Zima Ridge Park

Zima Ridge Park

Zima Ridge Park is situated on the south side of Zhongshan Third Road in Zhongshan City, spanning 88.5 hectares. It is the largest suburban park in Guangdong Province and hosts large-scale famous flower exhibitions in Zhongshan. With a rich history, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was a popular spot for the affluent youth to engage in horseback activities. Legend has it that a renowned steed was buried here, giving the park its name "Zima Ridge" (Purple Horse Ridge), which is now open to the public. It is an urban park where natural craftsmanship blends with human design, and leisure coexists with ecology. Zima Ridge is the former site of "Tianchi Jihe," one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Xiangshan." The air is fresh, and the scenery is delightful.

The highlight of Zima Ridge lies in its combination of natural and man-made beauty, making it a suburban park that emphasizes both recreation and ecology. The park consists of thirteen gardens and one large bird-watching area, with different exhibitions and performances held during various holidays. Upon entering the main gate, you are greeted by the "Gallop of the Purple Horses" sculpture, in front of which lies a 70-meter-long fountain. Strolling through the park, you’ll find a new view at every step, offering an overwhelming feast for the eyes. The park features over a dozen scenic spots and recreational areas, including the Cliff Carving Garden, Hundred Flowers Garden, Celebrity Trees, Bamboo Garden, Wilderness Garden, Sculpture Garden, Spring Garden, Summer Garden, Autumn Garden, Winter Garden, "Yingming Valley," Shade Plants Garden, Aquatic Plants Garden, Water Garden, and Children’s Playground.

At the north gate of the park stands the bronze round sculpture "Gallop of the Purple Horses," symbolizing Zhongshan’s leap in development. A 70-meter-long fountain sparkles with rippling blue water, complemented by colorful lights. The park houses over a dozen attractions and recreational sites, such as the Cliff Carving Garden, Hundred Flowers Garden, Celebrity Trees, Bamboo Garden, Wilderness Garden, Sculpture Garden, Spring Garden, Summer Garden, Autumn Garden, Winter Garden, "Yingming Valley," Shade Plants Garden, Aquatic Plants Garden, Water Garden, and Children’s Playground. When visiting Zhongshan, Zima Ridge Park is a must-see. The park has four entrances, with the north gate connecting to the city’s main thoroughfare as the primary entrance. There are over 20 scenic spots and one large bird area, all neatly arranged. Entering from the north gate, the symbolic "Gallop of the Purple Horses" garden sculpture welcomes you, alongside the 70-meter-long fountain shimmering under colored lights. In the center of the pool stands a giant stainless steel lotus ball representing Zhongshan’s reform and opening-up, gleaming brilliantly. As you walk through the park, the Cliff Carving Garden showcases vivid calligraphy and poetry, while the Hundred Flowers Garden bursts with blossoms and fragrances throughout the seasons. The Celebrity Trees Garden features trees planted by notable figures, setting an inspiring example. The Lychee Garden is filled with "Concubine Smile" lychees, a renowned fruit of Lingnan. The Wilderness Garden offers a rustic mountain vibe, while the Koi Pond dazzles with vibrant colors. The Spring Garden is ablaze with peach blossoms, the Water Garden bustles with boating activity, and the Lotus Pool features the Water-Moon Guanyin statue, gently bestowing blessings. The autumn and winter sections shift with the seasons, maintaining their green and red hues, exuding subtle fragrance. The Fragrance Garden greets visitors with exotic blooms, "Yingming Valley" resonates with birdsong and floral scents, the barbecue area fills the air with laughter, and an overall atmosphere of harmony and joy prevails. Climb the "Panoramic Pavilion" to overlook the entire park and take in sweeping views of the city.

The Small Garden covers an area of 2 hectares. It is filled with blooming flowers, vibrant colors, and lush greenery, forming a vast green space. As a complementary feature, the "Small Garden" enhances the atmosphere of the main attractions and also serves as a place for leisurely strolls and rest. The garden includes a bird-hanging corridor and a performance area. Inside the bird-hanging corridor, rare and exotic birds, birds with special skills, and birds of prey can be seen. Here, mandarin ducks play in the water, pheasants stroll about, white cranes spread their wings, orioles sing in duet, and the odd-shaped rocks, murmuring mountain springs, and fragrant flower clusters create a uniquely picturesque scene. In the performance area, various birds showcase their talents. Peacocks spread their tails, songbirds perch on branches, mynahs mimic human speech, and parrots chatter, each displaying their unique skills in a colorful and captivating display that keeps visitors enthralled and reluctant to leave.

Beyond the "Small Garden" lies the main attraction, the "Human-Bird Harmony Scenic Area." Spanning 120 meters in length, 70 meters in width, and covering an area of 8,400 square meters, the area is supported by eighteen steel pillars, each 15 to 20 meters high, using a cable-suspended net structure. The top and surrounding areas are enclosed with stainless steel wire mesh. In addition to walking paths, the area features an elevated bird-watching bridge, allowing visitors to observe the natural ecology of birds from various angles—eye level, looking up, or looking down. Birds soar freely within the area, singing joyfully; the uniquely shaped rocks present diverse postures; the bamboo pavilion adds a touch of classic charm; the stream flows with clear, pristine water; winding bridges and secluded paths are intriguing; the grassy riverbanks remain lush all year round; the curved corridors are ingeniously crafted; the mountain valley waterfalls produce naturally beautiful sounds; the swaying green trees and fragrant breezes create playful shadows; and exotic flowers compete in beauty. Being in this space fills you with a sense of tranquility, washing away all worries. Sharing joy with the birds, this place is nothing short of a heavenly paradise on Earth.

Water-Dripping Guanyin The Water-Dripping Guanyin was built in 1994, covering an area of 41,700 square meters, and is the former site of "Tianchi Jihe," one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Xiangshan." The standing statue of Guanyin is seven meters tall, with the Guanyin Pool having a diameter of 33 meters and a depth of 1.5 meters. Surrounding the statue are twelve lively zodiac animal sculptures, while a meandering teak bridge floats on the water, complemented by an elegant waterside pavilion. These three structures, together with a cluster of six-stage high-lift pumps and colorful projection lights, integrate sound, light, and movement into a grand and meaningful display. The magnificent Water-Dripping Guanyin, with its breathtaking scene reminiscent of "who holds the colored ribbon dancing in the sky, as if the Milky Way falls from the heavens," symbolizes a scene of peace and prosperity, reflecting a joyful and harmonious era of national stability and happiness.

Panoramic Pavilion The Panoramic Pavilion is located on Kongke Mountain in the southeastern part of Zima Ridge Park, at an altitude of 100 meters. The pavilion stands 26.2 meters tall, with a base area of 146 square meters and an overall footprint of nearly 900 square meters. It was completed at the end of August 1993 and opened to the public on October 1 of the same year along with the park. As the park’s most renowned and highest viewpoint, it is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy panoramic scenery. With gentle breezes, birdsong, and floral scents, visitors can gaze out to take in the full expanse of the park’s landscape in a single sweeping view.

Address: Bo’ai Sixth Road, Zhongshan City

Type: Urban Park

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Opening Hours:

7:00-20:00

Ticket Information:

Free admission. Zoo ticket inside the park: 20 RMB

Dongqu Subdistrict: Established in 1988, Dongqu is the political, economic, and cultural center of Zhongshan, home to the municipal Party committee and government. Covering an area of 71.4 square kilometers, it governs 10 community neighborhood committees and 18 economic cooperatives. The subdistrict has a registered population of around 90,000 and a permanent population of approximately 150,000. It is also home to over 30,000 overseas Chinese and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan who reside in more than 50 countries and regions, making it one of Zhongshan’s hometowns for overseas Chinese.

Backed by the majestic Wuguishan peaks, Dongqu enjoys a beautiful environment, with a well-connected road network ensuring convenient transportation. The Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway runs through the eastern part, and Zhongshan Port is just 6 kilometers away... More detailed information about Dongqu Subdistrict++