What the place is
Guangdong University of Technology (GDUT) is an institution in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, known for its academic achievements and cultural significance. Its multi-campus framework, iconic monument and proximity to city landmarks make it a destination for prospective students, academic visitors and cultural explorers. The university’s motto is “Developing with Guangdong and Contributing to Guangdong.”
This guide also covers two nearby cultural landmarks: the Five Rams Statue in Yuexiu Park and the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, now the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.
History
GDUT was founded in 1958. Its monument, on the Higher Education Mega Center (HEMC) Campus, commemorates the university’s development and its influence on education and technology in the region. A 1995 merger expanded its academic reach, and the university has a long connection with Guangdong’s economic transformation.
The Five Rams Statue (五羊雕塑), erected in 1959, commemorates the legend of five immortals who brought prosperity to Guangzhou. The story helped establish the city’s identity as the “City of Rams.”
The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, also known as Chen Clan Academy, was historically a study and meeting place for the Chen family. It is a showcase of Lingnan architecture and folk art and now serves as the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.
What to see
GDUT campuses and highlights
GDUT has three main campuses, each with its own academic and cultural features.
- Higher Education Mega Center (HEMC) Campus The largest and most modern campus, with approximately 70% of the university’s faculties and students (Wikipedia). It has advanced research centers, sports complexes and open green spaces. Highlights include the Central Library, Student Activity Center and sports facilities.
- Dongfeng Road Campus Located in central Guangzhou, this campus combines historical architecture and modern amenities. It is close to city sites including Canton Tower and the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (China Discovery).
- Longdong Campus A quieter campus, previously home to the Faculty of Foreign Language Studies, and suited to research visits.
The School of Art and Design is known for exhibitions and workshops and is open to visitors (Cumulus Association). The Central Library holds over a million volumes and hosts regular cultural events.
GDUT Monument
The monument on the HEMC Campus commemorates GDUT’s history and its role in education, technology, innovation, collaboration and societal progress. It also serves as a gathering point for students, faculty and visitors.
The Central Library at GDUT's HEMC campus.
Historic entrance to the Dongfeng Road Campus.
Five Rams Statue
The statue stands within Yuexiu Park and is one of Guangzhou’s best-known symbols. Nearby park attractions include Zhenhai Tower, ancient city walls and scenic park areas.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
The hall’s key features include:
- Main Hall Ornate beams and painted ceilings.
- Carvings Stone and wood craftsmanship.
- Ceramics Detailed decorations on roofs and walls.
- Gardens Traditional Lingnan gardens.
- Folk Art Museum Exhibitions of embroidery, pottery and calligraphy.
Practical visiting information
GDUT
Monument
- Opening hours Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Tickets Free for all visitors. Special campus access or guided tours may require prior arrangement.
- Guided tours Available by reservation through GDUT visitor services. Tours provide historical context and highlight campus landmarks.
- Accessibility The monument area is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and nearby amenities for visitors with mobility needs.
- Facilities Cafes, restrooms and parking are available close to the monument.
Campuses
- HEMC Campus visiting hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; weekends and holidays by appointment.
- Dongfeng Road Campus visiting hours Daily, 8:00 AM–5:30 PM.
- Longdong Campus visiting hours By prior arrangement only.
- Tickets Public areas are free to enter; special events may require registration.
- Guided tours Available by appointment or during open days.
- Getting there
- HEMC Campus: Metro Line 4 to Higher Education Mega Center North or South. For the monument, take Line 4 to Higher Education Mega Center North Station.
- Dongfeng Road Campus: Multiple metro lines and buses.
- Longdong Campus: Bus or taxi from the city center.
- Facilities Campus canteens and cafes serve local and international cuisine. Bookstores and convenience stores are on campus, and free guest Wi-Fi is available in most public areas. Ramps, elevators and signage in English and Chinese are available.
Five Rams Statue and Yuexiu Park
- Yuexiu Park opening hours Daily, 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.
- Admission Approximately 10 CNY for park entry, including access to the statue; there is no separate statue fee.
- Accessibility Paved pathways and ramps.
- Facilities Restrooms, seating and refreshment kiosks are nearby.
- Getting there Metro Lines 2 or 5 to Yuexiu Park Station, followed by a short walk; several bus routes stop nearby, and taxis are accessible from anywhere in the city.
- Guided tours Available through local operators.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
- Opening hours Tuesday–Sunday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM; last entry at 5:00 PM. Closed Mondays except holidays.
- Tickets Adults 10 CNY; students and seniors 5 CNY; children under 1.2m enter free.
- Booking Advance online booking is recommended (official Chen Clan Ancestral Hall website).
- Location No. 34 Enlong Li, Zhongshan 7th Road, Liwan District.
- Getting there Metro Lines 1 or 8 to Chen Clan Academy Station, Exit D; bus lines 7, 18, 64, 103 and others.
- Accessibility Wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible restrooms.
- Guided tours Available in Mandarin, Cantonese and English; booking ahead is advised.
- Photography Allowed, but flash is not permitted inside exhibition halls.
- Food and drinks Not permitted, to preserve site cleanliness.
Tips
- Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for visiting GDUT, and the academic year (September–June) offers more vibrant campus life.
- At the Five Rams Statue, sunrise or sunset offers the best lighting for photography; photography is encouraged.
- Weekday mornings are a good time to visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall to avoid crowds, particularly outside public holidays.
- Respect campus quiet zones and policies. Permission is required for photography in non-public areas.
- The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is family-friendly, with supervision for children.
- GDUT visitors can use guided tours and accessible facilities. Check official websites and mobile apps for updates on hours, events and travel information.
Nearby places
- Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center Other universities and green spaces.
- Guangzhou University City Park Walking and cycling.
- Science Center Interactive exhibits for all ages.
- Canton Tower Panoramic views.
- Flower City Square.
- Pearl River Evening strolls, river cruises and scenic riverbank leisure activities.
- Around Yuexiu Park Zhenhai Tower, ancient city walls and other scenic park areas.
- Near the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Shamian Island, Liwan Lake Park and Beijing Road Pedestrian Street.
Yuexiu Park hosts festivals and public events throughout the year (Guangzhou Tourism Official Site).
For further official information, see the GDUT Official Website, the Guangzhou Tourism Board and the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall official site.
FAQ
GDUT
What are the visiting hours?
The monument is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. HEMC Campus hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, with weekends and holidays by appointment. Dongfeng Road Campus is open daily, 8:00 AM–5:30 PM. Longdong Campus visits are by prior arrangement.
Is there an entrance fee?
The monument is free. Campus public areas are free to enter; special events may require registration.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Monument tours are available by prior reservation through GDUT visitor services; campus tours are available by appointment or on open days.
Is GDUT accessible?
The monument is wheelchair accessible, and all major campuses have accessible facilities.
What nearby historical sites can I visit?
Canton Tower, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Flower City Square.
Five Rams Statue
Is there a separate fee for the statue?
No. It is included in Yuexiu Park admission, which is approximately 10 CNY.
Is the monument wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The park has paved paths and ramps.
Can I take photos?
Yes, photography is encouraged.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, through local tour providers.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Are discounts available?
Yes. Children, students and seniors have discounted or free admission according to the ticket details above.
Can I bring food or drinks?
No. Food and drinks are not permitted.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, with supervision for children.
Are guided tours offered?
Yes, in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
What is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings outside public holidays.
