Lushun Botanical Garden

Lushun Botanical Garden

Lushun Botanical Garden was first built in 1902 during the Russian rule period and is the earliest garden constructed in the Dalian area. It is located in the Sun Valley Scenic Area, one of Dalian’s top ten scenic spots, with Lushun Stadium to the south and Lushun Zoo and Lushun Museum to the north.

During the Japanese occupation, it was named “Kōrakuen.” After Japan’s surrender in 1945, it was renamed “Liberation Park” and directly managed by the Soviet Army. When the Soviet troops withdrew in 1955, it was handed over to the local garrison for management. In 1983, following a decision by the State Council and the Central Military Commission, it was transferred from military to civilian control and officially named “Lushun Botanical Garden.” The garden covers an area of 40,000 square meters with a formal, square-shaped layout. The main entrance faces north, with additional east, south, and west gates. The stone base walls are 80 cm high, topped with cast iron railings, bringing the total wall height to 1.8 meters.

The garden is home to more than 160 valuable trees. Among them is a century-old London plane tree (Platanus × acerifolia), the largest of its kind in Northeast China to date. Other notable species include purple-leaf plum, cedar, redwood, golden rain tree, smoketree, Chinese juniper, wintersweet, crabapple, pearl bush, and arborvitae. In the southeast part of the garden, within a stand of Zelkova serrata, eight large, beautifully shaped flower stands have been built, covering a total area of 1,200 square meters. Over 41,600 varieties of flowers and plants are planted here, along with more than 2,000 square meters of turf and over 2,500 square meters of green space. Weeping willows and dragon king willows line both sides of the walking paths. Evergreen trees are scattered throughout the garden, covering its landscape. In the northeast corner stands a large rockery; climbing up the rockery leads to a uniquely styled octagonal pavilion. Inside the pavilion, a stone table and drum-shaped stone stools are placed at the center, while symmetric wooden benches line the edges, offering visitors a place to rest and enjoy panoramic views of the garden.

The octagonal pavilion is nestled among lush cypresses and greenery, with eight red wooden pillars supporting a yellow wooden roof, creating a very elegant appearance. Diagonally opposite in the southwest corner is a three-part interconnected lotus pond. An arched bridge spans the pond. The water is crystal clear, reflecting the green trees, blue sky, and white clouds, giving a serene and comforting aesthetic. The best time to visit the botanical garden is from May to October. However, you might also consider visiting when there's light snow in the north, to experience the striking contrast of green leaves against the snow.