Nanjing Nanlian Park

Nanjing Nanlian Park

Nanlian Park is situated within the residential area of the Nanjing Refinery in Qixia District, covering an area of 4.5 hectares. It was built in May 1986 as a factory-affiliated park of the Nanjing Refinery. All garden structures in the park were constructed using carved beams and wooden-stone frameworks, with an investment of over one million yuan. The park was completed in May 1986 and officially opened free of charge to employees’ families and the public. The completed park is nestled against mountains and beside water, covering an area of 3.7 hectares, including a water area of 0.65 hectares. Initially named Yuyuan (Pleasure Garden), it was officially renamed Nanlian Park in 1989. After 1992, an additional investment of over one million yuan was made to expand the park’s area and enhance its facilities. The park now spans 4.5 hectares, with gradually improved functions, becoming an important recreational and leisure destination for over 30,000 employees and their families.

Nanlian Park is lush with green trees and blooming flowers, featuring nearly 30 types and over 10,000 plants and trees, including many ornamental varieties such as crabapple, white hydrangea, cherry blossoms, azaleas, roses, plum blossoms, willows, osmanthus, ginkgo, dragon cypress, and peach blossoms. In spring, peach blossoms and willows turn red and green by the pond, while crabapples bloom brilliantly; in summer, the fragrance of lotus flowers wafts through the water; in golden autumn, the sweet scent of osmanthus fills the air on the hills; and in the cold winter, wintersweet braves the frost and snow. With green mountains, clear waters, leaping fish, and chirping birds, the park’s architecture blends seamlessly with nature, offering delightful and breathtaking scenery.

Upon entering the park gate, you’ll see a 5-meter-long and 4.5-meter-high rock screen in the shape of a rockery. Winding around the rockery screen are three small bridges. Directly facing the gate and backed by the water is the Shuanghui Pavilion. The two-story pavilion has a steady, simple, and dignified design, with its western and southern sides adjacent to the water. Its roof is covered with yellow glazed tiles, and its upturned eaves give it a majestic appearance. In 1988, Jiangsu Audio-Visual Publishing House produced the TV series "Emperor Qianlong’s Journey to the South," and scenes from the episodes "Qianlong’s Dream Quest" and "Qianlong’s Love and Hate" were filmed here. To the north of the pavilion is a connected 100-meter-long corridor that winds from east to west along the lake. The corridor features two waterside pavilions and one corner tower, with nine stone tables and 36 stone benches. The western pavilion is half by the water and half against the shore. There are also maidens’ railings around for visitors to sit, rest, and enjoy the view — this spot offers one of the best perspectives in the park.

To the west of the Shuanghui Pavilion, across the relatively open lake area, runs a zigzag bridge from east to west. In the middle of the bridge stands a hexagonal pavilion, beneath which flows the “Sound of Flowing Water.” Whenever water passes by, it produces a natural rhythm that surpasses the sound of stringed instruments. Looking south from the pavilion, the water meets the sky, and a stone boat faces the shore, lifelike in appearance. When a breeze brushes by, the ripples shimmer, making the boat appear to glide gently, exuding a serene charm. If you pause on the zigzag bridge and lean on the railing for a closer look, the pool water is crystal clear, dotted with some lotus flowers. Colorful fish swim and gather, leaping playfully, captivating all who watch. The paths around the lake lead to tranquil spots, where the surrounding rocks, trees, pavilions, towers, and waterside shelters create a beautiful interplay of views and reflections. The water reflections are picturesque, offering a uniquely charming scene. This is the main part of the park.

Located in the southwest corner is Plum Blossom Hill, which features a delicate and steep form. To its east stretches a lush, hundred-meter-long wisteria trellis. Climbing up the stone steps, you’ll find over a hundred plum trees planted on the southern side of the hill. When the plum blossoms are in full bloom, their subtle fragrance drifts through the air, exuding a noble and elegant charm. At the Waterfall Cliff, a hanging waterfall cascades into the pool at the mountaintop, where rocks emerge from the water and droplets fall, nourishing various plants scattered among the mountain valleys. The cool, secluded valley offers a refreshing retreat. At the hill’s summit stands the Five-Dragon Pavilion, adjacent to a lotus fountain pool. It is the highest point in the park. From here, you can overlook the entire factory area in front of the hill and enjoy a clear view of the Yangtze River.

Transportation Guide

Address: No. 5, Nanlian 7th Road, Qixia District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province

Getting There: Take the Nanqi Line bus within Nanjing City and get off at the Nanjing Refinery stop.