Overview
Haixinsha Asian Games Park is tucked away in the middle of the Pearl River on Guangzhou's new central axis, like a green gem gently cradled by the river. In 2010, the opening and closing ceremonies of the Guangzhou Asian Games amazed the world here. Now, with its sporting glory in the past, it has become a "city living room" loved by both locals and visitors. Standing in the center of the park, you'll see the towering skyline of Pearl River New City to the north, the graceful Canton Tower to the south, and the flowing Pearl River on both the east and west sides. The whole park is open and airy, with lawns, fountains, the old Asian Games Grandstand, and plenty of walking paths. Whether you want to take that classic photo with Canton Tower in the background, or simply find a place to enjoy the river breeze and watch the sunset, this park won't disappoint. It suits visitors of all ages, and it's especially recommended in the evening, because the daytime and nighttime atmospheres are completely different.
Stories
Here's a little story that not many people know. At the opening ceremony of the 2010 Asian Games, the most breathtaking moment was the torch lighting ceremony, and the lighting platform was set right on the river at Haixinsha. At that moment, the final torchbearer, He Chong, stood in front of the grandstand and lit a huge firework fuse. The brilliant fireworks raced along the 'aerial runway' and finally ignited the Torch Tower at the base of Canton Tower. That scene made the whole world remember Guangzhou. In fact, to build this stage in the middle of the river, the engineering team went to great lengths to construct a massive floating platform on the Pearl River, essentially moving an entire stadium onto the water. Now, as you stand on Haixinsha, the ground beneath your feet is the very stage of that grand spectacle. Doesn't it make you feel that the river water beneath you has even more stories to tell?
History
Haixinsha was originally just a natural sandbar in the Pearl River, and in its early days it was a place where fishermen dried their nets. After Guangzhou won the bid to host the Asian Games in 2004, the city decided to hold the opening and closing ceremonies here. So starting in 2008, construction crews spent more than two years building this temporary 'Asian Games Boat' on the sandbar — which is the grandstand and plaza you see now. On November 12, 2010, the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games was held here, and Haixinsha became famous overnight. After the Asian Games ended, the venue was renovated and reopened to the public for free as 'Asian Games Park' at the end of 2011. From a fishermen's sandbar to a world stage, and then to a public park, the transformation of Haixinsha is a microcosm of Guangzhou's constant renewal and progress.
Nature
Haixinsha is surrounded by water on all sides—it's actually a small island on the Pearl River, so the natural experience here is all about water. In the early morning, a thin mist often hangs over the river, and the high-rises on the opposite bank appear and disappear like an ink-wash painting. In the evening, the setting sun turns the river golden, and egrets occasionally skim low across the water. The park is planted with quite a few subtropical species, like tall royal palms, Chinese banyans, and bauhinia trees, so there's greenery all year round. In spring, the bauhinia blooms are lively, with pink petals falling onto the walking paths. In autumn, the river breeze is gentle—perfect for a stroll. My top recommendation is to stand for a while by the stone railing along the river, watch the water slowly flow east, and listen to the distant sound of boat horns. That sense of openness is a rare kind of relaxation in the city. Oh, and this is also a fantastic spot to see the reflection of Canton Tower. When there's no wind, the tower's reflection in the water is as clear as if it were another tower.
Travel Tips
I'd suggest setting aside one to two hours, which should be enough. But if you want to see the night view, you can arrive around 5 p.m. First explore the daytime scenery, then wait for dark to see the light show. The park is free and doesn't require reservations, but it gets crowded on public holidays. If you want a clear background for photos, try going in the morning. Transportation is very convenient. You can take the Metro APM line to Grand Theater Station or Haixinsha Station, and it's just a few minutes' walk from the exit. If you're taking a taxi, you can simply set your destination as Haixinsha Asian Games Park. There aren't many food options inside the park, so it's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, or head to the nearby Huacheng Hui mall for a meal after your visit. I recommend three photo spots: the waterfront platform on the south side for Canton Tower, the lawn on the north side for the Pearl River New City skyline, and the second level of the grandstand for a panoramic view. In summer, it's very sunny with almost no shade, so remember to bring an umbrella and sunscreen. In the evening, it can be windy by the river, so you might want to bring an extra light jacket.
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