Nanhu Park

Historical Background

The history of Nanhu Park dates back to the early 20th century. Originally, the area was a low - lying land prone to flooding. In 1933, during the Japanese occupation of Northeast China, the Japanese authorities decided to transform this flood - prone area into a reservoir to control water flow and prevent floods in the city. After World War II, with the liberation of Changchun, the local government recognized the potential of this area as a public recreational space. In 1945, it was officially designated as a park and began its transformation into the beautiful and functional place it is today. Over the decades, it has undergone several renovations and expansions to meet the growing needs of the public.

Landscape and Natural Features

The park's landscape is dominated by the large, tranquil lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery. The lake is dotted with several small islands, adding to its charm and providing unique vantage points for visitors. Along the lake shore, there are willow trees that sway gently in the breeze, creating a picturesque scene. In spring, the park comes alive with a riot of colors as cherry blossoms and other flowers bloom. During autumn, the maple leaves turn a vibrant red, painting the park in a warm and romantic hue. The park also has well - maintained lawns, flower beds, and rock gardens, each with its own distinct character and beauty.

Major Attractions

1. The Central Island: This is one of the most popular spots in the park. It can be reached by boat or across a charming stone bridge. On the island, there are pavilions and open spaces where visitors can relax, enjoy a picnic, or take in the panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding park.
2. The Amusement Park: Located on the eastern side of the park, it offers a wide range of rides and entertainment options for children and families. From roller coasters to merry - go - rounds, there's something for everyone to enjoy and create lasting memories.
3. The Botanical Garden: This garden showcases a diverse collection of plants, both native and exotic. It's a great place for nature lovers to learn about different plant species, observe their growth patterns, and appreciate the beauty of the plant kingdom.
4. The Memorial Pavilion: Built to commemorate important historical events or figures related to Changchun, it stands as a reminder of the city's past and serves as an educational site for visitors.
5. The Skating Rink: In winter, when the lake freezes over, a large skating rink is set up. It becomes a hub of activity, attracting both professional skaters and beginners who want to experience the joy of gliding on ice.
6. The Boating Area: Visitors can rent various types of boats, such as rowboats, pedal boats, and motorboats, to explore the lake at their own pace. It's a wonderful way to get close to nature and enjoy the peaceful waters.
7. The Open - air Theater: During the summer months, this theater hosts a variety of cultural performances, including traditional Chinese operas, music concerts, and dance shows. It provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Half - Day Leisurely Tour (3 - 4 hours):
   Start at the main entrance of the park. Take a leisurely walk along the lake shore, enjoying the views of the water and the willow trees. Then, head to the Central Island via the stone bridge. Spend some time exploring the island, sitting in the pavilions, and taking photos. After that, rent a boat and cruise around the lake for about an hour. Finally, visit the Botanical Garden to appreciate the plants before leaving the park.
2. Full - Day Family Adventure (6 - 7 hours):
   Begin at the amusement park in the morning, letting the children enjoy the rides. Have a picnic lunch on the lawns near the amusement park. In the afternoon, take a boat to the Central Island and explore its attractions. Then, visit the Memorial Pavilion to learn about the local history. In the evening, head to the open - air theater to catch a cultural performance if available.
3. Winter Wonderland Tour (4 - 5 hours):
   If visiting in winter, start by going to the skating rink for some ice - skating fun. After that, take a walk around the park to enjoy the snow - covered scenery. Visit the Open - air Theater area (even if there's no performance, the winter atmosphere is unique). Then, find a cozy spot near the lake to have a hot drink and relax while taking in the winter views.

Ticket Purchase

Most of the areas in Nanhu Park are free to enter, which makes it an accessible destination for everyone. However, for some specific attractions within the park, such as the amusement park rides, boat rentals, and entry to certain special exhibitions in the Botanical Garden, there are separate fees.

• Amusement Park Rides: The prices vary depending on the type of ride. Generally, single - ride tickets range from 10 - 50 yuan, and there are also package deals available for multiple rides.
• Boat Rentals: Rowboats and pedal boats usually cost around 30 - 50 yuan per hour, while motorboats are more expensive, starting from 80 yuan per hour.
• Botanical Garden: The entry fee is around 20 - 30 yuan per person, depending on the season and any special events happening inside.

Tickets for these attractions can be purchased on - site at the respective ticket counters.

Transportation

By Subway:

• Line 1: Get off at Hadaqi Station. From Exit A, it's about a 15 - minute walk to the main entrance of Nanhu Park.
  By Bus:
• Several bus routes pass by or near the park, including Routes 62, 230, 232, and 270. You can check the local bus schedule and choose the most convenient route based on your starting point.
  By Taxi:
• You can easily hail a taxi to the park. Just tell the driver "Nanhu Park", and they will take you to the main entrance.
  Departure: After your visit, you can use the same transportation methods to leave the park. The subway and bus stops are clearly marked, and taxis are also readily available near the park entrances.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: The park can get quite crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially during the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant. To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays, preferably in the morning before 10 am or in the late afternoon after 3 pm.
Weather: Spring (April - May) and autumn (September - October) are the ideal times to visit Nanhu Park. The temperatures are moderate, and the natural scenery is at its best. In summer, it can be hot and humid, so make sure to wear light - colored, breathable clothing and bring sunscreen and a hat. In winter, dress warmly in layers, including a thick coat, gloves, and a hat, as it can get very cold.
Essentials:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking around the park.
• Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months. There are also vending machines and small shops inside the park where you can buy drinks and snacks.
• If you plan to take photos, bring a camera or make sure your phone is fully charged. The park offers many beautiful photo opportunities.
• During the summer, mosquito repellent can be useful to protect yourself from insect bites.
• Respect the park rules and regulations, such as not littering and not damaging the plants or facilities.