My trip to Bruce Lee Paradise Park in Foshan, China,
was a fascinating dive into the life and legacy of one of the world’s most
celebrated martial artists. Located just outside of Guangzhou, Bruce Lee
Paradise Park is a sprawling, scenic park that spans over 3,000 acres
and includes gardens, artificial lakes, scenic trails, and interactive exhibits
honoring Bruce Lee’s heritage and accomplishments.
After charging up my electric bike, affectionately named the “Green Hornet,” I started the hour-long ride from my city to the park. The journey was scenic, filled with signs of both urban development and untouched nature, typical of this area within the Pearl River Delta. The day was beautiful and sunny, but looming in the back of my mind was the news of an approaching typhoon. I planned to see as much as possible before the weather shifted.
Upon arriving at the park, I was greeted by a massive bronze
statue of Bruce Lee, which stands at 18.8 meters (about 62 feet),
making it one of the tallest statues dedicated to him. This towering figure
overlooks the entrance, capturing Lee’s dynamic fighting stance, a symbol of
strength and resilience. Foshan is an ideal location for this tribute since
Bruce Lee’s ancestry traces back to Jun’an Town in Shunde District, part
of Foshan, where his father’s family originated.
Beyond the statue, the park offers a rich tapestry of
attractions: waterfalls, pagodas, a museum, and even Bruce Lee’s family home,
which has been preserved for visitors. One of the park's unique features is the
Bruce Lee Museum, a collection of memorabilia, films, and interactive
displays. Inside, visitors can view everything from Lee's iconic nunchucks to
life-sized posters and even handprints. The museum highlights his profound
impact on martial arts and popular culture and provides insight into his
philosophy of Jeet Kune Do — “the way of the intercepting fist,” a
concept that merged martial arts principles with his personal philosophy.
A short walk from the museum led to a section dedicated to
exploring Lee’s family home, which has been restored and preserved to
look much like it did in his lifetime. The modest, traditional Cantonese
structure allowed a rare glimpse into his humble beginnings. The house includes
personal photos and displays, letting visitors step back in time to a place
that shaped the man who would later become an international icon.
Bruce Lee Paradise Park is an immersive experience that
blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. The park has become a popular
place for both locals and international fans who come to pay homage to Lee and
to explore the surrounding environment. In addition to Lee-related exhibits,
the park also includes eco-tourism trails, offering activities like zip-lining,
hiking trails, and scenic boat rides on the artificial lakes. It’s common
to see families spending their day picnicking under the shaded trees.
By the time I left, I had explored a fair share of the park
but hadn’t scratched the surface of everything it offers. Walking through and learning
about Bruce Lee’s legacy was both humbling and inspiring. As I headed back on
the Green Hornet, the typhoon clouds began gathering, making it a race against
the weather — but the experience was worth every minute.
