Guangzhou Yunxi Botanical Garden is a cornerstone initiative advancing China’s national strategies for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Guangzhou. As a critical hub within the city’s “1+3+N” urban-park integration framework, the garden designer’s vision is to forge a comprehensive network that seamlessly integrates plant conservation, scientific research, public education, and immersive visitor experiences. It stands as a pioneering model for harmonizing national botanical resources with the accessibility of a community park.
Courtesy of AECOM
Guided by the principles of “Urban-Nature Integration, Ecological Coexistence, and Public Accessibility,” AECOM team collaborated with local partners to deliver a comprehensive landscape design for Yunxi Botanical Garden’s environmental enhancement.
Courtesy of AECOM
After three years of dedicated work, the garden now features a natural education center, five specialized botanical display gardens, and three ecological leisure trails. It stands as a cherished green oasis, embraced by residents and visitors as a premier urban retreat.
Courtesy of AECOM
City + Forest — Located at the western foot of Baiyun Mountain — Guangzhou’s “central green lung,” — the garden covers a core area of approximately 35 hectares. Originally opened as Yunxi Park in 1999, the site underwent essential revitalization to align with the city’s evolution post-airport relocation, Baiyun New City development, and metro expansion. Today, it serves as both a gateway for locals to discover wilderness experiences and an elevated recreational destination enhancing Baiyun Mountain’s appeal.
Courtesy of AECOM
Ecology + Art — The design skillfully integrates ecological water management and Nature-based Solutions (NbS), reshaping the site’s natural topography while implementing inclusive, all-ages accessibility. Artistic structures, innovative botanical displays, and “nature-art exhibitions” foster community engagement, stimulate economic value, and ensure the park’s sustained vitality.
Project Info:
Architects: AECOM, Architectural Design & Research Institute of SCUT, Guangzhou Landscape
Architectural Design & Research Institute
Country: China, Guangzhou
Photographs: Courtesy ofAECOM, Courtesy of Architectural Design & Research Institute of SCUT, Courtesy of Yunxi Botanical Garden,
Aecom Design Team: Wu Kun, Huang Xining, Han Laikun, Zhong Yin, Luo Xin, Pan Qichao, Feng Yangsheng, Tan Sihui, Cai Yanwen, Lin Danwei, Ye Zhanqi, He Xitong, Liu Ye, Fan Yixuan, Ye Hui, Jiang Jing, Chen Yan, Tan Nongchao, Liang Li, Guo Shunhan
Guangzhou Landscape Architectural Design & Research Institute Design Team: Li Xiaoxue, Gou Hao, Li Qing, Lin Zhaotao, Fan Liqiong, Mo Yun, Zeng Huixin, Chen Rubo, Li Xueyi, Zeng Qingyi, Liu Yanwei, Lin Jianri, Xiao Zeshu, Liang Yingzhu, Liu Ruoci, Feng Yixia, Yang Jiayao, Wu Duoquan, Chen Guangcheng, Liu Yingtang, Tian Tong, Tan Tingting, Liu Zhiwei, Luo Jiahuan
Architectural Design And Research Institute Of South China University Of Technology Design Team: Qiu Jianfa, He Xiaoxin, Zhang Han
Client: Guangzhou Municipal Forestry and Landscaping Bureau
Isabelle Laurent is a Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, recognized for her editorial insight and passion for contemporary architecture. She holds a Master’s in Architectural Theory from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. Before joining Arch2O in 2016, she worked in a Paris-based architectural office and taught as a faculty adjunct at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. Isabelle focuses on curating projects around sustainability, adaptive reuse, and urban resilience. With a background in design and communication, she brings clarity to complex ideas and plays a key role in shaping Arch2O’s editorial