Baomo Garden
A stunning Lingnan-style garden in Guangzhou, featuring traditional architecture, serene ponds, and rich cultural displays.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Baomo Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Lingnan-style garden in Guangzhou, featuring traditional architecture, serene ponds, and rich cultural displays.
"A stunning place with so much history, lots of mini museums to explore and learn about the culture."
🎯 Avoid Entrance Hawkers
Ignore aggressive hawkers outside; buy fish food from inside for better prices.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive gardens. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lingnan Architecture
Throughout the garden
Wander through ancient pavilions, bridges, and corridors showcasing exquisite South China garden arts.

Koi Ponds & Bridges
Central ponds
Marvel at vibrant koi swimming in serene ponds, often crossed by charming traditional bridges.

Porcelain Reliefs
Museums
See the Guinness World Record porcelain relief "Along the River During the Qingming Festival."

Justice Bao Museum
Dedicated building
Explore exhibits detailing famous criminal cases judged by the legendary incorruptible official, Bao Zheng.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Hawkers
Embrace the History & Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Avoid Entrance Hawkers
Ignore aggressive hawkers outside; buy fish food from inside for better prices.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive gardens. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Feed the Fish Wisely
Fish food is cheap inside (around 8 yuan), avoid overpriced options from street vendors.
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
The garden is incredibly picturesque; bring your camera for stunning shots. :camerawithflash:
6 days in GZ, any recommendations?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid Entrance Hawkers
Ignore aggressive hawkers outside; buy fish food from inside for better prices.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive gardens. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Feed the Fish Wisely
Fish food is cheap inside (around 8 yuan), avoid overpriced options from street vendors.
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
The garden is incredibly picturesque; bring your camera for stunning shots. :camerawithflash:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush; dedicate at least 3-4 hours to fully appreciate the history and beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Baomo Garden is widely praised for its stunning Lingnan architecture, historical significance, and beautiful natural scenery, offering a peaceful escape. Visitors enjoy feeding the koi and exploring the cultural exhibits, though some caution against aggressive hawkers outside the entrance and note that certain activities like boat rides can be pricey.
"Been here last August 2023, the garden was awesome. It feels like you travel back in time due to old Chinese architectures. Inside have souvenir shops so you dont need to go outside to buy gifts. Dont mind fixers outside who will offer you various things or services. But overall, I highly recommend it."
marlon linatoc
"What a stunning place with so much history. Lots of mini museums for you to explore and learn about the culture. Plenty of ponds with fishes to feed. You can buy a whole bag for just 8 yuan (just DON’T buy from the peddlers at the entrance. They will bombard you with “deals”). Get the food from the shop after you enter. It’s a tourist trap with unknown prices so choose what you truly want to do. Riding the boats is also unknown prices. We rode the automatic swan motor boat. 30 minutes for 78 yuan. It was sweet for the family to spend together but completely unnecessary as the pond is tiny.
Instead enjoy the walk around the garden and take lots of photos. Soak it all in! And don’t spend a dime :)"
Lilian Ng
"Baomo Yuan (Baomo Garden)(宝墨园) is a Lingnan-style (嶺南) garden in Guangzhou, China. The garden features common elements of Chinese garden architecture such as ponds, bridges, pavilions, rocks, stone boats, towers, corridors. There is a housed display of Chinese paintings of Apsara, Buddha, Guanyin, Bodhisattva (仙女, 佛, 觀音, 菩薩). Imitation of wall drawings of the same from the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang (敦煌莫高窟). There are also the porcelain relief "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" (清明上河圖)listed in the Shanghai World Guinness Book of World Records, and the giant brick sculpture "Tuyan Hemingbi" (Wall of Flowers and Birds) (吐艷和平嗚壁)and other attractions. A building dedicated to the criminal cases of Justice Bao Zheng (包拯), such as the “Executing Chan Shimei” (鍘陳世美案); “Caning the royal Dragon Robe of Emperor Renzong of Song” (打龍袍); “Impeachment of the father-in-law Zhang Yaozuo of the Emperor “ (怒彈劾國丈張堯佐).
Baomo Garden was built in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as an extension of the Temple of Lord Bao (包公廟)located to the east of the garden. The Lord Bao Temple was built during the reign of Emperor Jiaqing (嘉慶皇帝)of Qing Dynasty to praise Lord Bao Zheng of the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) and his qualities of incorruptibility and justice. The garden was destroyed in the 1950s during the Cultural Revolution. Reconstruction work began in 1955 and last for many years.
The entrance fee is CYN 54 for adults.
Opening hours from 8:30 to 17:50 daily.
To get there from Foshan city, take bus 314 from Shunde Bus Station to the garden."
Doug Ho
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Guangzhou city, you can take public transport. The most common route involves taking a bus. For example, from Shunde Bus Station, bus 314 goes directly to the garden.
It's advisable to check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.While there isn't a direct metro station at the garden's doorstep, you can take the metro to a nearby station and then transfer to a bus. Researching the closest metro line and then finding a connecting bus route is recommended.
If you're coming from Foshan city, taking bus 314 from Shunde Bus Station is a direct and convenient option to reach Baomo Garden.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Didi are available in Guangzhou and can take you directly to Baomo Garden. This can be a convenient option, especially if you're traveling with a group or have luggage.
Travel times can vary significantly depending on your starting point in Guangzhou or Foshan and traffic conditions. It's best to factor in at least 1-2 hours for travel to ensure a relaxed visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for adults is approximately 54 CNY. It's always a good idea to check the official website or inquire locally for the most current pricing.
Baomo Garden is typically open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:50 PM.
Confirming these hours before your visit is recommended, especially during holidays.While online ticketing options might be available, purchasing tickets at the entrance is also common. Checking for online booking platforms or the garden's official website beforehand is advisable.
Information on discounts for children, seniors, or students is not always readily available online. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival for any applicable concessions.
While many areas of the garden are walkable, some traditional structures and pathways might present challenges. It's recommended to contact the garden directly for specific accessibility information.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire garden is a photographer's dream! Focus on the intricate details of the Lingnan architecture, the reflections in the ponds, the vibrant koi, and the lush greenery. Bridges, pavilions, and the porcelain reliefs offer particularly stunning shots.
Generally, drone usage is restricted in most tourist attractions and historical sites to ensure safety and preserve the atmosphere. It's highly unlikely that drone photography is permitted within Baomo Garden.
Early mornings offer soft, diffused light and fewer crowds, making for serene shots. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour lighting.
While not explicitly stated, be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive photography. Professional photography shoots might require special permits.
Photography rules can vary within the museums. Look for signage indicating whether photos are allowed, and be respectful of any restrictions, especially for flash photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available within Baomo Garden, offering a chance to sample local cuisine while enjoying the surroundings.
You can expect to find traditional Chinese dishes, likely with a focus on Cantonese flavors, given the garden's location.
While there are dining establishments, some visitors suggest that prices can be on the higher side as it's a tourist attraction. Packing some snacks or having a meal outside the garden might be a budget-friendly alternative.
Generally, bringing your own food and drinks is permissible in most gardens, but it's always good to check for specific park rules. However, be mindful of waste disposal.
Exploring the local streets surrounding Baomo Garden will likely reveal more authentic and budget-friendly eateries. Ask locals for recommendations for the best hidden gems.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Lingnan-style architecture, the intricate porcelain relief, the Justice Bao museum, and the beautiful koi ponds. The overall ambiance and historical significance are key highlights.
Many visitors find feeding the fish a delightful experience, especially for families. You can purchase fish food inside for around 8 yuan, which is much cheaper than from hawkers outside.
Yes, there are souvenir shops within the garden where you can purchase gifts and mementos.
This is a massive, intricate porcelain relief that holds a Guinness World Record. It depicts a famous scroll painting and is a significant artistic and historical display within the garden.
Boat rentals, such as swan motorboats, are available on the ponds. However, some visitors found the pond size small for the price (around 78 yuan for 30 minutes), suggesting enjoying the walk might be more worthwhile.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the boat rides might be a bit pricey for the pond size, they can still be a fun, albeit short, family activity. Consider focusing on the interactive elements like fish feeding and exploring the mini-museums, which can be surprisingly engaging for younger visitors interested in stories and visuals.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the details: the intricate carvings on the architecture, the textures of the porcelain reliefs, and the dynamic movement of the fish. The Justice Bao museum also offers unique subjects for those interested in cultural photography. Be mindful of any photography restrictions within indoor exhibits.
🏛️ History & Culture Buffs
Take your time to explore the various halls and displays, which often feature calligraphy, paintings, and historical artifacts. The garden itself is a living museum, showcasing the evolution of Chinese garden design and its cultural significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Lingnan Gardens
Unlike the grander imperial gardens, Lingnan gardens often feel more intimate and personal. They are designed to be appreciated through leisurely strolls, with each turn revealing a new, carefully composed scene. The use of water features, such as ponds and streams, is central to the design, reflecting the surrounding architecture and greenery, and adding a sense of movement and life to the garden.
Visitors often remark on the feeling of stepping back in time when exploring Baomo Garden, a testament to the successful preservation and reconstruction of this traditional architectural style. The blend of natural beauty and historical craftsmanship makes it a unique cultural experience.
A Glimpse into Chinese History and Art
The garden also features a dedicated museum to Justice Bao Zheng, a renowned Song Dynasty official celebrated for his incorruptibility and fairness. Exhibits detail his famous legal cases, offering visitors a glimpse into historical Chinese jurisprudence and societal values. Additionally, the garden displays Chinese paintings of deities and mythical figures, some of which are imitations from the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, adding another layer of artistic and religious significance.
These cultural elements transform Baomo Garden from just a scenic spot into an educational journey. Visitors can immerse themselves in Chinese art, history, and folklore, making the experience both visually stunning and intellectually enriching.
Navigating the Visitor Experience
A common point of discussion among visitors is the presence of aggressive hawkers outside the main entrance who try to sell various items, particularly fish food. Redditors strongly advise against purchasing from them, recommending instead to buy fish food from vendors inside the garden for better prices and a less hassled experience. This is a crucial tip for a smoother visit.
While boat rentals are available, some reviews suggest they might be overpriced for the size of the ponds. Many visitors found more value in simply strolling through the gardens, taking photos, and soaking in the atmosphere. The garden also offers souvenir shops, making it convenient for gift shopping.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit