Nanbin Park, Chongqing – Ticket Price, Opening Hours, Transportation, and Highlights

Once the site of a bustling ferry crossing, the legend of Huangge Wandering Sunset evokes nostalgia. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Yangtze River would come alive with a thousand golden reflections, and small boats meandered in all directions. When the fog rolled in, the river would shroud itself in mystery. Today, the charm of boat crossings has been replaced by the perpetual flow of vehicles on the Yangtze Bridge. However, “Huangge Wandering Sunset” theme reliefs now adorn the park’s landscape, featuring sculptures of boatmen, ship parts, and children playing on the riverbanks. This area delves deep into the historical and cultural significance of the southern ferry crossing and port.

The park’s “Haitang Misty Rain” section, resembling a crescent moon, covers an impressive 700 meters and is filled with over a thousand varieties of plants, including Ghana seaweed and Middle Eastern dates – both of which are making their debut in Chongqing. The area features a blend of plant belts, sculpture groups, observation platforms, central squares, and waterfalls. Additionally, the lower section hosts a vibrant bar street, perfect for leisurely enjoyment of the breathtaking river view.

This area revolves around two themes: “Zishui Nocturnal Lamps” and religious culture. According to the “Ba County Annals,” the sight of boats docking along the riverbank under the nighttime glow of countless lanterns, with lights reflecting on the river and merging with the starry sky, was a mesmerizing spectacle. This area boasts art walls, plazas, and rockeries. It also pays homage to religious culture with features like the release pond and a lotus-patterned ground.

Following the First Opium War, the British government signed the “Treaty of Yantai Supplemental Agreement” with the Qing government in 1890, gaining the privilege to open a port in Chongqing. As a result, a customs office was established near the “Xiajiang Port Opening” area. In 1901, Japan established a concession in the vicinity, making it the only concession in western China. The history of Chongqing’s port opening is a tale of cultural exchange and collision between the East and West. The area features both Western-style and Chinese-style bridges and incorporates colonial architectural motifs on retaining walls. It also narrates the history of national capital development.

Legend has it that there is a stone formation resembling a dragon lying along the river, creating a natural harbor for boats, aptly named “Longmen.” On a moonlit night, the Yangtze River glistens with silver and thousands of stars, while the harbor becomes a serene painting, where the moon’s reflection dances on the tranquil waters. The enchanting sight is aptly called “Longmen Serene Moon.” This section features reliefs on the retaining wall, flanked by several large stones and inscribed with the words “龙门浩月.”

This area offers not only the best vantage point to admire the confluence of the two rivers and the Chaotianmen Wharf but also a chance to delve into the beautiful legend of “Husband Returning Stone.” According to folklore, after Emperor Yu married Tushan, he left home to undertake water conservation efforts, not returning for thirteen years. Tushan longed for her husband, and her yearning turned her into a giant stone along the riverbank. People later named this stone “Husband Returning Stone” or “Hugui Stone.” When Emperor Yu finally returned, he was overjoyed and called out “Qi,” causing the stone to split open, and a baby boy emerged. Emperor Yu named him “Qi,” and he later became the first ruler of the Xia Dynasty. The area is adorned with sculptures of the birth of Qi, statues of Emperor Yu, sculptures depicting the story of Emperor Yu’s water management, and imprints on the ground to tell this fascinating tale.

Laojun Cave Taoist Temple

Xiahao Old Street

Nanshan Botanical Garden

Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform

Longmenhao Old Street

Bao’en Pagoda, Chongqing