Harbin Ancient Pear Garden

Harbin Ancient Pear Garden

The predecessor of the Ancient Pear Garden was the Taiping District Nursery, established in 1959 after the seedling farm under the Harbin Municipal Gardening Bureau was transferred to the Construction Section of Taiping District. At that time, the nursery mainly cultivated economic tree species, with over 30,000 trees and shrubs planted, including wild pears, hawthorn trees, and grapes.

In July 1989, the municipal government approved the transformation of the nursery into an open public park by Taiping District. After five years of construction, it opened to the public on October 8, 1994, and was then named Hongwei Park. Covering an area of 9.9 hectares, the park boasted superior ecological conditions with over 25,600 trees of more than 30 species. Among them was a rare wild pear tree native to Heilongjiang Province. It is said that the tree was planted in 1920 when Zhang Zuolin, then serving as the Inspector General of the Three Eastern Provinces, visited the Chinese Eastern Railway Protection Army. With an estimated age of 117 years, a trunk diameter of 70 centimeters, and a beautiful, lush canopy spanning over 300 square meters, the tree resembles a giant green umbrella from afar and a snow-covered mountain in spring. In 1994, it was designated by the Municipal Greening Committee as Harbin’s No. 51 Heritage Tree, enjoying high recognition across the city.

The year 2003 marked the first year of Harbin’s comprehensive initiative to build an ecological garden city. To better advance this effort and create a broader, more beautiful leisure space for residents, the former Taiping District Party Committee and District Government, with the support of the municipal government, decided to invest heavily in renovating the park into an open space. They invited multiple experts and scholars in gardening, horticulture, tourism, history, and environmental art to conduct repeated research and discussions on aspects such as plant selection, landscape design, decorative features, and cultural enrichment. The planning principle of “people-oriented, community-focused living” was established, along with three overall construction concepts: “ethnic flavor, classical style, and ecological harmony.” After several drafts, the final construction plan was approved, and following a rigorous bidding process, the park’s open renovation officially commenced on July 10.

After the renovation began, the construction team overcame numerous challenges, including tight deadlines, heavy workload, and weather delays during the rainy season, completing all tasks on schedule. The project included the construction of 20,336 square meters of new pathways, 12,223 square meters of paved squares, 10 classical-style garden buildings, 30 new sculptural features, and 45 sets of stone tables, stone benches, and wood-like benches. Additionally, three existing pavilions, two arched bridges, and the park management office were refurbished in a classical style. A 6,000-square-meter artificial lake was treated for waterproofing, and 600 linear meters of imitation marble railings were installed. New plantings included 132 wild pear trees, 2,772 square meters of hedges, 47,500 square meters of lawn, and 2,900 flowering plants.

The renovated Ancient Pear Garden is divided into 11 functional zones, featuring over 40 scenic spots: the Main Gate Square, Children’s Fun Zone, Cultural Courtyard, Pear Grove, Topiary Plant Area, Lakeside Activity Zone, Orioles Corridor, Specialty Forest, West Gate Square, Quiet Valley, and Sports & Culture Zone. The iconic rockery at the Main Gate Square depicts rolling mountains and flowing water, exuding grace and beauty. The decorative screen wall, rich in classical charm, frames views and stirs emotion. Passing the screen wall, visitors are greeted by verdant hills, clear waters, elegant pavilions, and a hidden paradise. Inside the Cultural Courtyard, a solemn statue of Confucius and a sundial radiate scholarly elegance. The Pear Grove showcases majestic ancient pear trees alongside a traditional archway. The Specialty Forest allows strolls through fragrant lilac paths and admiration of uniquely shaped trees like the “Sleeping Dragon Elm,” “Sister Trees,” and “Lovers’ Branches,” as well as contemplative views in the “Drunken Forest.” Under the Orioles Corridor, elders enjoy birdwatching, while the Quiet Valley feels like a utopian retreat. By the Tianlai Pavilion, one can listen to birdsong and flowing water, and atop the Cuilin Pavilion, the entire garden vista unfolds. Each step reveals a new scene, captivating visitors with its endless charm, tranquility, and inspiration. Thoughtful inscriptions, sculptures, and decorative features further enrich the cultural atmosphere.

Today’s Ancient Pear Garden is a uniquely charming landscape infused with classical garden aesthetics and rich cultural meaning. Its harmonious blend of garden plants, architecture, water features, sculptures, and decorative elements creates a distinctive attraction that combines visual appeal, educational value, and entertainment.

Location: No. 74 Dayoufang Street, Daowai District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province

Transportation: Take bus No. 14 or 61 in Harbin City and get off at Hongping Residential Area Station, then walk 500 meters to reach the garden.