South China National Botanical Garden
Founded in 1929 by botanist Dr. Huan-Yong Chen, the South China National Botanical Garden is China’s largest tropical botanical research institute and a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot. Spanning 300 hectares in Guangzhou, it houses over 17,000 plant species, including rare orchids, towering palms, and medicinal herbs. Blending scientific research with public education, the garden serves as a living laboratory for ecological conservation. Its iconic "Dragon Cave" (Longdong Qilin) landscape, designated a national heritage site in 2002, showcases the harmonious coexistence of nature and human creativity.
Historical Overview
Established in 1929 as the "Sun Yat-sen University Botanical Garden," it became China’s first national botanical garden in 1954 under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Key milestones include the 1956 discovery of the Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood) in Sichuan, which the garden propagated globally, and the 2008 establishment of the "Tropical Rainforest Conservation Center." In 2019, it launched the "South China Plant DNA Bank," preserving genetic resources for future generations. The garden’s collections focus on three pillars: tropical flora, medicinal plants, and endangered species.
Structural Layout
The garden is divided into two main zones:
- Exhibition Zone: Open to the public, featuring themed gardens like the Palm Garden, Ginger Garden, and Bamboo Grove.
- Research Zone: Restricted-access laboratories and seed banks for scientific study.
Key areas include the Dragon Cave Qilin (a 1950s-era artificial lake with limestone karst formations), the Guangzhou First Village Archaeological Site (a 4,000-year-old Neolithic settlement), and the Tropical Orchid Pavilion.
Major Attractions
Dragon Cave Qilin: A UNESCO-listed landscape with cascading waterfalls and ancient banyan trees.
Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse: Home to over 1,000 rainforest species, including giant water lilies.
Medicinal Herb Garden: Displays 500+ plants used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Palm Garden: Features 300+ palm species from Southeast Asia and Africa.
Ginger Garden: Showcases rare ginger and turmeric varieties.
Bamboo Grove: A serene pathway lined with 50+ bamboo species.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2 hours):
Main Entrance → Dragon Cave Qilin → Palm Garden → Bamboo Grove → Medicinal Herb Garden → Tropical Orchid Pavilion
Highlights: Core landscapes and themed gardens.
Extended Route (3–4 hours):
Main Entrance → Dragon Cave Qilin → Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse → Ginger Garden → Guangzhou First Village Site → Bamboo Grove
Highlights: Added focus on rainforest ecology and history.
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Morning: Dragon Cave Qilin, Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse, Medicinal Herb Garden
Afternoon: Palm Garden, Ginger Garden, Bamboo Grove, Guangzhou First Village Site
Evening: Sunset views at the Tropical Orchid Pavilion
Highlights: In-depth exploration of all zones.
Ticket Purchase
General Admission: ¥20 (adults), ¥10 (students/seniors).
Free Entry: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Online Booking: Reserve via the garden’s official WeChat account (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the main entrance (no advance reservation required).
Transportation
Subway: Line 6 to "Botanical Garden Station" (Exit A), walk 5 minutes.
Bus: Routes 28, 30, 39, 84, 84A, or 535 to "South China Botanical Garden Stop."
Taxi: Direct to "Huanan Zhiwuyuan" (South China Botanical Garden).
Parking: Free outdoor parking available.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (8:30 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays offer quieter access.
Weather: Winter (December–February) is mild; summer (June–August) requires sun protection.
Essentials:
Wear sturdy shoes (10,000+ steps possible).
Bring insect repellent and a reusable water bottle.
Photography allowed (no tripods in greenhouses).
Prohibited items: Pets, bicycles, and picnicking.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
