Shenyang Labor Park

Shenyang Labor Park

Originally a densely forested woodland, in 1889, after the Russian Empire forcibly occupied Dalian, it began constructing a park here. As the park was located to the west of the then urban area, it was called “West Park.” It was originally named “Tiger Park” because a tiger was once kept here. At that time, it was widely rumored that this tiger had eaten an unidentified international female spy, and from then on, the tiger became famous, and the park, gaining prestige from the tiger, came to be known as “Tiger Park.” In 1905, after Japan occupied Dalian, the park was further expanded. As the urban area expanded westward, this place gradually became the city center, and thus it was renamed “Central Park.” In 1926, Japanese rulers built a “Loyal Spirits Tower” (now the location of the fountain) in the center of the park to house the remains of deceased officers and generals as a “historical relic” for people to “pay respects.” The park gradually fell into disrepair. After liberation, local citizens used their holidays to volunteer in labor, digging and constructing lotus ponds, winding bridges, pavilions in the middle of the pond, etc. To commemorate the public’s enthusiasm for creation, a bluestone stele 4.2 meters high and 1.8 meters wide was erected by the pond, engraved with the six large characters “Labor Creates the World.” From then on, the park was officially named “Labor Park.”

The park is located in downtown Qingniwaqiao, about 500 meters south of the train station, and is the largest modern urban garden in the city that combines sightseeing, amusement, leisure, and cultural activities with a distinct European style. The large architectural art museum in the shape of a soccer ball, known as the “Symbol of Dalian,” is situated within the park. The park emphasizes openness, transparency, and a natural atmosphere. On the spacious square lawns, there are flocks of well-trained pigeons, peacocks, red-crowned cranes, and sika deer freely roaming — such close interaction between humans and animals is truly unique even in China. The newly built amusement park in the southern part of the park is also quite sizable, among which China’s first dry-land sledding track is especially popular with visitors. The canyon rafting ride is the most expensive amusement facility in Labor Park and is also one of the only rafting attractions in Northeast China.

The park features waterside pavilions and towers. The lotus pond has rippling green water with schools of fish swimming beneath and birds such as black swans playing on the surface. The park offers thrilling amusement facilities including roller coasters, jungle mice, space shuttles, and bumper cars. Labor Park frequently hosts major events such as Dalian’s Sophora Flower Festival, Tulip Exhibitions, Chrysanthemum Shows, Fireworks Festivals, and Lunar New Year Lantern Displays. In spring and summer, the grounds are lush with greenery, fragrant with sophora blossoms, brilliant with cherry blossoms, elegant with lotus flowers standing tall, and mysterious with tulips in bloom. In autumn, chrysanthemums bloom vibrantly despite the frost, and during the Lunar New Year, fireworks light up the sky with shimmering colors reflected on the nightscape. The park is generally free to enter, with only nominal fees charged during large events. Despite being located in Dalian’s busiest district, once you step into this 1.02 million square meter park, you instantly feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city — no noise, not even the clear chirps of birds can be heard. Coupled with the various scenic views, it can be described as a rare urban oasis in this bustling coastal city.