Hefei Botanical Garden – Get Close to Nature

As you enter Hefei Botanical Garden, the road is straight and wide, lined with Magnolia grandiflora, the city tree of Hefei. On either side of the path lies the Water Garden, one of the garden’s key specialized areas. The garden is divided into southern and northern sections by the main road, but the platform on the road creates a sense of continuity between the two parts. Looking south from the bridge, the water body curves westward, with a row of large Dragon Claw Willows on the east bank, their slender branches naturally bending toward the water. On the southern shore of the Water Garden, you’ll find a sea of lotus leaves gently swaying in the breeze, with delicate lotus flowers dancing above. Visitors can stroll among the flowers or take a peaceful rest in a pavilion.

The Bamboo Garden is located on the western side of Hefei Botanical Garden, featuring the Xiangfei Pavilion and Panda Stone. Walking along the winding paths through the bamboo grove, you can feel the cool breeze and might be inspired to play a tune on a zither. In the northern part of the Water Garden, there is a small island with a pavilion called “Lengxiang Pavilion.” This pavilion and the distant Xiangxie Pavilion on the northern shore are reflected in the water, occasionally disturbed by fish surfacing, causing ripples to dance across the reflection.

Established in 1991, the Plum Garden spans 50 acres and serves as a specialized area for the systematic collection and display of plum blossom varieties. It houses over 4,000 plum trees from more than 40 different species. The garden is adjacent to wetland pine and black pine forests on the north, creating a picturesque scene known as “Snow Viewing and Pine Listening.” The garden is a visual delight with green patches, blooming flowers, lush grass, and the chirping of wild birds, all contributing to a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere. The pathways are interconnected, some lined with neatly embedded pebbles that protrude slightly above the surface, providing a natural foot massage as you walk, offering a unique health benefit. A standout feature is the collection of 22 large Lingbi stones, each about 10 cm thick, suspended from wooden frames. These stones, inscribed with the characters “天下第一磬 The First Chime in the World,” resonate with sound when struck, adding to the garden’s allure.

During the osmanthus blooming season, the garden is filled with the intoxicating fragrance of golden osmanthus, silver osmanthus, red osmanthus, and four-season osmanthus. The scent is so delightful that it feels almost intoxicating. As you stroll through the garden, you’ll encounter a vast water body with a small island in the distance. Three dikes extend from the island, connecting it to the mainland, forming a triangular enclosure that creates two separate water areas. A pathway on the central dike leads to the island. Visitors can relax by the water’s edge, enjoy a boat ride, or venture to the island for camping and barbecuing, adding a touch of wilderness to the experience.

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