Changshan Mingzhu Garden

Changshan Mingzhu Garden

Mingzhu Garden is situated in Changshan Town, Songyuan City, Jilin Province, on the east side of the Changshan Thermal Power Plant. The power plant was built in 1969, and for over 30 years, it has illuminated and warmed the earth and its people like the sun, quietly supporting the advancement of Jilin’s power sector and the prosperity of Songyuan’s economy. Like a resplendent pearl, it shines brilliantly across the grasslands — a name that inspired the title of Changshan Mingzhu Garden. The area boasts pleasant scenery and beautiful landscapes.

Changshan Mingzhu Garden was initially constructed in 1988 with funding from the Changshan Thermal Power Plant and was originally named Shuishang Park. To better leverage its geographical advantages and accelerate tourism development, the power plant funded a comprehensive renovation in 2001, renaming it Mingzhu Garden. It is now managed by the Mingzhu Industrial Company of the Changshan Thermal Power Plant. Covering an area of 2.2 square kilometers, including 1.4 square kilometers of water surface and over 10,000 square meters of green space, the park features 16 functional zones. These include historical education, outdoor survival, catering services, garden landscapes, modern amusement, lotus viewing, plant observation, boating and fishing, and winter sports. The entire garden combines the ambiance of modern civilization with the elegance of Suzhou-style gardens, emphasizing leisure, entertainment, education, fitness, and hands-on experience. The 16 functional zones collectively present a space where modernity meets classical Suzhou garden charm.

Upon entering the main gate of Mingzhu Garden, the first thing you see is a couplet inlaid in yellow marble that reads: “The lake and mountain scenery of this frontier plain surpasses that of the south; the ancient lands of Liao and Jin welcome guests with pavilions above emerald waters.”

Stepping through the main gate and standing in the Theme Square of the Star of Hope offers a panoramic view of the entire garden. The “Star of Hope” sculpture features gracefully curved steel pillars adorned with gleaming pearls, set against the backdrop of a rippling artificial lake — symbolizing the hopeful and bright future of the people of Changshan. The square is surrounded by blooming flowers and lush green lawns, exuding solemnity and dignity. When night falls, soft lights from lawn lamps and streetlights illuminate the area. Visitors can rest on benches along the paths, whisper by the lakeside or on the grass, feeling embraced by nature — comfortable, delightful, and full of joy.

To the east of the park lies a stele inscribed in Manchu and Mongolian scripts from the Qing Dynasty, to the west is the boating and amusement area, to the south is the Suzhou-style garden zone, and to the north are go-kart and fishing platforms, all encircling an artificial lake. On the lake, lifelike statues depict the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, while a suspension bridge connects them cleverly to a small waterfall. This blends the rugged magnificence of northern gardens with the delicate intricacy of southern ones — showcasing craftsmanship, ingenuity, wonder, and endless variation. It also fuses garden art with literary artistry, infusing the entire landscape with profound meaning.

Changshan Town: Established in 1980, Changshan Town governs 6 administrative villages, 28 communities, 3 subdistrict offices, and 33 neighborhood committees. The town has a population of 38,441, including 29,035 urban residents and 9,406 agricultural residents. It covers an area of 59.5 square kilometers, with an urban area spanning 4.17 square kilometers and cultivated land totaling 1,864 hectares. Three major state-owned enterprises — the Changshan Thermal Power Plant, Changshan Fertilizer Plant, and Jilin Oilfield Xinli Oil Extraction Plant — are located within the town.

Since the reform and opening up, especially in recent years, the town has united as one, steadfastly focusing on economic… [Changshan Town detailed information++]