The Lianhua Mountain Tourist Area in Panyu District, Guangzhou, is a national 4A-level scenic spot integrating natural landscapes, historical relics and cultural experiences. The core highlights and practical information are as follows:
Core scenic spots
The Sea-Gazing Guanyin
Highlight: The world’s tallest standing platinum Guanyin statue, standing at 40.88 meters, holds a jade vase and overlooks the South China Sea. Tourists can walk around clockwise to pray for blessings. On New Year’s Eve, tens of thousands of people participate in the first incense offering, and the daily incense fire is very lively.
Experience suggestion: Purchase a bouquet of flowers at 5 yuan per bunch for offering, or participate in the activities of touching the Buddha statue and drawing lots at the Yuantong Hall.
Lotus Tower
History: Built in the 40th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1612), it is known as the “splendid Pillar of the provincial capital” and is a Ming Dynasty ancient pagoda with nine floors outside and eleven floors inside.
Viewing: From the top of the tower, you can overlook the estuary of the Pearl River, forming a breathtaking scene of “four towers in the same frame” with the Canton Tower, the East Tower and the West Tower.
The ruins of the ancient quarry
Feature: A 2,000-year-old “artificial Danxia” wonder, one of the two ancient mines in China, with the huge stone arrays scattered like an alien secret realm.
Must-visit spot: Yanzi Rock Cliff Walkway, with the best light and shadow at 3 p.m. The lotus stone is shaped like lotus petals, with a magnificent and imposing momentum.
Lotus Paradise (Summer Only)
Flowering period: From June to August, during the lotus festival, over 300 varieties are in full bloom. The observation spot for twin lotus flowers is a popular check-in spot.
Shooting: The most beautiful time is in the early morning when there are dewdrops. Drone aerial photography can capture the stunning scene of “endless green lotus leaves reaching to the sky”.
Lotus City
History: It was built during the Qing Dynasty during the “relocation of boundaries” to prohibit people from going to sea. It is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. The city walls and watchtowers bear witness to the history of coastal defense.
Event: The live-action song and dance performance “Stonemasons’ Divine Craftsmanship” will be staged here, telling the thousand-year-old legend of stone carving.
Practical information
Address: No. 123, Ximen Road, Lianhua Mountain Community, Shilou Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province
Opening hours: 07:00-17:00 (all year round)
Admission: 54 yuan for adults, half price for students and the elderly, free for children under 1.2 meters.2 yuan per person for climbing the Lotus Pagoda and 3 yuan per person for entering the Lotus City.
Transportation:
By car: Navigate to the west Gate parking lot. The parking fee is 10 yuan per day.
Subway: Take Exit A of Shiqi Station on Line 4 and transfer to Bus No. 92/93 to reach directly.
Cruise: 番禺市 Bridge → Lotus Hill Pier, experience the vintage gondola.
Food and beverage recommendations
Mountain Top Vegetarian Restaurant: Guanyinzhai Rice Noodle Rolls are a must-order. They are light and delicious.
Lotus Tea House: A set of lotus flower pastries and lotus leaf tea for 38 yuan. The environment is elegant.
Shanxia Farm: Papaya braised Goose and lotus root Three Treasures are its specialties, with an average price of 50 to 80 yuan per person.
Tourist Tips
Equipment: Sunscreen, mosquito repellent water, light slippers. It is recommended to bring a sun hat in summer.
Shooting: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the panoramic view of the building, and a telephoto lens to capture egrets returning to their nests (best at sunset).
Time: It is recommended to reserve 3 to 5 hours. Visit the historical sites in the morning and enjoy the flowers and birds in the afternoon.
