Guangzhou Hulushan Forest Park

Guangzhou Hulushan Forest Park

Hulushan (literally "Kettle Mountain") got its name from its resemblance to a gourd when viewed from above — originally called Hulu Shan ("Gourd Mountain"). Due to the abundance of red soil on the mountain, which gives it a fiery reddish appearance from the air, it was also nicknamed "Fire Gourd," later shortened to "Hulushan" ("Kettle Mountain"). There’s also a local tale that the mountain was frequently struck by lightning, often splitting large rocks in half. PS: In Cantonese, “hulu” (gourd) and “huluo” (kettle) sound almost identical, making this explanation highly questionable. The original name of the mountain is believed to have been “Huoluo Ling” (“Fire Net Ridge”), as referenced in the Qing-era compilation Guangzhou Prefecture Historical Records by Jiang Tingxi et al., found in the book “Gu Jin Tu Shu Ji Cheng” (Complete Collection of Illustrations and Writings from the Earliest to Current Times).

Hulushan Forest Park

Located in the northeastern part of Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Hulushan Forest Park lies south of the Guangzhou-Shanwei Highway. It borders the South China Botanical Garden to the west, Guangdong Arboretum to the north, and faces two large amusement parks — World Grand View and Space Wonder — across Daguang Road to the east. The park spans the Kemo and Cen villages in Shahe Town and Lingtang Village in Dongpu Town. Stretching about three kilometers in length and covering an area of 600 hectares, it is rich in subtropical and southern subtropical broadleaf trees such as lishu, hemlock, michelia macclurei, ormosia pinnata, and ceiba speciosa.

The mountain retains a strong natural atmosphere, with minimal artificial development beyond hiking trails. The air is fresh, the forests lush, and water resources abundant. Natural landmarks like Pig Head Rock, Chicken Pillow Rock, and Three Rooms Two Corridors are well known among locals. While some visitors may find it tiring, hiking enthusiasts are likely to enjoy it. It's also recommended to try the local farmhouse restaurants nearby.

The main peak, Baijading, stands at an elevation of 321.8 meters. The mountain has a gentle, rounded shape with mild slopes and is scattered with uniquely shaped large rocks, making it an ideal spot for public leisure and recreation.

Ideal place for a visit.

History

In 1972, Premier Zhou Enlai visited Cen Village. In 2004, the park established the "Premier Zhou’s Visit to Cen Village Memorial Forest" at the tree-planting site and erected a memorial monument.

The year 2004 marked the 32nd anniversary of Premier Zhou’s visit to Cen Village. To commemorate this important event and honor the premier’s earnest expectations, on March 13, the district youth league organized nearly 1,500 families from various sectors within the district to plant trees at Hulushan Forest Park in Cen Village, establishing the “Premier Zhou’s Visit to Cen Village Memorial Forest,” and erected a monument. Leading officials including Yang Jiancheng, then Party Secretary of the district, and Zheng Shengkai, then District Mayor, unveiled the memorial stone.

Additionally, to implement the district government’s "Culture-Advantaged District" development strategy, promote local history and culture, and build the Tianhe cultural brand, the district youth league specially launched the “Cultural Tianhe” family tour activity during this tree-planting event. Selected sites included the Chairman Mao’s Visit to Tangxia Memorial Hall, Guangdong Olympic Center, Shadong New Village, and Hongxian’nu Art Center, aiming to showcase Tianhe’s local cultural features and provide historical education for youths. A parent who had participated in the tree-planting activity for four consecutive years said, “Each year’s tree-planting tour has a different theme. This year’s cultural tour was very meaningful. It turns out there are so many worthwhile sights around us, and it’s also great educational exposure for the kids.”

Address: Cen Village, Tianhe District, Guangzhou City

Type: Forested mountain

Recommended visiting time: 4–6 hours

Phone: 020-87234116

Opening hours: Open all day

Ticket information: Free admission.