Dalian Botanical Garden

Dalian Botanical Garden

Dalian Botanical Garden was first established in 1920 under the name "Nanshanlu Park." In 1930, it was renamed "Miyakokeike Park." After the liberation, it underwent renovation on May 14, 1950, and was renamed "Nanshan Park." On September 5, 1966, the memorial monument of Mr. Lu Xun was relocated from the former Dalian Zoo to this site, and the park was renamed again as "Lu Xun Park." On July 21, 1980, to align with the development of horticulture, the park was officially named "Botanical Garden," a name it has retained to this day.

Covering an area of 32.4 hectares, the garden boasts rich vegetation supported by horticultural research. It features representative tree species from the northern part of the temperate summer-green broad-leaved forest zone and the deciduous oak forest subzone. Throughout the four seasons, the park is covered with a variety of plants. In spring, winter jasmine and lilacs fill the air with fragrance. In summer, the blooming of locust flowers leads a riot of blossoms. In autumn, the garden is painted with hues of tender yellow ginkgo leaves and bright red maple foliage. Even in winter, various pines and cypresses remain lush and stand proudly in the cold. The eastern part of the park features a pond covering over 7,000 square meters, named "Yingsong Pool" and commonly known as "Nanda Bay." The pond is a playground for children—splashing at the edge, watching tadpoles up close, or skipping stones. It’s also a favored spot for elderly anglers who find peace while fishing from the shore. The pond's banks are most frequented by couples; as dusk falls, hand in hand they stroll along the embankment, enjoying the poetic charm of "willows by the water and the waning moon." In the southern part of the park stands the Lu Xun Memorial Monument, flanked solemnly by pines and cypresses. Visitors can pause quietly before the monument, close their eyes in meditation, feel the spirit of "frowning in defiance of a thousand pointing fingers," and appreciate the humility of "bending one's head to serve as a willing ox for the people."

Upon entering the garden, the noise of the outside world is shut out by the lush greenery. Everywhere is tranquil—you speak in hushed tones, not wanting to disturb others. The traces of human intervention are minimal, allowing nature to thrive freely. The unspoiled beauty of the landscape is everywhere, making this garden a hidden gem on the northern slope of Dalian’s Nanshan foothills.