Quanzhou East Lake Park

Quanzhou East Lake Park

Quanzhou East Lake Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Quanzhou East Lake Park is located in the northeast corner of Quanzhou’s urban area, facing Qingyuan Mountain to the north, overlooking the Sacred Tombs of Ling Mountain to the east, adjacent to suburban villages to the south, and connected to the commercial district to the west. It is known as the location of the “pearl of the carp city” and is the site of one of the original top ten scenic spots of Quanzhou — “Fragrance of Lotus in Star Lake.” During the Tang Dynasty, the lake covered more than 40 hectares, connecting the Jin River to the East Sea, with layers of verdant hills, and the lake surface misty with ripples. There were the “Two Lords Pavilion” and “East Lake Pavilion” in the Tang Dynasty, with poetry describing “ten miles of blue waves bordering ancient pavilions.” Rainbow bridges were built, adorned with elegant trees, shimmering with radiance, making it an ideal place for banquets and outings. The Song Dynasty saw the “Bo’en Pavilion,” and the Ming Dynasty the “Ancient View Pavilion.” Since the time when Governor Xi Xiang of the Tang Dynasty’s Zhenyuan era hosted a banquet for eight scholars, including Ouyang Zhan, who were heading to the imperial examinations at the East Lake Pavilion, the park gradually gained fame and became a renowned tourist destination.

During the Song and Ming Dynasties, the lake was dredged twice, and seven mounds were built in the lake resembling the Big Dipper stars. The lake was densely planted with lotuses, thus forming the scenic beauty of “Fragrance of Lotus in Star Lake.” Over the following centuries, historical changes led to the neglect of the lake area, with all structures disappearing. This left the historically and culturally significant city of Quanzhou, also a famous hometown of overseas Chinese, without a single park — a historical regret. Building East Lake Park became an urgent wish for the people of Quanzhou. After the liberation, successive governments proposed reconstructing the park several times but failed to do so due to various reasons. It was not until 1990 that the Quanzhou Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, responding to public sentiment, decided to rebuild the park. Construction began in November 1991, and the park officially opened during the Spring Festival of 1994.

The park covers an area of 308 mu, including 115 mu of water. With the central lake as the core, it features cultural highlights around the lake — “Fragrance of Lotus in Star Lake” (the central axis) and “Phoenix-Praying Pavilion” (the highest point), along with the “Seven Stars Embracing the Moon,” “Two Lords Pavilion,” “East Lake Pavilion,” “Ancient View Pavilion,” and “Bo’en Pavilion,” creating a serene rest area as the quiet zone. There is also an entertainment and service zone — the “lively” area — consisting of a children’s playground, boat dock, and “Twin Boats Facing the Sun.” Additionally, based on the cultural landscapes of each scenic spot, 16 plant landscapes, garden features, and lawns were created, such as “Hundred Carp Square,” “Stone Spring Pine Screen,” “Star Lake Lawn,” “Friendship Grove,” “Autumn Fruit Garden,” and “Fragrant Lotus Field.” Twelve scenic rockeries and 9,490.03 square meters of forest paths in various styles were laid out. The green coverage in the park exceeds 85%, with 65,000 square meters of sod laid. The planting primarily uses local tree species, with nearly 20,000 trees and approximately 45,000 shrubs and flowers planted. To provide flowers, plants, and seedlings for landscaping throughout the seasons, a 3.5-mu nursery base was also established. The plant landscapes draw inspiration from natural patterns and principles, resulting in a natural, harmonious, and novel scenery. The reconstructed park is primarily based on the architectural culture of southern Fujian, incorporating landscape art from both domestic and international gardens, and fully showcasing the essence of Quanzhou’s ancient architecture and its world-renowned stone carvings and engravings. Each scenic spot has a unified style while also possessing its own historical and artistic characteristics. It not only inherits the cultural heritage of the historic city and revives the “Fragrance of Lotus in Star Lake” site but also infuses a modern vibe, reflecting the glory of the “Maritime Silk Road” and the “Cultural Capital by the Sea.” After several years of construction,

although the plan has not been fully completed, the park has already taken initial shape and become a rare and beloved green oasis in the city.

Scenic Spot Location

No. 448, Wenling North Road, Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province