Taoranting Park

Historical Overview

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

• 1695: Construction of the Taoran Pavilion by Jiang Tingxi, a Minister of Rites, inspired by Bai Juyi’s poem "Drunk and Happy, I Forget to Return."
• 1952: Officially opened as a public park, incorporating traditional elements like the Cibi Nunnery (1321) and revolutionary landmarks.
• 1985: The "Hall of Famous Pavilions" debuted, housing replicas of 12 legendary pavilions, including the Love Pavilion (Hunan) and Canglang Pavilion (Suzhou).
• 2002: Designated a National AAAA Tourist Attraction, featuring nighttime light shows and cultural festivals

Structural Layout

The park is divided into five zones:

• Central Lake Area: Dominated by Taoran Pavilion and the 1.5-km "Lovers’ Promenade" lined with willow trees.
• Cibi Nunnery Zone: Features the 700-year-old Buddhist temple and a bamboo garden.
• Hall of Famous Pavilions: Showcases miniature replicas of China’s top pavilions, each with historical explanations.
• Revolutionary Memorial Zone: Honors early 20th-century revolutionaries like Gao Junyu with sculptures and exhibitions.
• Recreation Area: Includes amusement rides, a skate park, and open-air teahouses.

Key structures include 9 bridges, 3 artificial islands, and a 20,000-sqm lotus pond.

Major Attractions

Taoran Pavilion: A two-story octagonal pavilion with carved couplets and views of the lake.

Cibi Nunnery: A Ming Dynasty temple housing Buddhist scriptures and a 300-year-old gingko tree.

Hall of Famous Pavilions: Features replicas like the "Pavilion of the Prince Teng" (Jiangxi) and "Yellow Crane Tower" (Hubei).

Gao Junyu Tomb: A revolutionary martyr’s memorial with a 5-meter-tall obelisk.

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

Nightly Light Show: Color-changing LEDs illuminating pavilions and bridges (7–10 PM).

Suggested Itineraries

• Classic Route (1–2 hours):

South Gate → Taoran Pavilion → Central Lake → Cibi Nunnery → North Gate.

Highlights: Iconic pavilion, temple visit, and lakeside strolls.

• Cultural Route (3–4 hours):

East Gate → Hall of Famous Pavilions → Revolutionary Memorial → Lotus Pond → Teahouse.

Highlights: Architectural replicas, history lessons, and traditional tea.

• Family Route (Half-Day):

West Gate → Amusement Park → Skate Park → Boat Rental → Ice Cream Pavilion.

Highlights: Rides, outdoor activities, and lake cruises.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the "Taoranting Park" official WeChat account (no advance booking required).

On-Site: Tickets available at all gates; free entry to the park (pavilions require separate tickets).

• Prices:

Pavilion Entry: ¥2 (adults), ¥1 (students/seniors).

Boat Rentals: ¥80–150/hour (pedal boats), ¥200/hour (electric boats).

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Transportation

By Subway: Line 4: Taoranting Station (Exit A), 5-minute walk to North Gate. Line 7: Caishikou Station (Exit G), 10-minute walk to East Gate.

By Bus: Routes 40, 59, or 613 to Taoranting 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 pavilions) or during the lotus bloom.

Prohibited: Swimming, fishing, and feeding wildlife.