Yuyuantan Park

Historical Overview

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

• 12th Century: The area served as a reservoir for the Yuan Dynasty’s imperial palace, later named "Yuyuantan" (Jade Deep Pond).
• 1958: Construction began on the park to mitigate floods and create recreational space.
• 1973: The first cherry saplings were planted, donated by Japanese activists to symbolize post-war friendship.
• 1989: Officially opened as Yuyuantan Park, incorporating traditional elements like the Friendship Pavilion and Lotus Pond.
• 2001: Designated a National AAAA Tourist Attraction, introducing nighttime light shows and cultural exhibitions.

Structural Layout

The park is divided into five zones:

Cherry Blossom Garden: Features 2,000+ cherry trees (15 varieties) and the Cherry Blossom Memorial Hall.

Lakeside Area: Dominated by the 30-hectare Yuyuan Lake, with boat rentals and a 1.5-km "Willow Promenade."

Central Island: Home to the Central Island Tower (offering panoramic views) and the Bamboo Garden.

Friendship Pavilion Zone: Houses Ming Dynasty-style pavilions and a bonsai museum.

Recreation Area: Includes a children’s playground, skate park, and open-air concert stage.

Key structures include 12 bridges, 4 artificial islands, and a 5-km jogging trail.

Major Attractions

Cherry Blossom Garden: A spring spectacle with 30,000 trees (late March–early April).

Central Island Tower: A seven-story pagoda with views of the lake and CCTV Tower.

Zhanlanguan Bridge: A Ming Dynasty-style arch bridge connecting the island to the mainland.

Friendship Pavilion: Hosts calligraphy exhibitions and traditional tea ceremonies.

Lotus Pond: Blooms with pink and white lotuses (June–August).

Bonsai Museum: Displays 100+ miniature trees, including 200-year-old specimens.

Suggested Itineraries

• Classic Route (2–3 hours):

East Gate → Cherry Blossom Garden → Zhanlanguan Bridge → Central Island Tower → Friendship Pavilion → North Gate.

Highlights: Blossoms, lakeside views, and historic pavilions.

• Cultural Route (3–4 hours):

South Gate → Bonsai Museum → Lotus Pond → Willow Promenade → Teahouse.

Highlights: Bonsai art, lotus blooms, and traditional tea.

• Family Route (Half-Day):

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

Highlights: Recreation, lake cruises, and outdoor dining.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Free entry; book via the "Yuyuantan Park" official WeChat account for festival reservations.

On-Site: Free admission; cherry blossom festival requires timed tickets (¥10/person).

• Prices:

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

Bonsai Museum: Free (donations accepted).

Cherry Blossom Festival: ¥10 (adults), free for children under 1.2m.

Transportation

By Subway: Line 1: Military Museum Station (Exit C), 10-minute walk to East Gate. Line 9: Baishiqiao Station (Exit D), 15-minute walk to South Gate.

By Bus: Routes 1, 32, 65, or 78 to Yuyuantan 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).

Picnic blanket and snacks (open areas available).

Photography: Best at sunrise (golden light on blossoms) or during the festival.

Prohibited: Drones, swimming, and feeding wildlife.