Nanjing Chrysanthemum Terrace Park

Nanjing Chrysanthemum Terrace Park

Chrysanthemum Terrace Park is situated at Shizigang outside Zhonghua Gate, extending along both sides of Lenin Dan Road. It borders Ningwu Road to the west, Yuhua West Road to the north, and adjoins a sand and gravel site and a funeral parlor within the Dongxiang Flower Production Team of Tieshuiqiao Township to the south. The park spans a total area of 22.41 hectares, including 1,314 square meters of water surface, with a green space ratio of 93.9%. It is a memorial park under the jurisdiction of Yuhuatai District. The terrain of Chrysanthemum Terrace consists of hills, with the highest point reaching an elevation of 62.4 meters. Since ancient times, it has been a scenic area in the southern suburbs of Jinling (Nanjing), renowned for its abundant chrysanthemum cultivation. Legend has it that when Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty traveled to the south of the Yangtze River, he passed by this area during golden autumn. He was captivated by the breathtaking scenery of the hills shimmering with golden and jade-like hues, and thus joyfully named it “Chrysanthemum Terrace.”

After the Nationalist Government established its capital in Nanjing, it developed this site into Andemen Park. In late 1937 (the 26th year of the Republic of China), when Nanjing fell to Japanese occupation, the invading Japanese army erected the “Loyal Memorial Stele” and “Loyal Memorial Pavilion” here to commemorate their war dead. In May 1946, the Nationalist Government demolished the stele and pavilion built by the Japanese army. On September 3, 1947 (the 36th year of the Republic of China), the Nationalist Government buried the remains of nine diplomats stationed in the Philippines who were killed by the Japanese here, renaming the site Zhonglie (Loyal and Martyred) Park. A plaque inscribed with “Nanjing Zhonglie Park” was unveiled. The martyrs’ cemetery covers an area of 800 square meters, with cypress trees planted along the pathways and photinia, privet, and cypress surrounding the gravesite. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the site was handed over to Xuanwu Lake Park for management. Following the establishment of the Yuhuatai Martyrs' Cemetery in 1950, it came under the cemetery's administration. It suffered damage during the Cultural Revolution and was once left unattended.

In 1982, Tianlong Temple Forest Farm merged with Chrysanthemum Terrace Park, and the park was officially named Chrysanthemum Terrace Park. The park’s area expanded to include historical sites such as the pagoda forest, temples, and Yuru Spring, enriching its tourist attractions. Between 1981 and 1983, over 70 varieties of bamboo were introduced and arranged by species, marking the initial development of a specialized chrysanthemum and bamboo garden. After hosting its first chrysanthemum exhibition in 1984, the park further expanded its chrysanthemum cultivation and adopted new cultivation techniques. From 1991 onward, chrysanthemum exhibitions were held annually. The bamboo garden now covers an area of 1.6 hectares and features numerous premium bamboo varieties such as purple bamboo, filial piety bamboo, and Xiangfei bamboo, becoming a distinctive feature of the park’s landscaping. Additionally, various flowers and trees have been planted on the park’s slopes, forming impressive groves such as cedar forests, cherry blossom woods, plum groves, and osmanthus woods.

Address: No. 27, Ningdan Road, Yuhuatai District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take bus routes 75, 88, 94, 111, 113, 171, etc., in Nanjing City and get off at Chrysanthemum Terrace Park Station.