Changchun Nanhu Park (长春南湖公园) is the second-largest urban park in China, following the renowned Summer Palace in Beijing. Originally established during the Puppet Manchukuo era in 1935, it was known as Huanglong Royal Park. The park features a distinctive dumbbell shape when viewed from above, being narrow in the east and west while extending long in the north and south.
At the heart of Nanhu Park lies a pristine lake, its waters clear and inviting. The shores are lined with weeping willows, while charming bridges and pavilions enhance the park’s picturesque scenery. The ambiance is filled with the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers, creating a tranquil escape that rivals the beauty of southern China. Standing on the Nanhu Bridge and gazing northward offers a breathtaking view resembling colorful clusters of flowers floating on the water’s surface, a true feast for the eyes. The harmony between the bridges, pavilions, and the lush surroundings draws visitors to linger longer.
Nanhu Park is an ideal destination for cooling off, fishing, and boating. In summer, large patches of lotus flowers bloom across the lake, and the man-made sandy beach provides a space for relaxation and swimming. The park comes alive during the summer and early autumn with vibrant lantern festivals and folk culture exhibitions, making it a hub of activity and excitement. In winter, when the lake freezes over, various snow and ice activities are held, such as ice skating and ice lantern viewing, attracting many winter swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the park features a children’s playground, making it a family-friendly destination.
The park’s planning began with the “Daxin Kyoto City Plan” conceived by Japanese planners. This ambitious project aimed to harness the natural environment, including rainfall and small tributaries of the Yitong River, to create an artificial lake by building dams for water storage and utilizing a drainage system. Nanhu Park was developed based on this vision, using water from the Xiongjiaogou stream of the Yitong River. In 1937, a dam measuring 10 meters high and 800 meters long was constructed along Gongnong Avenue, culminating in the creation of this scenic artificial lake.
Today, Changchun Nanhu Park stands as a beloved recreational area, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, inviting visitors to experience its charm throughout the seasons.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0431-85663059 0086-0431-85664455 |
Location and Transportation
Changchun Nanhu Park is located at 2715 Gongnong Avenue, Chaoyang District, Changchun City, Jilin Province, China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus G270, G62, Z232, or Z315 and get off at Nanhu Park Stop (南湖公园站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Nanhu Park is Gongnong Square (工农广场站) on line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit A, walk about 500 meters to the west to reach the park.
