Zhongshan Arboretum

Zhongshan Arboretum

Zhongshan Arboretum is located in the southern suburbs of downtown Zhongshan, covering a total area of over 1,400 acres.

The arboretum is divided into four functional zones and 19 sub-zones, including a science education zone, a nursery demonstration zone, an ecological forest construction demonstration zone, and a scientific research management zone. The arboretum mainly features native tree species. In the native tree species demonstration area, South China Agricultural University will extensively plant tree species characteristic of Zhongshan, such as Aquilaria sinensis, Tetrathyrium subcordatum, Endospermum chinense, and Glyptostrobus pensilis. Currently, there are over 100 botanical gardens across the country, including arboretums and specimen gardens. However, these gardens do not primarily focus on native tree species, nor are they arranged according to plant systematic evolution. Therefore, the establishment of Zhongshan Arboretum will fill this gap in China.

Based on different functions, the arboretum is divided into five functional zones (including 19 sub-zones): the science education specialty zone, the nursery demonstration zone, the characteristic family-genus germplasm resource conservation zone, the ecological forest construction demonstration zone, and the entrance management zone. At present, four small zones—the magnolia garden, the systematic classification zone, the fine native tree species exhibition zone, and the bamboo garden—have been preliminarily completed, while others are under construction. Over 1,200 species of specimen trees have been collected and introduced, totaling more than 15,000 individual plants, including 95 species of Magnoliaceae, over 250 species of bamboo, and over 90 nationally protected and rare endangered tree species, such as Ginkgo biloba, Kmeria septentrionalis, and Taxus chinensis (including seven species under national first-class protection).

The arboretum features woody plants as its highlight and centers around forest ecological demonstration construction. It is a public welfare-themed park that integrates scientific research, science education, germplasm resource gene conservation, seedling cultivation, ecological tourism, and leisure fitness.

This is a rare spot in Zhongshan for hiking and fitness, ideal for families with children. With high forest coverage and abundant negative oxygen ions, the arboretum offers a one-and-a-half-hour walk around the mountain. Featuring woody plants and centered on forest ecological demonstration construction, it is a public welfare-themed park integrating scientific research, science education, germplasm resource gene conservation, seedling cultivation, ecological tourism, and leisure fitness. Now, the arboretum continues to improve and is gaining increasing fame, attracting more citizens for leisure walks. Especially for fitness running, the park’s beautiful environment and pleasant scenery make it perfect for family outings. It's highly recommended for all ages to go hiking and enjoy spring here.