Xiuhu Park is located in Bishan District, Chongqing Municipality, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The park covers an area of approximately 1,500 mu (about 100 hectares), with a water area of around 500 mu (about 33.3 hectares). Its distinctive feature lies in the integration of natural landscapes with Bayu culture, taking "enjoying water" as the theme to create a unique urban ecological landscape. The park has built a 20-kilometer water-friendly trail, facilitating tourists to walk and enjoy the scenery; it also has more than 800 precious trees, forming a green pattern with scenic views in all four seasons. In addition, the park is equipped with over 30 ancient-style buildings, including pavilions, terraces, towers, waterside pavilions, and long corridors, with a total construction area of about 8,000 square meters, demonstrating a strong classical charm.
History and Culture
Xiuhu Park carries a profound heritage of Bayu culture. Bishan has a long history, and Bayu culture has been inherited and developed here. The architectural style in the park draws on the characteristics of traditional Bayu architecture, with overhanging eaves, upturned corners, and carved beams and painted rafters, reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship of Bayu artisans. At the same time, through landscape ornaments, cultural corridors, and other forms, the park displays Bishan's historical stories, folk legends, and poems. For example, poems about Bishan written by ancient literati are engraved on stone steles in the park, allowing tourists to appreciate the local historical and cultural charm while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Furthermore, the park regularly holds Bayu folk culture activities, such as Sichuan opera performances and folk handicraft exhibitions, to further promote Bayu culture.
Major Scenic Spots
Xiuhu Pavilion
Xiuhu Pavilion is a landmark building of Xiuhu Park, located on the south bank of the park's core water area. It has a total height of approximately 48 meters and 7 floors, with a construction area of about 1,200 square meters. Adopting the architectural style of Jiangnan pavilions in the Ming and Qing dynasties, it features overhanging eaves, upturned corners, and carved beams and painted rafters. The overall color scheme is dominated by vermilion and bright yellow, matched with gray-green tiled roofs, exuding a simple and elegant charm.
Xiuhu Lake
Xiuhu Lake is the core landscape of the park, with a water area of about 500 mu (about 33.3 hectares). The lake water is crystal clear, and the lake surface shimmers in the sunlight, forming a delightful contrast with the surrounding green mountains and trees. There are multiple small islands in the lake, covered with abundant vegetation and inhabited by various bird species. Tourists can take a boat to cruise on the lake and enjoy the landscape of lakes and mountains; they can also stop at the water-friendly platform by the lake to feel the breeze on their faces and watch the fish swimming in the water.
Musical Fountain
The Musical Fountain is located in the core water area of the park, adjacent to the landmark Xiuhu Pavilion. It is an immersive landscape facility integrating sound, light, water, and electricity. The main body of the fountain consists of more than 200 sets of nozzles of different types, covering various water patterns such as high jets, running jets, fan-shaped jets, and rotating jets. The maximum spray height of the core high-jet nozzle can reach 60 meters, equivalent to the height of a 20-story building. The surrounding running jets and fan-shaped jets can form a "water dance" effect according to the rhythm of the music. Cooperated with more than 400 underwater LED colored lights, it can change into 16 colors including red, blue, green, and purple.
Zhuangyuan Bridge
Zhuangyuan Bridge is a landmark stone arch bridge in the park, with a length of about 30 meters and a width of about 5 meters. Its name is derived from the "Zhuangyuan Culture" (Zhuangyuan refers to the top scorer in the imperial examination in ancient China) in Bishan's history. The bridge body is exquisitely carved, and the railings are engraved with traditional auspicious patterns. When tourists walk across Zhuangyuan Bridge, they can not only appreciate the unique beauty of the architecture but also feel the profound cultural heritage of Bishan. Standing on the bridge, one can have a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Xiuhu Lake, making it an ideal spot for taking photos as a souvenir.
Water Street
Water Street is located in the southeast of the park, adjacent to the main Xiuhu Lake and the Ecological Wetland Park. It is a characteristic street focusing on "water-friendly leisure and cultural experience", covering a total area of about 8,000 square meters. The buildings on Water Street adopt the style of Jiangnan water towns, with white walls, gray tiles, and wooden corridor pillars as the main elements. More than 20 shops and cultural experience spaces are scattered here.
Tour Route
After entering the park from the main entrance, tourists can first take the water-friendly trail to Xiuhu Lake to enjoy the lake scenery and optionally take a boat tour on the lake. Then, head to the Misty Rain Corridor to walk and experience the classical charm. After that, pass through Zhuangyuan Bridge and go to the Bayu Culture Exhibition Area to gain an in-depth understanding of the local culture. After visiting the exhibition area, tourists can take a break in the nearby rest area and taste Bishan's specialty foods. Later, continue to visit other areas of the park along the trail, enjoying the flowers, trees, and ancient-style buildings in the park. Finally, leave the park from the nearest exit. The entire tour takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended to visit in spring or autumn, as the weather is mild during these seasons, and the park is full of lush flowers and plants, offering pleasant scenery.
- Bring a camera or mobile phone, as the park has beautiful scenery and many spots suitable for taking photos.
- If you want to have an in-depth understanding of Bayu culture, you can check relevant materials in advance to better understand the content of the exhibition area.
- When tasting food, you can consult local residents for well-reputed restaurants to ensure you taste authentic Bishan specialty foods.
Precautions
- Protect the park environment: do not litter randomly, and do not damage flowers, trees, or public facilities.
- When playing by the lake, pay attention to safety, do not climb over railings, and tourists with children should take good care of them.
- When visiting the park at night, try to go in groups and pay attention to the safety of your personal belongings.
- When taking a boat, follow the instructions of the staff, wear a life jacket, and do not perform dangerous actions.
Transportation
- Bus: In the urban area of Bishan, you can take buses such as Route 103, Route 105, and Route 333 to Xiuhu Park Station, and then you can reach the park.
- Self-driving: Depart from the main urban area of Chongqing, take roads such as the Chengdu-Chongqing Ring Expressway and Daishan Avenue to reach Xiuhu Park. The park has a parking lot to meet the parking needs of self-driving tourists.
Opening Hours
Xiuhu Park is open all year round. Its daily opening hours are from 06:00 to 22:00. Some areas are lit up at night to facilitate tourists to walk and enjoy the scenery after dark.
Tickets
Xiuhu Park is open to the public free of charge, and tourists do not need to buy tickets to enter the park and enjoy the visit.