Huaxi Park

Huaxi Park is a large riverside park and wetland system in Huaxi District, south-west of central Guiyang, Guizhou. It was developed around the Huaxi River, which winds through the district, and it combines tree-lined paths, lawns, ponds, wooden bridges and wetland reserves into a long green corridor. Locals use it for walks, cycling, picnics and morning exercise, and the park is especially popular at weekends, when families come from the city. Visitors can rent rowboats on the lake, feed fish in the ponds, follow shaded promenades along the water and sit in pavilions. The wetland zone is home to waterbirds, and in spring and early summer flowering trees and cultivated flower beds add colour. A visit takes two to three hours at a relaxed pace, and it is easy to extend by walking along the riverside route that links Huaxi Park with the neighbouring Qingyan and university districts. Cycling is a common way to cover the full length, and bikes can be rented near the entrances. Food stalls and small cafes are available near the main gates, while the quieter back paths are free of vendors. Crowds are lightest on weekday mornings, when the park is used mainly by retirees and joggers. In summer, the shade of the trees makes the park a comfortable escape from the heat. Admission is free, and the park stays open during daylight hours. The park is reached by bus or taxi from central Guiyang to Huaxi, followed by a short walk to the entrance gates. It makes a pleasant combination with a visit to nearby Qingyan Ancient Town.