The Guangzhou Yunxi Botanical Garden stands as a groundbreaking achievement in landscape architecture, representing a cornerstone initiative that advances China's national strategies for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. This comprehensive botanical garden project, completed through a collaborative effort between AECOM, the Architectural Design & Research Institute of South China University of Technology (SCUT), and the Guangzhou Landscape Architectural Design & Research Institute, demonstrates how national botanical resources can be harmoniously integrated with the accessibility of a community park.

Located at the western foot of Baiyun Mountain, which serves as Guangzhou's "central green lung," the garden encompasses a core area of approximately 35 hectares. The site originally opened as Yunxi Park in 1999 but underwent essential revitalization to align with the city's evolution following airport relocation, Baiyun New City development, and metro expansion. Today, it functions as both a gateway for local residents to discover wilderness experiences and an elevated recreational destination that enhances Baiyun Mountain's overall appeal.

As a critical hub within Guangzhou's "13N" urban-park integration framework, the garden was designed with a comprehensive vision to forge a seamless network that integrates plant conservation, scientific research, public education, and immersive visitor experiences. The project stands as a pioneering model for harmonizing national botanical resources with community accessibility, demonstrating how urban green spaces can serve multiple functions simultaneously.

The design philosophy was guided by three fundamental principles: "Urban-Nature Integration, Ecological Coexistence, and Public Accessibility." The AECOM team, working in close collaboration with local partners, delivered a comprehensive landscape design focused on environmental enhancement and sustainable development practices.

After three years of dedicated development work, the garden now features an impressive array of facilities and attractions. The centerpiece is a state-of-the-art natural education center that serves as the primary hub for educational programming and visitor orientation. Complementing this central facility are five specialized botanical display gardens, each designed to showcase different aspects of plant conservation and biodiversity. The garden also includes three distinct ecological leisure trails that wind through various habitat zones, providing visitors with immersive experiences in different natural environments.

The garden has quickly established itself as a cherished green oasis, embraced by both residents and visitors as a premier urban retreat. Its success demonstrates the effectiveness of the collaborative approach taken by the design teams and the importance of integrating multiple functions within a single landscape architecture project.

The design team from AECOM included 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, and Guo Shunhan. The Guangzhou Landscape Architectural Design & Research Institute contributed a team consisting of 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, and Luo Jiahuan. The Architectural Design and Research Institute of South China University of Technology team was led by Qiu Jianfa, He Xiaoxin, and Zhang Han.

The project's innovative approach to integrating ecological water management and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) represents a significant advancement in sustainable landscape design. The design team skillfully reshaped the site's natural topography while implementing inclusive, all-ages accessibility features throughout the garden. This careful attention to universal design principles ensures that visitors of all abilities can fully experience and enjoy the botanical garden's offerings.

Artistic structures and innovative botanical displays are strategically placed throughout the garden to create what the designers call "nature-art exhibitions." These installations foster community engagement, stimulate economic value for the surrounding area, and ensure the park's sustained vitality over time. The integration of art and nature creates unique focal points that enhance the visitor experience while serving educational purposes.

The construction of the project was carried out by Guangzhou Pubang Landscape Architecture Co., Ltd, under the oversight of the Guangzhou Municipal Forestry and Landscaping Bureau, which served as the client for this significant municipal project. The successful completion of the garden represents a major achievement in public-private collaboration and demonstrates the potential for large-scale landscape architecture projects to serve multiple community needs simultaneously.

The Guangzhou Yunxi Botanical Garden serves as an exemplary model for how landscape architecture can address contemporary urban challenges while preserving and celebrating natural biodiversity. Its success in combining conservation, education, recreation, and community engagement within a single cohesive design makes it a significant contribution to the field of landscape architecture and urban planning. The project's emphasis on sustainability and accessibility ensures that it will continue to serve as a valuable resource for the Guangzhou community for generations to come, while also advancing broader goals of environmental conservation and public education about botanical diversity.