Zhishan Park

Zhishan Park

About half a kilometer south of Cixi’s urban area lies Zhishan Park. It gets its name from the two peaks standing opposite each other within the park. Covering an area of 23 hectares, it is the largest comprehensive park in the Ningbo area. The park was first built in 1985, planned and designed by Tongji University in Shanghai and the Hangzhou Landscape Architecture Design Institute. After more than a year of intensive construction, it opened to the public on New Year’s Day in 1987.

The entire park is divided into northern and southern sections by the mountain ridge that connects the two peaks: the southern section is mainly for leisure, with garden architecture following traditional styles—simple and elegant; the northern section is primarily for amusement, with buildings emphasizing a modern vibe that harmonizes with the nearby urban streetscape. As a result, the park combines activity with tranquility, strength with softness. Moreover, by making full use of the naturally undulating terrain in its landscape design, the park achieves a well-balanced layout with varied density, smooth transitions, strategic reveals and conceals. The vegetation is based on the original pines, bamboos, maples, and bayberries, with appropriate additions and adjustments to ensure that each season has its own distinctive charm. All of this makes the entire park a world of beauty.

On the two opposing peaks of Zhishan, there are the Xiaofeng Pavilion and the Zhandian Pavilion, providing visitors with places to rest and gaze into the distance. Standing here and looking north, you’ll see fields crisscrossed with paths, the land covered in golden and green hues, vast and boundless; the city is dotted with high-rises, its streets lined with rows of green shade. At night, the urban area glows with countless lights, twinkling like stars, creating an even more breathtaking view. It could be said: a panoramic feast of beauty near and far, a seasonal panorama to savor at leisure. Stepping out of the Zhishan scenery painted with green mountains, clear waters, white bridges, and red pavilions, and passing through the gate towers flanked by twin peaks, you’ll see the Lizi Lake at the foot of the mountain, its waters rippling gently; hear the laughter and cheers from the children’s playground, and can’t help but exclaim: the land leaves behind its wonders, and we are in our prime of life to enjoy them.