Water Park (Dragon Pool Surrounded by Greenery)

Water Park (Dragon Pool Surrounded by Greenery)

Water Park is the largest comprehensive park in Tianjin, located in the southwest of the city proper, covering an area of over 150 hectares. It was built in 1950. In 1989, it was newly rated as one of the "Ten Scenic Spots of Tianjin," with the scenic name "Dragon Pool Surrounded by Greenery." It is a great place for recreation and relaxation for both local citizens and tourists from home and abroad.

As its name suggests, the park excels with its water features. Its water area is about 1.2 times that of the land. Entering the park from the east gate, visitors are greeted with a vast expanse of scenery, where the expansive lake is surrounded by 13 small islands. The islands are dotted with green locust trees, willows, red pavilions, and vermilion towers reflected in the water. Graceful arched bridges, winding bridges, corridors, and railings connect the islands, while willow-lined shores and peach-tree embankments further divide the water surface into three major areas: East Lake, West Lake, and South Lake. Sightseeing boats carry visitors across the water, while small boats drift on the lake carrying couples. Near the shore, lotus flowers and water lilies float on the surface.

Strolling along the embankment to explore the park’s attractions, you’ll find a nearly 200-meter-long corridor lying horizontally to the north just inside the entrance. North of the corridor is the children’s sports ground. Walking westward along the Peach and Willow Embankment leads you to the Cultural Square at the heart of the park. Across the water, you can see the Lotus Pavilion and Lakeside Pavilion. Passing through the Five-Bend Bridge, you’ll come to a 27-meter-high, uniquely designed Viewing Garden Pavilion atop an earthen hill. It’s the highest point in the entire park. From here, you can take in the full panorama of Water Park. The central island of West Lake, the Jade Bridge, Pipa Island, and the distant Dengying Tower on the opposite shore create a picturesque scene. Descending from the Viewing Garden Pavilion and crossing the double-curved arch bridge to the south, and then passing by Dengying Tower and the Vast Sky area, you’ll arrive at the zoo, the southernmost highlight of the park. The zoo showcases over 100 species of rare animals and birds, making it the most captivating attraction. In the monkey enclosure, monkeys of all sizes climb and play, competing for apples tossed by visitors. In the gorilla house, the great apes occasionally roar at people. The fierce mandrills might flash a rather grotesque grin. African elephants use their long trunks to pick up grass and eat it. Giraffes hold their heads high, casting friendly glances at visitors. African hippos lie in the pool, showing only their unattractive noses and eyes. In Lion and Tiger Mountain, African lions and Siberian tigers pace in their enclosures, occasionally letting out roars that seem to shake the earth. In the bear enclosure, clumsy bears stand upright and open their mouths to catch bread pieces thrown by visitors. In the panda house, giant pandas munch on bamboo leaves. In the rare birds’ garden, male peacocks, upon seeing girls in colorful dresses, spread their dazzling tail feathers to compete for beauty and wish visitors good fortune. In this kingdom of rare animals, visitors will forget their fatigue and worries.

On the way back from the zoo, you might wonder why the park is named "Dragon Pool Surrounded by Greenery." It turns out that this body of water is called Qinglong Pool (Dragon Pool). According to local folklore, a green dragon that managed rainfall for the drought-stricken Tianjin region angered the Dragon King by bringing rain to save the people. The Dragon King beheaded the dragon above Liqizhuang, and the dragon’s body poured forth a clear spring here, forming this large blue pool. Ever since, it has been called Qinglong Pool. After the pool was turned into a park, the islands became lush with blue and green hues, while the lotus leaves floated on the fragrant waters. Hence, the name "Dragon Pool Surrounded by Greenery" is not only fitting but also vividly beautiful.

Dragon boats are available for tours on the pool. After visiting the zoo, taking a ride on a dragon boat to enjoy the lake view is a delightful experience. There are two dragon boats, each 15.4 meters long, 3.66 meters wide, and 1.05 meters high. The dragon head and tail are integrated with the hull, which is made of fiberglass, while the back of the dragon features a wooden structure resembling an ancient pavilion. The pavilion has towers at both ends, with yellow-painted roofs imitating glazed tiles. Inside the corridor, the ceiling is adorned with colorful paintings depicting folk stories and myths, including a central piece showing four dragons playing with a pearl. The pavilion and corridor are styled like imperial palaces, resplendent and magnificent. The bow of the boat is adorned with two golden pillars entwined with dragons, with vividly crafted dragon horns, whiskers, and eyes. The boat accommodates 60 passengers. Powered by batteries, it produces no pollution or noise. Sitting on the chairs, visitors can listen to music while enjoying views of the arched bridges, Red Lotus Island, Blue Wave Villa, and Kobe Garden. The entire cruise takes about seven minutes. Riding the dragon boat is comfortable and safe, offering a chance to appreciate the charm of the water scenery and spend a delightful moment.

Suggested Duration

2–3 hours

Transportation

Take bus routes 643, 872, or Sightseeing Route 2 and get off at Water Park Station for direct access; take bus routes 35, 668, 705, 857, 871, or 879 and get off at Water Park East Gate Station, then walk about 100 meters to reach the park. During holidays, the park gets very crowded, so driving is not recommended due to limited parking.

Ticket

Free admission to the park; amusement facilities cost between 10–30 RMB each; zoo ticket is 30 RMB (20 RMB for students, free for children under 1.2 meters, active-duty military, police, and disabled visitors with valid ID)

Opening Hours

7:00-21:00

Location

No. 33 North Shuishang Park Road, Nankai District, Tianjin (near the Meteorological Observatory)