Kunming Lake · Qixi Park
Kunming Lake · Qixi Park, located in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, is a modern cultural landmark reviving the legacy of China’s oldest artificial lake. Originally built in 120 BCE during the Han Dynasty as a military waterway and imperial garden, it was reimagined in 2017 as a romantic park celebrating the Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day). Spanning 10 square kilometers, it merges Han-era history with mythological themes, featuring the iconic “Magpie Bridge,” “Cowherd and Weaver Girl” statues, and a 1,040-meter-long “Starry Sky” light tunnel. Designated a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, it has become Xi’an’s premier destination for cultural tourism and nighttime spectacles.
Historical Overview
The original Kunming Pool was commissioned by Emperor Wu of Han to train navy fleets and symbolize imperial power. Over 2,000 years, it evolved into a leisure garden for Tang Dynasty poets and Ming Dynasty painters. The site fell into disrepair during the Qing Dynasty but was revived in 2015 as part of Xi’an’s “Ecological Restoration Project.” The Qixi Park theme was added in 2017, honoring the legend of the Cowherd (Altair) and Weaver Girl (Vega) who reunite annually on the seventh night of the seventh lunar month.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into three zones:
- Water Zone: A 60-hectare lake with the “Nine-Bend Corridor” and floating “Lovers’ Island.”
- Cultural Zone: Features the Han-style “Emperor Wu Pavilion” and the “Qixi Cultural Museum.”
- Entertainment Zone: Includes a nighttime “Starry Sky” light show, food stalls, and boat rentals.
Key infrastructure includes 5 bridges, 8km of lakeside trails, and a 15-meter-tall “Moon Old Tree” sculpture.
Major Attractions
- Magpie Bridge: A 300-meter-long arched bridge adorned with 1,314 iron “magpies” (symbolizing “lifetime love”).
- Hanwu Imperial Ship: A full-scale replica of Emperor Wu’s warship, offering Han Dynasty cultural performances.
- Qixi Cultural Museum: Exhibits on the legend’s origins, silk artifacts, and Tang Dynasty love poems.
- Starry Sky Tunnel: A 500-meter LED-lit passage mimicking the Milky Way, popular for wedding photos.
- Lovers’ Lock Plaza: A wall where couples engrave padlocks with their names.
- Nighttime Light Show: A 20-minute drone and laser display recounting the Qixi myth.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Half-Day Classic Route:
East Gate → Magpie Bridge → Hanwu Ship → Qixi Museum → Starry Sky Tunnel → Return.
Highlights: Iconic bridges and cultural exhibits in 3 hours. -
Full-Day Romantic Route:
East Gate → Lovers’ Lock Plaza → Boat Cruise → Cultural Museum → Nighttime Light Show.
Highlights: Lock engraving, lake cruises, and immersive storytelling. -
Multi-Day Cultural Route (2 Days):
Day 1: Hanwu Ship performances and museum visits.
Day 2: Cycling around the lake and DIY silk craft workshops.
Highlights: Historical reenactments and hands-on cultural experiences.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via Ctrip, Fliggy, or the official Kunming Lake WeChat account (up to 7 days in advance).
- On-Site: Tickets available at the East Gate ticket office; arrive early for night shows.
- Prices:
- Day Pass: ¥70 (adults), ¥35 (students/seniors).
- Night Show Add-On: ¥50 (includes priority seating).
- Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
- By Metro:
- Line 3 → Kunming Lake Station (Exit D), 5-minute walk to East Gate.
- By Bus:
- Routes 365, 720, or 823 → Kunming Lake Stop.
- By Taxi:
- Direct from Xi’an North Station (25 minutes, ¥40).
- By Tour:
- Group tours from Xi’an city center include Terracotta Warriors and park combo.
- Departure: Shuttle buses depart every 15 minutes to downtown Xi’an.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: April–June (spring blooms), August (Qixi Festival).
- Avoid Crowds: Weekdays; weekends host local families.
- Weather: Pack layers (15–30°C) and rain gear (June–September).
- Essentials:
- Wear comfortable shoes (lakeside trails).
- Carry cash for lock engraving and street food.
- Reserve night show tickets in advance.
- Prohibitions: Drones, littering, and swimming in the lake.
