Nestled in Guangzhou's Botanical Gardens, alongside a lake and surrounded with trees, Qi Lin Xuan provides one of the nicest outdoor environments in Guangzhou and a reasonably-priced menu as well. During peak hours, it's often packed, but get there early or during off hours, and you have the relaxing setting mostly to yourself. Not only that, but you're just a few-minutes' walk away from the park's various gardens, including the lovely Medicinal Herb Garden and the Orchid Garden. Qi Lin Xuan serves mostly Cantonese food, with its most popular dishes being fish, chicken, goose, tofu and beef ribs. Their menu has items from between 15 and 160 RMB, but many dishes hover around 30.
Outdoor capacity: About 100 people
Best time to get a seat: Anytime Monday to Friday, but before 11:30 am on weekends
Reservations: Yes. One day ahead
Does the outdoor section close?: Nope. Open all the time.
Well-covered?: Yes. Covered with a roofing made of plastic, wood and dry grasses. Good for summer and winter.