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As night falls and lights come on, apart from evening exercise, strolling around the business district, and "admiring" the air conditioning, is there nothing else to do?
Guangzhou's hot spells last for a long time, making it a great place for "night viewing"! What? You don't even know what "night viewing" is? Then follow me and learn about it!
Night observation refers to observing at night. Counting the stars, like we do every day (except for the severe light pollution in Guangzhou), can be considered a form of night observation. But more often, we observe the small animals that hide during the day and come out to play at night.
For night observation, besides relying on your own bright eyes, you can also bring some photography equipment, a high-intensity flashlight (or headlamp), water, a magnifying glass, a simple record sheet, or a simple insect guide (amphibians guide), etc. Take note of any unfamiliar or interesting animals and observe them carefully at home! You might just become the next "zoologist"!
In addition to the simple equipment mentioned above, please pay attention to the following points when watching at night.
1. When observing small animals, please maintain a proper distance; it's good for them and for us!
2. Summer nights are prone to mosquitoes, so please wear long pants and long sleeves (comfortable, stain-resistant clothing is recommended for outdoor use; closed-leg pants and long sleeves are ideal), sneakers, preferably rain boots or thick hiking boots; sandals and slippers are not permitted. Bring an extra set of clean clothes for light rain. Avoid using mosquito repellent spray in the wild, as it can affect the natural environment.
3. Due to the risks associated with nighttime activities, please refrain from exploring alone; it's best to travel with a companion.
So, what can we actually observe at night? Where can we observe it? How can we observe it?
The map above shows several locations in Guangzhou that are convenient for transportation and suitable for beginners of night viewing.
Yuexiu Mountain is a historic mountain in the center of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. It is 70 meters above sea level and is a remnant of Baiyun Mountain. It has unique natural scenery. You can enjoy the scenery by boating in the lake during the day, and you can find many small animals near the swimming pool at night!
Transportation: Take bus No. 5, 6, 10, 21, 24, 33, 58, 63, 101, 122, or 127 to Yuexiu Park Station. Alternatively, take Metro Line 2 and get off at Yuexiu Park Station, Exit B1. Walk in the opposite direction for about a few dozen meters to reach the main gate.
Tickets: Free
Opening hours: 06:00-22:00 (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Tips:
After 6pm, you can only enter from the main gate on Jiefang North Road or the southeast gate on Xiaobei Road. Other sides are only open to exits at night, but not to entry. It is dangerous to travel at night, so do not go up the mountain!
Polypedates megacephalus
It looks like it’s time to go to bed, right?
A resting cabbage butterfly
Liuhua Lake Park is characterized by its subtropical scenery. The area around Pulin Square is the best for night viewing. There are not many people there, and you may even see egrets sleeping in the trees near the lake!
Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Yuexiu Park Station and walk about 500 meters west. Or take Bus No. 29 to Liuhua Road Station.
Tickets: Free.
Opening hours: 6:00-22:00, Liuhua East Garden Art Museum opening hours: 9:00-16:00, West Garden, Fuqiu, and Rose Garden opening hours: 8:00-17:00.
Tips:
Because a subway is being built near Liuhua Lake, you can take the subway to Dongfeng West Road Station and walk for 5 minutes after getting off. The best place for night viewing is near Puzhou Island.
Two Ayong slugs ready to do something unspeakable
Luxelakes Park, located at the foot of Baiyun Mountain, is a large artificial lake, and the lotus blossoms are at their most vibrant in the summer. Take a short walk along the lakeside at night, and using your hearing, you'll easily spot frogs in the large bushes surrounding the lake. Shine a flashlight on them, and they'll rarely move, making them easy to observe.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 5 to Xiaobei Station or take a bus to Luhu Park (Art Museum) Station, which is within walking distance.
Tickets: Free
Opening hours: Open all day
Um.....By the way, it seems like these two are both boys???!!! (Black-rimmed Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus )
Located in the heart of Zhujiang New Town in Guangzhou's Tianhe District, Zhujiang Park is an ecological park focused on greenery and landscaping. Its rockeries are covered in plants, creating a "forest" experience. In the evening, explore the shade-loving plant areas and uncover a surprise beneath a leaf.
Transportation: Take bus No. 40 or No. 901a and get off at the "Pearl River Park South Gate" stop.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day
A beetle: Over hills, over mud...
The aforementioned parks all have lakes, ponds, or small pools, so it's inevitable that frogs might appear. This is a perfect nighttime viewing spot for frog-phobes! Guangzhou Development Park is located in the central area of Ersha Island. Besides offering a panoramic view of the Pearl River New Town, be mindful of your steps when walking on the lawns. You might accidentally injure the animals!
Getting there: Take Bus No. 89, No. 131a, No. 194, or No. 21 and get off at the Xinghai Concert Hall stop.
Admission: Free.
Hours: All day.
Tips:
While there are generally no frogs here, there are still some toads! Important! Watch your step! Watch your step! Watch your step!
"Nano" version of katydid
These are the best places in Guangzhou for night viewing! Oh! Oh, no, I missed one—South China Agricultural University. It's a must-see for every night viewing enthusiast! For a beginner's guide to night viewing, check out China-TravelNote and discover new ways to enjoy it with your kids!
