Hong'en Temple Forest Park

Hong'en Temple Forest Park

Hong'en Temple Forest Park is a cultural tourism attraction.

Hong'en Temple Forest Park is located in Jiangbei District, Chongqing, covering an area of over a thousand acres, making it the largest among the opened parks in the main urban area of Chongqing. The highest point within the park stands at 418 meters above sea level. Ascending to the observation deck of Hong'en Pavilion at the mountaintop offers panoramic views of the scenic landscapes of Jiangbei District, Yubei District, Shapingba District, Yuzhong District, and the Northern New Area. Hong'en Pavilion is a traditional-style building with seven floors, reaching an altitude of approximately 468 meters—surpassing the 437.5-meter-high “One Tree Hill” observation platform in Nanshan—and is the highest viewing spot in the main urban area of Chongqing.

Adhering to the park design philosophy of “nature, ecology, and wild charm,” and following the requirements to create a renowned park that embodies functions such as “humanistic ecology, sports & leisure, and Bayu culture,” experts' design proposals were carefully selected, public suggestions widely incorporated, and meticulous craftsmanship applied to develop twelve distinctive landscape areas: Snow Rolling with Osmanthus Fragrance, Heaven-Calling Fortress, Verdant Cloud Edge, Golden Osmanthus in Bloom, Hong'en Spring Dawn, Qin Terrace Romance, Wild Geese Reflection, Breezy Bamboo Grove, Osmanthus Rest in Green Fields, Hong'en Spring of Thoughts, Peak Clouds and Rosy Dusk, and River Wind Embracing Osmanthus. The park has planted over 30,000 ornamental trees including osmanthus, ginkgo, and crape myrtle, with more than 10,000 osmanthus trees alone, encompassing four major varieties—golden, silver, red, and everblooming osmanthus—as well as over 60 cultivars, making it the largest osmanthus garden in China. Additionally, the park features over 500,000 square meters of ground-covering flowers and plants, offering vibrant blooms all year round. Rich in cultural significance, the park embodies an “Osmanthus Culture” through themes such as “Chanting Osmanthus,” “Listening to Osmanthus,” “Savoring Osmanthus,” “Worshiping Osmanthus,” “Protecting Osmanthus,” and “Appreciating Osmanthus.” It also highlights a “Gratitude Culture” through themes like “Heaven’s Grace,” “Country’s Grace,” “People’s Grace,” “Teachers’ Grace,” “Family’s Grace,” and “Friends’ Grace.”

Although certain structures within the park, such as Hong'en Square, Hong'en Pavilion, and Jianxin Palace, are still under construction, the greening vegetation and other scenic areas have been largely completed and are ready for opening. The Jiangbei District Government has decided to officially open Hong'en Temple Forest Park to the public starting April 29, 2009, with a trial operation period lasting until October 31, 2009. During this trial period, the general public can obtain free entry tickets on-site by presenting valid ID during weekdays, while the fee is 5 RMB per person per visit during holidays. For large-scale events such as the “Osmanthus Festival,” the fee is 10 RMB per person per visit. Ticket prices will be adjusted appropriately after six months based on the trial operation results.

To develop Hong'en Temple Park into a unique “boutique” park within the city and one with national influence, the Jiangbei District Party Committee and District Government conducted multiple specialized studies before finalizing the plan. By creating seven distinctive zones—including the Western Slope Woodland, Mountain Foot Introduction Area, Bayu Block, Main Entrance Area, Terraced Vegetation Scenic Area, Visitor Reception Center, and Mountain Top Overlook Area—the park as a whole showcases three core themes: “humanistic ecology, sports & leisure, and Bayu characteristics.”

“At the mountain foot, we will arrange cherry blossom trees to guide the flow of visitor traffic. At the park entrance, rock formations and water features will be used to present the theme of a landscape garden. Cherry blossom groves will also be planted at the entrance so visitors can enjoy the fragrance of osmanthus upon entering the park,” explained a relevant official from the Hong'en Office. Within the Bayu Block area of the park, visitors will see typical Chongqing-style architecture such as stilted buildings and blue-brick houses. At the mountaintop viewing area—the highest point of the park—lighting effects will create the illusion of a full moon, showcasing the spectacular scenes of “Chang’e Flying to the Moon” and “Moon Above Hong'en” for visitors.