Baihuatan Park (百花潭公园, Hundred Flower Pond Park), nestled on the southern bank of the Huanhua Creek in downtown Chengdu, spans approximately 9 hectares of scenic beauty. The park is a testament to Sichuan’s unique charm, with a predominant focus on bonsai landscapes. Among the myriad of greenery, orchid bonsai, in particular, enjoys a well-deserved reputation. The park is intricately designed, comprising areas such as Leiyuan, Baihuayuan, Huiyuan, Xiyuan, Guoxiangyuan, and the Bonsai Garden, each with its distinctive layout that cleverly transports visitors into a floral wonderland.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Origin of Baihuatan Park
- Highlights of Baihuatan Park
- Vlog about Baihuatan Park
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
- Attractions Near Baihuatan Park
- Other Parks in Chengdu
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-028-87014534 0086-028-87035890 |
Location and Transportation
Baihuatan Park is located in the city of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. The exact address is No.5, Fanglin Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. The park is easily accessible and well-connected to the city’s transportation network. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 11, 27, 34, 42, 59, 82, 115, 151, 165, 170, 256, 280, or 1079 and get off at Baihuatan Park Stop.
Metro: The nearest metro station to Baihuatan Pak is Qingyang Palace (青羊宫). After getting out of the station from Exit C, walk about 300 meters to the south to reach the west gate of the park.
Origin of Baihuatan Park
Originally, Baihuatan was the site of the Chengdu Baihuatan Zoo, established in 1953 as a wildlife-centric park covering 3 hectares. Situated along the southern bank of Jinjiang River, a distinctive wooden boat bridge connects seamlessly with the zoo’s main entrance. The picturesque scenery, especially during late summer and early autumn, when the river ripples and bamboo sways along the shore, creates a captivating atmosphere. In 1976, the zoo relocated to the northern suburbs, giving rise to the Chengdu Zoo. Simultaneously, Baihuatan Zoo underwent a comprehensive transformation, reopening its gates to the public in 1982 as Baihuatan Park.
Highlights of Baihuatan Park
The northern gateway to the park is adorned with a classical covered bridge that spans the Jinjiang River, adding an elegant touch to the surroundings. The park is divided into over a dozen scenic areas. Among the nearly a thousand bonsai displays, those featuring sandstone and stump compositions stand out, highlighting the distinctive artistic style of the Jian Nan School, known for its “ancient elegance and robust vitality.” The Guoxiangyuan (National Fragrance Garden) showcases a plethora of precious orchids.
Leiyuan boasts an impressive 11-meter artificial waterfall, inspired by the enchanting landscapes of Jiuzhaigou‘s Norilang Waterfall and the colorful pools, with a cave stretching over 10 meters beneath the cascade, adorned with various stalactite formations. Huiyuan, covering 26.5 acres, draws inspiration from the descriptions of gardens and architecture in the renowned literary work “Family” by Ba Jin. It features a collection of Qing Dynasty and early Republican-style buildings from western Sichuan, exuding a rich classical charm and rustic atmosphere. The exhibition hall within Huiyuan displays Ba Jin’s precious manuscripts, books, pictures, and other artifacts, making it a celebrated literary garden in Chengdu.
Baihuatan Park stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and human ingenuity, providing visitors with a serene escape into a floral haven within the bustling city of Chengdu. With its diverse landscapes and cultural elements, the park embodies the essence of Sichuan’s beauty and offers a tranquil retreat for locals and tourists alike.
Vlog about Baihuatan Park
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Autumn Charm: Baihuatan Park exudes poetic beauty during autumn with its golden gingko trees. The classical elegance of these trees, set amidst ancient architecture, is a rare sight that enhances the park’s allure.
Attractions: Directly entering through the south gate leads to an amusement park. Adjacent to it lies an expansive green space adorned with splendid gingko trees, offering picturesque views.
Tea House and Dining: Inside the park, the Baihua Shuyuan Tea House, situated on the water, boasts a pleasant ambiance and affordable prices (approximately 25 yuan per person). Surrounding the park are numerous eateries, including excellent local cuisine, and music-themed bars. The Sichuan cuisine here is particularly recommended.
Historical Gingko Tree: The park hosts a remarkable gingko tree, nicknamed “Baiguo Daxian,” which dates back to the Tang Dynasty, approximately 1700 years old. It requires four to five people to encircle it and resembles a golden “umbrella” adorning the earth. The tree stands at 5.3 meters tall, has a diameter of 3.2 meters, and weighs a massive 8.5 tons.
