Nanjing
๐ณ
Parks and Green Spaces
Sections
1. Xuanwu Lake Park (็ๆญฆๆนๅ ฌๅญ)
- Location: Near Xuanwu Gate, Xuanwu District, adjacent to Nanjing Railway Station.
- Entry Cost: Free.
- Activities:
- Walking and jogging along the scenic lakeside paths.
- Boating: Rent paddle boats or motorboats to explore the lake.
- Picnicking in designated areas.
- Photography: The park offers stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding mountains.
- Accessibility:
- Easily accessible via public transport. The nearest metro station is Xuanwumen Station (Line 1).
- Wheelchair-friendly paths are available.
- Cultural Significance:
- Xuanwu Lake is a historic site dating back to the Six Dynasties period (220โ589 AD). It is named after the mythical Black Tortoise (Xuanwu) in Chinese mythology.
- Local Tips:
- Visit early in the morning to see locals practicing tai chi or dancing.
- Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather and blooming flowers.
2. Purple Mountain (Zijinshan, ็ดซ้ๅฑฑ)
- Location: Eastern Nanjing, Xuanwu District.
- Entry Cost: Free to enter the mountain area, but some attractions within the park (e.g., Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum) have separate entry fees (20โ100 RMB depending on the site).
- Activities:
- Hiking and cycling on well-maintained trails.
- Visiting historical landmarks such as the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Linggu Temple, and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.
- Exploring the Nanjing Botanical Garden and the Observatory.
- Accessibility:
- Accessible by bus or metro. The nearest metro station is Muxuyuan Station (Line 2).
- Some trails and attractions may not be wheelchair-friendly due to steep inclines.
- Cultural Significance:
- Purple Mountain is a symbol of Nanjingโs rich history and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Local Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the area is vast and requires a lot of walking.
- Avoid weekends and public holidays if you want to avoid crowds.
3. Mochou Lake Park (่ซๆๆนๅ ฌๅญ)
- Location: Jianye District, near Mochou Road.
- Entry Cost: 20 RMB.
- Activities:
- Strolling through the traditional Chinese gardens.
- Boating on the lake.
- Enjoying cultural performances during festivals.
- Accessibility:
- Accessible by metro. The nearest station is Hanzhongmen Station (Line 2).
- Wheelchair access is available in most areas.
- Cultural Significance:
- The park is named after Mochou, a legendary woman known for her beauty and sorrowful love story.
- Local Tips:
- Visit during spring to see the blooming flowers and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
- The park is smaller compared to others, making it ideal for a short, relaxing visit.
4. Yuejiang Tower Scenic Area (้ ๆฑๆฅผๆฏๅบ)
- Location: On the banks of the Yangtze River, Gulou District.
- Entry Cost: 40 RMB.
- Activities:
- Climbing Yuejiang Tower for panoramic views of the Yangtze River and Nanjing city.
- Walking along the ancient city walls.
- Birdwatching and enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Accessibility:
- Accessible by bus or taxi. The nearest metro station is Yunlong Station (Line 4), followed by a short taxi ride.
- Not fully wheelchair accessible due to stairs in the tower.
- Cultural Significance:
- The tower was built to commemorate the Ming Dynastyโs founder, Zhu Yuanzhang, and offers insights into Nanjingโs historical importance.
- Local Tips:
- Visit in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over the Yangtze River.
- Bring a camera for the stunning views.
5. Zhongshan Botanical Garden (ไธญๅฑฑๆค็ฉๅญ)
- Location: Near Purple Mountain, Xuanwu District.
- Entry Cost: 15 RMB.
- Activities:
- Exploring themed gardens, including a rose garden, bamboo garden, and medicinal plant garden.
- Learning about plant species at the research center.
- Relaxing in the peaceful environment.
- Accessibility:
- Accessible by bus or taxi. The nearest metro station is Xiamafang Station (Line 2).
- Wheelchair-friendly paths are available.
- Cultural Significance:
- The garden is part of the Purple Mountain area and contributes to Nanjingโs reputation as a โgreen city.โ
- Local Tips:
- Ideal for families and plant enthusiasts.
- Bring snacks and water, as food options inside the garden are limited.
6. Qingliangshan Park (ๆธ ๅๅฑฑๅ ฌๅญ)
- Location: Gulou District, near Qingliangmen.
- Entry Cost: Free.
- Activities:
- Walking and jogging on shaded paths.
- Visiting historical sites such as ancient pavilions and stone inscriptions.
- Relaxing in the tea houses within the park.
- Accessibility:
- Accessible by metro. The nearest station is Hanzhongmen Station (Line 2).
- Wheelchair access is available in most areas.
- Cultural Significance:
- The park has a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty and is known for its tranquil atmosphere.
- Local Tips:
- A great spot for a quiet afternoon or a leisurely walk.
- Bring a book or enjoy people-watching in the tea houses.
7. Niushoushan Cultural Park (็้ฆๅฑฑๆๅๆ ๆธธๅบ)
- Location: Jiangning District, about 30 km south of downtown Nanjing.
- Entry Cost: 98 RMB.
- Activities:
- Hiking and exploring the scenic mountain trails.
- Visiting the Usnisa Palace, a stunning Buddhist cultural site.
- Learning about Buddhist culture and history.
- Accessibility:
- Accessible by bus or taxi. It is a bit far from the city center, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Some areas may not be wheelchair-friendly due to steep paths.
- Cultural Significance:
- Niushoushan is a sacred Buddhist site and a major cultural attraction in Nanjing.
- Local Tips:
- Allocate at least half a day to explore the park fully.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
General Tips for Visiting Parks in Nanjing:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (MarchโMay) and autumn (SeptemberโNovember) offer the most pleasant weather.
- Transportation: Nanjingโs metro and bus systems are efficient and affordable. Use apps like Baidu Maps or DiDi for navigation.
- Local Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially in culturally significant areas. Avoid loud behavior and littering.
- Health Precautions: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially in summer. Air quality can vary, so check the AQI (Air Quality Index) before outdoor activities.
Nanjingโs parks and green spaces are not just places for recreation but also windows into the cityโs rich history and culture. Whether youโre looking for a peaceful retreat, a place to exercise, or an opportunity to learn about Chinese heritage, these parks have something for everyone.