Zhuozhou Huayang Park

Zhuozhou Huayang Park

Huayang Park is situated in the northwest corner of the urban area, bordered by National Highway 107 to the west, the city swimming pool to the north, the ancient city wall to the south, and residential areas to the east. The park was constructed on the ruins of the ancient Huayang Terrace, taking its name from the historical reference “Huayang.” According to legend, in ancient times, “the Yellow Emperor defeated Chiyou in the wilds of Zhuolu; outside the western valley of the city, a tomb for Chiyou was built, and within the city, the Temple of Xuanyuan was erected. In the southwest of the county town, at Zhantai Village, there was a platform where King Zhao of Yan honored virtuous scholars; in the northwest corner of the city stood the Huayang Terrace, where Prince Dan of Yan hosted a farewell banquet for Jing Ke and the Qin general Fan Yuqi before their mission to assassinate the Qin king. The Duyuan Pavilion marks the spot where Prince Dan saw off Jing Ke to stab the Qin king.” Drawing inspiration from the historical theme of Jing Ke’s assassination attempt on the Qin king, the park reflects the character of a cultural park.

The main gate of the park faces the Beijing–Guangzhou trunk highway, serving as a scenic window to promote the development of an export-oriented economy. The park covers an area of 125.6 mu, including a water surface of 16.5 mu, with green space accounting for 85.5%, buildings for 2.5%, and roads and squares for 10.4%. Huayang Park is located outside the city wall in the northwest corner of Zhuozhou, with the ancient Huayang Terrace (believed to have been a place where the kings of Yan received talented scholars) to its south, hence the name Huayang Park. Construction of the park began in 1987, and it officially opened to visitors on May 1, 1989.

The park’s east gate incorporates the city wall as a borrowed view, designed in the style of an ancient city gate tower. The north gate features flower fields, sculptures, and groves; the west gate offers a distant view of twin towers and rockeries, welcoming visitors with the “Three Friends of Winter”—pine, bamboo, and plum. Within the park are historical relics showcasing Zhuozhou’s ancient culture, such as the ancient Huayang Terrace, city wall towers, and a forest of steles; there is also an activity center dedicated to elderly recreation, as well as a children’s playground, Ferris wheel, swimming pool, and indoor swimming facility. The artificial lake is the centerpiece of Huayang Park, covering a water area of 12,000 square meters. With 300 meters of lakeside and sloped shores, the eastern side features a waterside pavilion extending over the lake; the northern side has a winding bridge leading to the Lotus Pond; the western side includes a white, canopy-style boating dock, which also houses a restaurant and music teahouse; in the center of the lake stands an elegant White Jade Belt Bridge, light and graceful in design. The rockery is located in the northeast part of the park, where an 8-meter-high waterfall cascades down, flowing swiftly into the lake.