Looking to shake up your weekend routine without spending a cent? You're in luck! Guangzhou has recently opened five free destinations, each with its own character. From futuristic tech experiences and film-like historic villas to scenic lakes and secluded forest trails, these new spots are ready for your next weekend checklist!
1. Haixinsha Omni-space Intelligent Experience Center (海心沙科技岛•未来岛)
As China's first omni-space intelligent system experience center, the venue brings you face-to-face with cutting-edge robotic dogs, kung fu-performing robots, and eye-catching flying cars. You can also try a flight simulator or take a self-driving shuttle bus, all while soaking in gorgeous views of the Pearl River and Canton Tower.
Address: West Zone Apron of the Haixinsha Asian Games Park, Linjiang Avenue, Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou (广州市珠江新城临江大道海心沙亚运公园西区停机坪)
Admission: Free, with reservations required via the WeChat account "海心沙科技岛未来岛"; some interactive experiences are chargeable.
2. Chunyuan (春园)
For those drawn to vintage aesthetics and rich history, Guangzhou's Dongshankou (东山口) is home to a newly reopened historic gem. Chunyuan, a century-old compound at No. 26 Xinhepu Road where revolutionary figures Sun Yat-sen and Mao Zedong once gathered, has officially reopened after restoration. Blending Chinese and Western architectural styles, the villa features exquisite patterned floor tiles, elegant spiral staircases, and vintage furniture that exude a classic film atmosphere.
Address: No. 26, Xinhepu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区东山街道新河浦路26号)
Admission: Free and no reservation required.
3. Forest Trails in Baiyun District, Guangzhou (广州绿脊白云段)
If hiking is your preferred way to unwind, challenge yourself to the newly opened 40-kilometer forest trail in Baiyun District. Shaded by lush bamboo groves, this eco-friendly route system offers three options for different types of hikers:
① Laowu-Liupian Mountain (老屋登山口─六片山登山口)
This route combines wooden boardwalks, stone steps, and gravel paths, and spans about 7.5 kilometers. Along the way, you can enjoy the signature landscapes of Phoenix Mountain (凤凰山) and Liupian Mountain (六片山).
② Modao South Street-Liupian Mountain (磨刀南街登山口─六片山登山口)
Stretching about 10 kilometers, this route is more challenging and runs mainly through forest trails in a relatively untouched setting. It's ideal for experienced hikers. Take Metro Line 3 to Yongtai Station (永泰地铁站), Exit B2, then walk about 300 meters to the Modao South Street trailhead.
③ Dongping Fire Station Loop (东平防火站精品环线)
The route is family-friendly, ideal for seniors and kids, mainly consisting of asphalt and stone paths. It includes a Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) viewing platform and a waterfront area, and also offers a visit to Phoenix Mountain for photos.
4. Show Lake (秀湖)
Need a breath of fresh air? Head over to Huadu District to explore the newly opened Show Lake. With an 8-square-kilometer lake and wide green lawns, it is an ideal spot for sunset picnics or laid-back afternoons on the grass. Visitors can take a relaxing walk along the 4.5-kilometer lakeside fitness trail or try water sports such as paddleboarding to cool off in summer.
Address: South Fifth Road, Huadu District, Guangzhou (广州市花都区南五路). Search "秀湖驿站" for navigation.
Admission: Free; water sports are charged separately.
5. Keyun Park (科韵公园)
Keyun Park is the first stream-themed park in downtown Guangzhou, where you can fish and wade in the stream. Designed around an artistic Mobius-loop pathway, it features a delightful children's playground equipped with an airplane-shaped slide and sandpits, making it a family-friendly destination where children can play and parents can unwind. A new flying car experience hall is also scheduled to open here later this year.
Address: 220 meters southeast of the intersection of Keyun North Auxiliary Road and Keyun Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (广州市天河区科韵北路辅路与科韵路交叉口东南220米)
Which of these new spots would you add to your weekend plans first? Are you more interested in a high-tech robotics adventure, or a peaceful sunset picnic by the lake? Share your favorite in the comments below!
Author | Dong Han
Photo | China Guangzhou Fabu, Guangzhou Baiyun Fabu, Guangzhou Yuexiu Fabu, Guangzhou Huadu Fabu, Guangzhou Tianhe Fabu, Haixinsha Omni-space Intelligent Experience Center, Xiaohongshu account @Hunk
