Dongpo Park (东坡公园) is located on the banks of the ancient Grand Canal in Changzhou, China, comprised of a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides and a crescent-shaped island within the canal, connected by a bridge dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Despite its modest size of 4.3 hectares, the park boasts a serene and elegant environment, embodying the classic charm of Jiangnan garden style with numerous historical landmarks.
Legend has it that the renowned Northern Song Dynasty literary figure, Su Dongpo, visited Changzhou 11 times and spent his final years in the area. It is said that he docked his boat at the park’s location, disembarking to enter the city. To commemorate Su Dongpo, a pavilion called the “舣舟亭” (Yizhou Pavilion) was constructed during the Southern Song Dynasty. In 1954, Dongpo Park expanded from this pavilion. During Emperor Qianlong’s visits to southern Jiangnan, he composed four poems and personally inscribed the plaque “玉局风流” (Yuju Fengliu), further adding to the historical significance of Dongpo Park. Today, the park stands as a tranquil oasis, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Dongpo Park
- Vlog about Dongpo Park
- Attractions near Dongpo Park
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 6.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0519-88815005 |
Location and Transportation
Dongpo Park is situated on the southeastern side of the renowned Hongmei Park, often referred to as the “First Garden of Changzhou.” Its specific address is No. 9 Yanling Middle Road, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 7, 17, 25, 62, 303, 903, B12, B2 or T100 and get off at Dongpo Park Stop (东坡公园站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Dongpo Park is Hongmei Park (红梅公园) on line 2. After getting out of the station from Exit 1, walk about 400 meters to the east to reach the park.
Highlights of Dongpo Park
Imperial Stele Pavilion: A Glimpse into Qianlong’s Southern Journey
Imperial Stele Pavilion stands as a testament to the royal visits of Emperor Qianlong, who graced Changzhou four times between 1751 and 1784, designating Dongpo Park as his imperial palace on three occasions. Inside this pavilion, preserved are six inscribed steles bearing poems composed by Qianlong himself during his southern excursions. These verses express the emperor’s joy upon witnessing the beauty of Changzhou’s landscapes and the happiness of its people. Qianlong’s words also commend local officials to serve diligently and cherish the well-being of the common folk. Moreover, the inscriptions reveal Qianlong’s profound respect for the noble character of Su Dongpo and his regret over Dongpo’s tragic fate.
Yizhou Pavilion: Where Boats Once Docked and Emperors Stopped
Yizhou translates to “docking boats,” evoking memories of both Emperor Qianlong and Su Dongpo, who anchored their boats at this location separated by over seven centuries. The current pavilion, reconstructed in 1984, boasts a magnificent design with double-eaved corners, flying rafters, and nine ridges. Positioned at the park’s highest point, the pavilion is adorned with exquisite brick and wood carvings, featuring artistic elements like two dragons playing with a pearl, ancient pines, immortal cranes, and mythical dragons swimming among fish. Yizhou Pavilion stands as one of Changzhou’s most renowned pavilions, reflecting high artistic value.
Peony Garden: A Blossoming Extravaganza
Encompassing over 6,000 square meters, Dongpo Park’s Peony Garden is a floral paradise featuring more than 60 varieties and over 6,000 peony plants, alongside 20 varieties and over 500 tree peonies. Recognized as one of the most resource-rich peony gardens in the region, it has become a symbol of natural splendor. Annually, from April onwards, the park hosts the Peony Flower Exhibition, inviting visitors to indulge in the vibrant colors and fragrances. The garden provides various settings for visitors to appreciate the flowers, whether it’s capturing them through a lens, taking a leisurely stroll, or engaging in heartfelt conversations under the shade of blossoming trees.
