Hefei City Ring Park

Hefei City Ring Park

The City Ring Park surrounds the old urban area of Hefei and encircles the moat. In the 1950s, the city walls were removed to construct a ring road, and afforestation was carried out. The park was built starting in 1980, with a total length of 8.7 kilometers and a total area of 137.6 hectares. It is an open linear park based on the original green belt around the city, designed with an open layout and incorporating landscaping art, embellished with garden architecture and rockery features.

The City Ring Park is divided into the South Ring and North Ring by Changjiang Road, which runs east-west through the city, forming six major scenic areas: West Hill, Milky Way, Baohe, East Ring, West Ring, and North Ring. The main entrance of the park is located between Ma’anshan Road outside the eastern gate and East Ring East Road, where a large Nine Lions Sculpture Plaza serves as a landmark of Hefei. The nine lions stand proudly, symbolizing Hefei’s vibrant growth and its warm welcome to guests from all over, as well as representing the courage and confidence of this ancient yet youthful city to embrace the essence of nature.

Walking west from the Nine Lions Plaza, you will soon arrive at the Baohe Scenic Area. Baohe is a section of the old city’s moat. Legend has it that when the upright official Bao Zheng retired, Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty granted him this stretch of the moat in recognition of his great contributions to the court, hence the name Baohe. The water here is expansive, with several small islands dotting the river, surrounded by clear waters. The largest island is Fuzhuang, which is only 20 centimeters above the water surface, resembling a giant lotus leaf floating on the water. On spring and autumn mornings, mist lingers over the river, and the pink walls, black tiles, pavilions, and towers of Fuzhuang appear ethereal and dreamlike, like a mirage, stirring the heart.

West of the Baohe Scenic Area lies the Milky Way Scenic Area. Standing on the Tongcheng Road Bridge, which spans the Milky Way area, you can take in the full beauty of the Milky Way.

The Milky Way Scenic Area centers around water, scattered with flowers, plants, rockeries, lush woods, and bamboo, complemented by garden architecture in the Jiangnan style. The entire scenic area boasts beautiful scenery and open views, with artificial landscapes blending seamlessly with natural elements—though man-made, they seem naturally formed. The Yingxi Pavilion at the western end of the riverbank is the highlight of this area.

The West Hill Scenic Area lies west of the Milky Way Scenic Area and features three main attractions: first is the Botanical Garden, surrounded by dense trees and lush greenery. Throughout the groves and lawns, you can find various animal sculptures such as pandas, giraffes, lions, elephants, and tigers. Second is Yuhuatai (Rain Flower Pond), adjacent to the famous Daoxianglou (Fragrant Rice Tower), where thousands of egrets nest in the surrounding woods. When foraging, they circle above West Hill like blossoms scattered by heavenly maidens. With blue water, blue sky, flying egrets, fish swimming near the surface, and people enjoying the water, it forms a picturesque scene. Third is the Daoxiang Amusement Park, which offers not only common recreational activities but also thrilling motorboat rides that attract many brave young visitors.