Xiaoyaojin Park (逍遥津公园), located in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, is named after the historic “Xiaoyaojin,” the site of a famous battle during the Three Kingdoms period. Originally a ferry crossing on the Feishui River, the park was once a private garden for local officials and landlords during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was converted into a public park in 1949, following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.
The park features a fan-shaped layout, divided naturally into eastern and western sections by water systems. The East Garden is designed for youth and children, offering a variety of recreational facilities ideal for family outings. In contrast, the West Garden focuses on plant landscaping, featuring areas such as Plum Blossom Hill, Peony Garden, and Rhododendron Garden, along with various exotic flowers and scenic pavilions.
Covering an area of 31.3 hectares, with 11.2 hectares of water surface, the park’s most distinctive feature is its lake, which contains islands with pavilions. The park is interconnected by several bridges, including Dujin Bridge, Beijin Bridge, Nanjin Bridge, and Feiqi Bridge, providing access to various attractions within the scenic area.
Table of Contents
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 6.00 – 22.00 (1st May – 31st Ocotber) 6.30 – 21.30 (1st November – 30th April) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0551-62614651 0086-0551-62652163 |
Location and Transportation
Xiaoyaojin Park is located at 16 Shouchun Road, Luyang District, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 2, 85, 106, 137, 155, or 532 and get off at Xiaoyaojin Stop (逍遥津站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Xiaoyaojin Park is Dadongmen (Grand East Gate, 大东门) on line 1 and line 2. After getting out of the station from Exit H, walk about 300 meters to the west to reach the park.
Highlights of Xiaoyaojin Park
Xiaoyao Pavilion (逍遥阁)
Xiaoyao Pavilion is the iconic structure of Xiaoyaojin Park, standing at 22 meters tall with a five-layer design featuring ancient-style architecture. Its dark bronze columns and gray-black windows reflect traditional aesthetics. The second level is surrounded by a horizontal corridor, while the top tier boasts a plaque inscribed with “吴魏遗踪” in gold letters on a black background. This pavilion, embodying Han architectural style, serves as the highest point and best observation deck in the park. Inside, visitors can explore various historical artifacts from the Three Kingdoms period, recounting significant battles and heroic figures, including the renowned Zhang Liao and the formidable Cao Cao. The pavilion also features colorful sculptures depicting famous war tales, such as “Borrowing Arrows with Straw Boats,” along with a large porcelain relief of “The Goddess of the Luo River” and embroidered portraits of Three Kingdoms figures.
Mingjiao Temple (明教寺)
Located in the southern part of the park, Mingjiao Temple, originally known as Iron Buddha Temple, dates back to the Southern Dynasty Liang. The temple fell into disrepair by the end of the Sui Dynasty but was rebuilt during the Tang Dynasty and renamed “Mingjiao Courtyard.” It was later referred to as Mingjiao Temple during the Ming Dynasty. In the winter of 1937, parts of the temple were destroyed by Japanese bombing. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the government allocated funds for its restoration multiple times.
Xiaoyao Lake (逍遥湖)
Xiaoyao Lake covers an expansive area of 168 acres, making up about 40% of the park’s total area and featuring three islands. The northern island hosts Xiaoyao Villa, connected to the shore by stone bridges. The southern island, known as “Snail Island,” and another island believed to be the burial site of Zhang Liao, enhance the lake’s charm. Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake or access the islands via the 71-meter-long Dujin Bridge, which has nine openings. The southeastern corner features an elliptical peninsula with a group of buildings called Xiaoyao Water Pavilion, which includes a square pavilion, promenade, and a Taihu stone rockery. Surrounded by lush greenery, these structures embody the elegance of Ming and Qing architecture. Nearby, the Peony Garden is adorned with vibrant peonies, while a tranquil pool enhances the scenery, complemented by a four-cornered pavilion and fragrant osmanthus and wintersweet plants.
