equestrian club in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This 3,000-square-meter venue features an international-standard arena and 25 professionally trained horses for dressage and jumping instruction. Paired with an experienced coaching team, it offers programs from beginner riding lessons to advanced equestrian training.
(Photo: Foshan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address: Unit E, Nanhai New Economic Town, Baoshi West Road, Guicheng Sub-district, Nanhai District, Foshan (佛山市南海区桂城街道宝石西路南海新经济小镇E室)
Camelot Equestrian, Dongguan (金伯乐马术俱乐部)
Founded by Olympic rider Li Zhenqiang, this 40,000-square-meter club features international-standard indoor and outdoor arenas. Horses are sourced globally and cared for by professional trainers. The club integrates riding, leisure and wellness facilities into a comprehensive equestrian destination.
(Photo: Dongguan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Address: No. 124 Lianhu Road, Chang'an Town, Dongguan (东莞市长安镇莲湖路124号)
Phil Equestrian, Hengqin (菲尔马术俱乐部)
Set within Shibo Park on Huandao North Road, Phil Equestrian's Hengqin campus offers open lawns and a tranquil setting ideal for riding. The club focuses on British-style equestrian training with well-bred horses from multiple countries. Programs are tailored for beginners and experienced riders alike.
(Photo: Economic Development Bureau of Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin)
Address: B06, Shibo Park, No. 1005 Huandao North Road, Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (横琴环岛北路1005号石博园B06号)
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
