Built in 1850 by deposed military officer Zhang Jingxiu, Keyuan Garden, one of Guangdong's historic "four famous gardens," makes for a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Replete with picturesque gardens, and a multitude of pavilions and kiosks served by 130 doorways and 108 gates, the grounds are usually host to strollers looking for an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city, as well as poets and painters looking for a little inspiration. After Zhang quit the military, he focused on his other talents, poetry, calligraphy, chess and painting - for which he is best known. After retiring from the military, he invited two renowned painters, Ju Chao and Ju Lian, to come paint in the Keyuan grounds year-long. As a result, the trio founded what is known as the Lingnan School, which sought to absorb some Western cultural elements into traditional Chinese painting. 
 

Though "Keyuan" literally means "a garden not too bad for visiting," the place considerably outshines its name - which is the product of builder Zhang Jingxiu's legendary modesty. Comically, most of the buildings in the garden come with the prefix "Ke" which as you now know means "not too bad" sounds a little funny when you translate Kezhou Pool and Ketang Hall into "not too bad pool" and "not too bad hall." Despite the excessive humility, you'll no doubt be impressed by the site's labyrinthine layout, and enjoy the opportunity to relax among the leaves, orchids, shade and signature blue-brick construction that shelters visitors from the metropolitan cacophony outside.