Purple Bamboo Park

Historical Overview

The park’s history dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, with key milestones including:

• 13th Century: The area served as a royal garden for Yuan emperors, featuring lotus ponds and bamboo groves.
• 1653: Construction of the Baoen Temple (Temple of Gratitude), a Ming Dynasty Buddhist site.
• 1953: Officially opened as Purple Bamboo Park, incorporating traditional elements like the Friendship Pavilion and Eight Immortals Bridge.
• 2006: Designated a National AAAA Tourist Attraction, introducing nighttime light shows and cultural festivals.

Structural Layout

The park is divided into four zones:

• North Lake Zone: Dominated by the Friendship Pavilion and a 10,000-sqm lotus pond.
• South Lake Zone: Features the Bamboo Deep Pavilion and a 1.2-km "Bamboo Path" with 30 bamboo species.
• Baoen Temple Zone: Houses the Ming Dynasty temple, a 500-year-old gingko tree, and a bamboo museum.
• Recreation Area: Includes a children’s playground, boat rentals, and open-air teahouses.

Key structures include 9 bridges, 5 artificial islands, and a 3-km jogging trail.

Major Attractions

Bamboo Deep Pavilion (Zhúshēn Táng): A Ming Dynasty-style pavilion surrounded by towering bamboo stalks.

Baoen Temple (Bào’ēn Sì): A Buddhist temple housing scriptures and a 15-meter-tall Buddha statue.

Eight Immortals Bridge (Bāxiān Qiáo): A stone bridge with carved statues of Daoist immortals.

Friendship Pavilion (Yǒuyì Guǎn): A lakeside pavilion hosting calligraphy exhibitions and tea ceremonies.

Lotus Pond: Blooms with pink and white lotuses (June–August), ideal for photography.

Bamboo Museum (Zhú Wénhuà Guǎn): Displays 200+ bamboo artifacts, including crafts and historical tools.

Suggested Itineraries

• Classic Route (1–2 hours):

East Gate → Bamboo Deep Pavilion → Friendship Pavilion → Lotus Pond → North Gate.

Highlights: Iconic pavilions, lakeside strolls, and lotus blooms.

• Cultural Route (3–4 hours):

South Gate → Bamboo Museum → Baoen Temple → Eight Immortals Bridge → Teahouse.

Highlights: Bamboo history, Buddhist art, and traditional tea.

• Family Route (Half-Day):

West Gate → Playground → Boat Rental → Picnic Area → Ice Cream Pavilion.

Highlights: Recreation, lake cruises, and outdoor dining.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Free entry; book via the "Purple Bamboo Park" official WeChat account for group tours.

On-Site: Free admission; pavilions and museums require no tickets.

• Prices:

Boat Rentals: ¥60–120/hour (pedal boats), ¥180/hour (electric boats).

Bamboo Museum: Free (donations accepted).

Free: All visitors.

Transportation

By Subway: Line 4: National Library Station (Exit C), 10-minute walk to South Gate. Line 9: Baishiqiao Station (Exit D), 15-minute walk to East Gate.

By Bus: Routes 114, 118, or 334 to Zizhuyuan Park Stop.

By Taxi: Direct to any gate (¥25–30 from downtown).

Departure: Buses and subways operate until 11 PM; taxis available 24/7.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (6 AM opening) or late (after 5 PM).

Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays offer tranquility.

Weather: Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms, autumn (September–October) for maple leaves.

• Essentials:

Comfortable shoes (gravel paths and hill climbs).

Insect repellent in summer (mosquitoes near the lake).

Photography: Best at sunrise (golden light on bamboo) or during the lotus bloom.

Prohibited: Swimming, fishing, and feeding wildlife.