Green lungs of Guangzhou

Guangzhou is the gastronomical city of China, famous for its yummy and delectable Cantonese cuisine. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, there are still green lungs and hills in and around the city.

One such popular exercise place for young and seniors alike is none other than Baiyun Shan. It has 2 main trekking routes besides alternative 4 wheel cart for those who prefer a quick up to the peak.

The trek took about 2 hours via stairs. There is a viewing point where the cart stops. The real peak is further up, where one has to walk along a tarred road to the entrance of the Moxing Summit, followed by few flight of stairs. There is an a 360 degree view from the top.

Upon reaching the bottom of the hill, one can explore the botanical garden nearby with beautiful floral landscape, perfect for picture taking. 

The next day, I explored the main green lung of the city, the Yuexiu Park. It is a big park with shades and a big lake. There is a small trek up to a mini peak without view but more for workout. Many young and elderly adults hang out for social activities and exercises there. It can take up to half a day to explore the place. One of the iconic attractions in the park is The Five Rams Statue. 

All in all, I enjoyed the nature of the city besides the morning markets more than the crowded happening of the shopping streets in Guangzhou. 

Symphony of Stones and short hikes in Armenia

Before hiking in Armenia, we visited a pagan temple called Garni temple the day before. 

Scenery on the highway to Garni Temple

Garni Temple

After that, we explored a unique natural monument with basalt columns called Symphony of Stones in Garni Gorge nearby. It was truly a relaxing walk to savour the beauty of the hexagonal and pentagonal columns along the pathway. 

The entrance

The 1st hike was Smbataberb hike. Smbataberd is a medieval fortress located upon the crest of a hill between the villages of Artabuynk and Yeghegis in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. It was a beautiful gently upslope hike. As we walked, the valley below looked gorgeous with farm fields. At the peak of the hike lies a majestic mediaeval Smbataberd fortress, a mini Great Wall lookalike with a breathtaking view. 

The 2nd hike was in Dilijan National Park from Lake Parz to Goshavank Monastery in Gosh Village. It was a walk in the woods with initial little gloomy feel that lead to a vast open field as the final stop before descending the on the other route. However, we could not see much view from the the endpoint. But as we descended through another path to a monastery, the scenery became more lively. The hike ended with a chill in Dilijan town.

Parz Lake

End of hike

Overall, hiking in Armenia is fun with beautiful mountainous scenery.