Haizhu Square

Haizhu Square

Haizhu Square is a patriotic education base.

Built in 1953, Haizhu Square is located at the intersection of Guangzhou’s old city central axis and the riverside scenic belt, making it the city’s only riverside square. It has witnessed major historical events such as the bombing and reconstruction of Haizhu Bridge, and the entry of the People’s Liberation Army into the city. Nearby are traditional commercial streets such as Taikang Road, Gaodi Street, and Yide Road. But for a period of time, with the progress of urban redevelopment, the former charm of the “Red Heart of the Pearl River” had faded. Due to the intersection of Metro Line 2 and Line 7 here, the municipal government decided to renovate Haizhu Square. The plan includes creating an open riverside-facing space on the 4.14-hectare southern side of the square, allowing people to enjoy views of the Pearl River. The square’s lawn will feature large trees scattered throughout, with a green coverage rate reaching 60%. The western plaza will incorporate a semi-sunken area connected to the metro station and will extend beneath Haizhu Bridge, altering the current division of the plaza by the bridge. Visitors will be able to move freely beneath the bridge via the sunken plaza. The design retains the square’s heart-shaped outline and the PLA sculpture, while adding a “Red Heart of the Pearl River” themed sculpture on the sidewall of the semi-sunken plaza. In line with the metro construction, a hemispherical glass dome will be installed at the center of the circular semi-sunken plaza to serve as the roof of the metro entrance and exit, alongside a circular water curtain, symbolizing the city’s new landmark — the “Pearl on the Riverbank.”

The square features lush green lawns and is planted with palms, kapok trees, and other tall plants, giving it a distinct subtropical character. In 1959, the Guangzhou Liberation Monument on Haizhu Square depicted a soldier with a bag of millet over his shoulder, one hand gripping a rifle, the other holding flowers, smiling as he gazed into the distance. The pedestal bears the inscription: “Liberation Commemoration, October 14, 1949.”

In 1962, Haizhu Square and the Guangzhou Liberation Monument were honored as one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Yangcheng” under the name “Red Heart of the Pearl River.”

Transportation

Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Haizhu Square Station

Attraction Location

No. Guangzhou Uprising Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province