We caught what was described as a coach, but which fell far short of the usual standard, from GuangZhou Coach Terminal to DongGuang’s Coach Terminal. The one-hour journey cost us ¥35 each. As usual at the start of the coach journey the driver came along and ensured we were wearing the seat belt. At some terminals another ‘bod’ will appear, usual chatting on a mobile phone, just before the bus leaves to ensure you’re still wearing it. The coach videos always play the same video of dramatic in-coach accidents with the poor unbelted passengers and driver being thrown around inside the coach before exiting through the windows. Understandably its only shown once the journey is underway. At DongGuang Coach Terminal SWMBO reckoned we had to get the #622 but to YueHui Park. Would you believe it, there were two #622 bus routes! Luckily a very nice lady ensured SWMBO and I waited at the correct bus stop. I’ve loaded-up a picture of the bus’s route. The fare was ¥2 each in cash as GZ’s travel cards are not accepted. The bus appeared and got ourselves seated for the forty-minutes journey to the last stop which just happens to the YueHui Park. By the time we arrived we were the only passengers on the bus. The bus driver’s parting shot was “There’s not much worth seeing!” I suppose the driver has seen the entrance arch many times but to us it was mighty impressive and worth seeing. The ticket office is on the right and SWMBO’s ticket was a whopping ¥60, for this ancient foreigner waving his passport it was a mere ¥35. Through the turnstile and in we went. We contemplated hiring a small electric plastic two-seat buggy but the ¥60 an hour didn’t appeal and besides we’d come to walk. There are also two-seat four-wheel bicycles for hire, probably a little cheaper. For the next two hours we strolled around the buildings and gardens. Many of the buildings aren’t wheelchair friendly. Luckily that doesn’t yet worry us but really there’s not much to see inside the buildings, but the woodwork of the doors and windows is wonderful and must have cost a fortune. No chip-board or MDF in this place! SWMBO reckons they’re used as film locations. We stopped for melon and tea brought by SWMBO in a nice oasis of palm trees. By then the mid-afternoon the weather was getting rather warm and this provided much need shade and relief. On and on we strolled. There’s horse riding for those of with an equestrian inclination. Obviously more money is required. There’s also a bird zoo for those with an avian interest but I suspect it’s only open at weekends and holidays. There’s a huge, nice looking vegetarian restaurant. As far as I’m concerned it was well after 2 o’clock and the chef and staff would be asleep and wouldn’t welcome our presence, so even though SWMBO grumbled and her tummy rumbled we strolled on. We walked all the way to the lake that forms the boundary and then turned left and followed the path to the Chinese arches. All very nice. We each threw a coin on to the turtle for good luck. I, as always, gave the ever-hungry fish some fish food. There’s a wonderful gallery of Chinese notable heroes cultural figures. I recognized Admiral Deng ShiCheng whose got his own memorial museum in GuangZhou (TA reviewed) and a certain Guan TianPei who I’d never hear of but helped Commissioner Lin during the First Opium War. SWMBO thought this was brilliant and wandered off on her own to explore while I sat alone and contemplated the meaning of life and wondered what to have for dinner. When SWMBO returned we continued to stroll, I fed more fish and amazingly we arrived back at the entrance arch. A pleasant two-hour stroll. The park and gardens could do with a little TLC. I wasn’t impressed with artificial flowers nestling in bushes. Toilets were like the curate’s egg. Out of the park and onto a waiting #622 bus. SWMBO moaned that a party of tourist had a coach! I pointed out we had our very own bus and driver, who once he’d smoked his cigarette was in his seat and we were off. He soon past the tourist coach which cheered-up SWMBO. Back at DongGuan Coach Terminal we found the ticket office and another ¥70 saw us with two tickets for the coach GZ. Ye God, what a wreck! I don’t think it had been cleaned for weeks and many of the seats were broken. “Not worth it!” explained the driver as next year the Metro will arrive in DongGuan and the coaches will be scrapped. An hour later we were at GuangZhou Coach Terminal then it was another hour waiting for the #805 bus and an incredibly slow journey through rush hour traffic before we were back home just as the heavens opened. This didn’t deter the Champion pizza soaking wet delivery lad, a top guy!

Yuehui Park is a lush, leafy but little known Cantonese garden in Dongguan. Although a bit distant from the city centre, it offers a nice glimpse into Chinese design and architecture. A stroll along the waterfront is awesome.