Formerly the state-owned Zini Sugar Mill, which was built in 1953, Zini Tang Creative Park preserves a host of historical structures, including Soviet-style office buildings and refining workshops. As the first large-scale cane sugar factory independently designed and constructed in China during the First Five-Year Plan period of the People’s Republic of China, it has now been transformed from an industrial heritage site into a hub of art installations in line with the principle of “restoring old buildings as they were”. Boasting diverse business formats such as cultural creativity and film & television shooting, the park allows visitors to feel the Soviet influence on China and witness the historical transition of China from a planned economy to a market economy.
📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots
1️⃣ Soviet-style Buildings
The weathered brick walls of the red-brick factory buildings paired with giant gear installations exude a full retro industrial vibe, making every snapshot a cinematic masterpiece. The iconic office building designed by Soviet experts forms a cluster of structures painted in the classic Soviet yellow. When sunlight filters through the trees onto the mottled bright yellow arches, the dappled shadows create a filter-like cinematic effect. Dressing in retro dresses or coffee-toned outfits will instantly turn you into the protagonist of Youth 💃.
Special Reminder: In spring, there is a limited bougainvillea flower wall at Building 68, Zitang. The climbing bougainvillea covering the entrance against the bright yellow wall makes for incredibly photogenic shots!
2️⃣ 10,000-Ton Warehouse Riverside Wharf
Facing Shunde across the river, the spot offers a 100% photogenic rate at sunset when the river surface sparkles. The orange-hued sea at dusk is perfect for backlit silhouette shots 🌊, and the cluster of concrete pillars replicates the iconic scenes from YoYo. The gentle river breeze adds to the pleasant experience.
3️⃣ Graffiti Art Zone
Vibrant graffiti adorns the walls of the old factory buildings, creating a striking clash of trendy and nostalgic styles for stunning photos.
4️⃣ Giant Chimney & Abandoned Factory Buildings
🏭The three-story-tall chimney is a spectacular sight, while rusted gears and pipelines amplify the retro industrial atmosphere to the fullest.
5️⃣ No.3 Sugar Storage Tank Observation Deck
Featuring a full glass dome, the deck offers a bird’s-eye view of sawtooth-shaped factory buildings 🏭 and the stunning river view 🌅. Wide-angle shots deliver an exceptionally breathtaking visual impact 🤩.
💡 Travel Tips
📍Address: No. 7 Xi’an Road, Shawan Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou
🎫Admission: Free
⏰Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day for free
⏰Recommended Visit Duration: 3–4 hours
⏰Best Time to Visit: Arrive after 3 PM to avoid the scorching sun. The soft evening light is ideal for portrait photography, and the riverside offers the prime spot to watch the most beautiful sunsets. The park is spacious and perfect for cycling.
🚲 In-Depth Experience
Take a cycling tour around the island, with a total route of about 11 km that takes roughly over an hour to complete (excluding photo stops).
Recommended Cycling Route:Baomo Garden ➡️ Nanhuo Garden ➡️ Zini Tang Creative Park ➡️ Riverside Greenway ➡️ Baomo Garden
Along the way, you can admire Lingnan-style gardens, artistic factory buildings and expansive river views, experience authentic old Guangzhou life, and immerse yourself in a fully atmospheric journey.
