Donggao Park

Donggao Park

Donggao Park is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Donggao refers to Donggao Mountain (commonly known as Dongling), which runs from north to south and has an elevation of 170 meters. According to the Qing Dynasty's Daoguang-era "Yishui County Annals": "To the east of Baoshan is Luogushan; to the southeast of Luogushan and east of the county seat lies Donggao Mountain. The Confucian school is at its western foot, further west is the current county seat, and beyond that flows the Yishui River." "To the southwest of Mashan (2.5 kilometers northeast of the county town) is Donggao Mountain, … the mountain range originates far from Yishan and near from Xueshan, with a branch called Zoumaling, winding southward, rising and falling in succession, forming the border between Ju and Yishui."

Before liberation, structures such as the Jade Emperor Pavilion, Wenchang Pavilion, a Christian church, and large and small Wenfeng Pagodas were built on Donggao Mountain. At that time, there were no residences on the mountain, which was covered with lush pines and cypresses that remained green all year round. On clear days, when the sun was setting, sunlight reflecting off the Yishui River would illuminate the mountain, casting a dazzling array of colorful clouds that shimmered mysteriously—creating a breathtaking view hence named "Donggao Evening Glow."

Donggao Park is located in the center of Yishui County, situated on Donggao Ridge in Yishui. It derives its name from the "Donggao Evening Glow," one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Yishui. It borders Zhengyang Road to the south, Health Road to the north, Chang’an Road to the east, and connects to the bustling Center Street to the west. It echoes with the large and small Yishui River Parks and Wetland Parks that encircle the city, covering a total area of over 600 acres. The site features numerous cultural relics and historic sites, such as the "Donggao Evening Glow," the "Transparent Plaque," and the "Large and Small Wenfeng Pagodas."

The park includes various sections such as the East Gate, South Gate, Stone Garden, Children’s Playground, Artificial Lake, Monkey Hill, Deer Pavilion, Bird Pavilion, Amusement Center, pavilions, and a maze. In the northeast corner of the park, a marble sculpture of Li Kui fighting a tiger has been erected. In 1998, reconstruction began on the Donggao Wenfeng Pagoda (located at the highest point of the park, where the original Jade Emperor Pavilion stood). The pagoda has 11 stories and stands 56.8 meters tall. By December 1999, the main structure of the Wenfeng Pagoda was completed. A 1,556-meter-long asphalt loop road was laid around the park. Over 140 species of flowers and trees, totaling hundreds of thousands of plants, were planted. For nine consecutive years, successful Spring Festival and Lantern Festival light exhibitions as well as six Bird Competitions were held. A restaurant was also established. The Children’s Playground offers dozens of kid-friendly rides including swings, slides, and electric airplanes. With its prime location, convenient transportation, dense vegetation, and beautiful environment, it serves as a natural urban oxygen bar and an ideal spot for recreation and relaxation.

Donggao Evening Glow

Yang Guangpu

Sitting late at Donggao, the sun has declined; Remaining light red reflects on the blue cloud pile.

Sea mist rises without rain above the woods; Wildfire glows without smoke beyond the birds.

Leaning on my cane, I see the poet depart; A cowherd comes as his ox is urged to start.

Tomorrow I’ll enjoy good wine, truly fine— I won’t come back till dusk has tinged the brim.

Scenes at Donggao

Yang Guangpu

Avoiding worldly fame, I live carefree; Every day I’m drunk or sober here, you see.

Gazing on the cloud-kissed hills, my soul takes flight; Crowing cocks and barking dogs sound far and near.

Ice forms layer by layer by the stream so cold; The sky clears slowly after clouds unfold.

They say the scenery under Wangxian Bridge is fair; I wonder when I’ll go there just to stare.

Donggao Evening Glow

Dang Baoxiu

I recall how high the riverbanks once stood; Now it sits right in our town, so good.

Roads run through, connecting north and south with grace; Pagodas rise, marking east and west their place.

By day, a lake spills gold and silver bright; At night, ten thousand lamps shine warm and light.

Sunset glow reflects in the clear mirror lake; My heart is one with my old friends’ at stake.