Zhongshan's Green Lungs & Shaxi Flavors
Cleanse your soul with a hike in the forest parks, then reward your taste buds with authentic local cuisine
Zhongshan is not just the hometown of a great historical figure; it's an eco-city surrounded by greenery. From the downtown Zimaling Park to the Wuguishan Nature Reserve, nature is everywhere. Finish your hike with a feast of traditional Longdu cuisine in Shaxi for the perfect day out.
Among the many cities in the Pearl River Delta, Zhongshan (historically known as Xiangshan) has always maintained a relaxed, unhurried pace. The city is not only rich in cultural heritage but also boasts an incredibly high green coverage rate. Today, we step away from the historical Sunwen West Road and dive into Zhongshan's "city lungs." After burning some calories on the trails, we head to Shaxi Town for a feast of authentic local Longdu flavors.
The Giant Downtown Lung: Zimaling Park
Our first stop is Zimaling Park in Zhongshan's East District. As the largest suburban park in the city, it is affectionately known as the "Lung of Zhongshan." The vegetation here is incredibly rich, with the most popular area being the rose garden, which features tens of thousands of blooms that fill the air with fragrance in spring. Walking slowly up the tree-lined paths, you can climb the "Xiangshan Panoramic Tower" at the highest point of the park. From there, you get a 360-degree view of the city skyline blending into endless greenery—a perfect choice for a morning workout or a family outing.
The Peak of Xiangshan: Wuguishan Nature Reserve
If you're looking for a more demanding hike, you absolutely cannot miss the Wuguishan Nature Reserve in southern Zhongshan. Wugui Mountain is the ecological barrier of the city and its main peak is Zhongshan's highest point. Far from the industrial zones, it preserves dense primary forests and crystal-clear mountain streams. This area is also home to the Hakka people, and you'll pass several rustic Hakka villages along the way. Pick a trail that suits your fitness level, work up a sweat amidst the sounds of insects and birds, and completely release the stress of urban life.
A Hidden Gem by the Cross-Sea Bridge: Tianxin Forest Park
With the construction of the ShenZhong Link and Shenzhen-Jiangmen railway, eastern Zhongshan is undergoing rapid development. Yet, right next to this bustling zone lies a peaceful green treasure: Tianxin Forest Park. Located in the Cuiheng New Area, the environment is exceptionally serene. Strolling along the kilometers-long wooden boardwalk shaded by trees, breathing in the negative ions, your eyes are filled with nothing but emerald green. With minimal artificial landscaping, this natural oxygen bar is the perfect weekend escape for city dwellers.
The Ultimate Culinary Reward: Shaxi Traditional Food Street
After a full day of hiking in the mountains and forests, it's time to reward your stomach! We drive to Shaxi Town, a famous culinary hub in Zhongshan. Historically known as "Longdu," Shaxi has a very distinct food culture. When you visit the Shaxi Traditional Food Street (around Baozhu Road), you must try the intangible cultural heritage dish: "Shaxi Braised Pork (Kou Rou)." It perfectly combines pork belly with arrowroot; it is rich but not greasy, melting instantly in your mouth. Also, find an old street-side beef brisket shop and order a rich bowl of "Longdu Beef Brisket Noodles," paired with Shaxi's special iced aloe vera. This unpretentious, soul-satisfying street food is exactly what makes Zhongshan so charming.
Zimaling Park is downtown and easily accessible via city buses like 001 and 006. Wuguishan and Tianxin Forest Park are harder to reach via public transit, so driving is highly recommended. Shaxi Town is about a 20-minute drive from the city center; you can take a taxi or bus 077.
Zimaling Park is huge; consider renting a sightseeing bike if you have kids. When hiking Wuguishan, wear proper hiking gear, bring plenty of water, and do not venture off the marked trails. Famous old restaurants in Shaxi (like Liyuan Longdu Restaurant) often have long queues during weekend meal times, so book ahead or avoid peak hours.