Zhanyuan is a small classical-style garden in the city centre — pavilions, ornamental rocks, a lotus pond, and arched bridges packed into a single block. It is a recent build, dating from the 1990s, but the design follows traditional Lingnan principles and the maturity of the trees has softened the edges considerably.
The garden is free and rarely busy on weekdays. It is the obvious lunchtime breather if you are walking the city centre, and the tea pavilion at the back of the site serves decent local tea by the pot.