Shunde Ecological Paradise in Foshan

Shunde Ecological Paradise(顺德生态乐园) is located in the central area of the Pearl River Delta, in the provincial-level tourist resort zone of Shunde Jun’an Town (顺德均安镇). The park spans nearly 3,000 acres, or about 2 million square meters, and it’s designed around the theme of ecological environmental protection. This paradise has earned various titles including Guangdong Provincial Environmental Education Base (广东省环境教育基地), Guangdong Ecological Science Popularization Education Base (广东生态学科普教育基地), and Guangdong Provincial Tourism Ecological Base (广东省旅游生态基地). It is also recognized as one of Shunde’s “Top Ten Scenic Spots,” under the name “Le Yuan Ye Qu” (乐园野趣), or “The Fun of the Paradise.” The park features an abundance of ponds, 22 mountains of various sizes, lakes with scenic views, and lush greenery, making it a natural wonder that offers visitors a stunning landscape.

Overview

Chinese Name: 顺德生态乐园
English Name: Shunde Ecological Paradise
Location: Shunde Jun’an Town (顺德均安镇), Guangdong Province
Geography: Hilly Terrain
Area: Approx. 2,000,000 m²
Recognized Titles: Guangdong Provincial Environmental Education Base, Guangdong Ecological Science Popularization Education Base, Guangdong Provincial Tourism Ecological Base
Scenic Title: “Le Yuan Ye Qu” (乐园野趣) – “The Fun of the Paradise”

Park Features

Shunde Ecological Paradise is set within a typical Lingnan (岭南) hilly landscape, characterized by 20 green hills scattered across the area. The park boasts interconnected lakes, with the original vegetation preserved and contributing to the fresh and fragrant air filled with the scent of trees. The “Sang Ji Yu Tang” (桑基鱼塘) agricultural area showcases the traditional agricultural practices of the Pearl River Delta, which are increasingly rare today.

This park is home to a rich array of wildlife, attracting thousands of wild herons that freely glide through the skies. One of the highlights of the park is Wan He Dao (万鹤岛), or “The Island of Ten Thousand Herons,” where herons gather in large numbers, making it an emerging hotspot for birdwatching in the region. The tranquility of the park, combined with its ecological wealth, offers a rare opportunity for visitors to reconnect with nature. It is said that here, humans and nature become the closest of companions, and visitors feel as though they are stepping inside a beautiful, living painting.

Park Composition

Shunde Ecological Paradise is composed of four major scenic areas, each of which highlights a distinct ecological theme:

Ecological Square Area (生态广场区): The central hub of the park, featuring lush gardens and open spaces where visitors can experience nature in a relaxed environment.
Turtle Mountain Lake Nature Reserve (龟山湖自然保护区): A protected area known for its rich biodiversity and tranquil surroundings, where visitors can learn about and appreciate the local flora and fauna.
East Lake Area (东湖区): A scenic lake area with a focus on water-based activities and nature, offering visitors a serene environment for reflection and leisure.
Ecological Agricultural Area (生态农业区): A farm showcasing traditional and modern ecological agricultural practices, including organic farming and sustainable practices that align with the park’s environmental focus.

Together, these areas display the beauty of the relationship between humans and nature, encapsulating the philosophy of “Tian Ren He Yi” (天人合一), or “The Unity of Heaven and Man.”

Leisure Activities

Shunde Ecological Paradise offers a variety of unique and immersive leisure activities designed to let visitors fully enjoy the natural surroundings:

Mountain Flood Landscape (山洪景观): A dramatic and picturesque landscape featuring artificial mountain floods that simulate the power of nature, offering a thrilling and scenic experience.
Northern Scenery (北国风光): A dedicated area showcasing landscapes and natural beauty reminiscent of northern China, bringing a different feel to the park’s tropical atmosphere.
Cool Waterfalls (清凉飞瀑): Refreshing and visually stunning waterfalls that offer a natural retreat for visitors seeking a cool break from the heat.
Guinness Phoenix Stone Sculpture (吉尼斯凤凰石雕): A massive, Guinness World Record-holding sculpture of a phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and vitality, carved from stone and intricately designed.
Stage Performances (舞台表演): The park hosts regular performances that reflect traditional and modern Chinese culture, from opera to music, providing entertainment for all ages.
Pearl River Delta Style Pavilion (珠三角风情馆): A pavilion that brings together the cultural and historical heritage of the Pearl River Delta, showcasing the region’s unique architectural style.
Sweet Tandem Bicycle (甜蜜双人车): For couples or friends, the tandem bicycle ride offers a unique way to explore the park while enjoying each other’s company.
Carefree Bamboo Rafts (逍遥竹排): A peaceful bamboo raft ride along the park’s rivers, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna from the water.
Boat Birdwatching (游船观鸟): A guided boat tour along the lakes and ponds of the park, offering a chance to observe a variety of birds in their natural habitat.