Tianjin Dongli Park

　　Dongli Park is the first park in Dongli District, located between the East Outer Ring Road and Fushan Road. To the south is Xianfengli Residential Area, and to the north is Fushanli Residential Area. The park is not very large, but the transplanted flowers, plants, and trees are uniquely charming and particularly appealing.

　　Although this small park is square-shaped and accessible from all sides, it has a very beautiful main entrance. The main gate is on Fushan Road, facing southwest. Above the gate is the park’s name, “Dongli Park,” inscribed by the famous calligrapher Pu Zuo.

　　Upon entering the park, you are greeted by vibrant red flowers and lush green grass, a truly breathtaking sight. During holidays, the scenery becomes even more splendid. At these times, other gardening organizations contribute seasonal potted plants—some woody, some herbaceous, and some designed as potted landscapes. The festive atmosphere permeates people’s hearts and emotions, shining through the smiles of both adults and children. The joyful sounds of happiness infect you and me alike, making it hard to leave such a delightful place.

　　A few steps inside, you’ll come across a stone wall featuring the “Hundred Longevity Characters.” The wall displays a variety of seal script characters for “longevity,” totaling exactly one hundred. I’m not particularly knowledgeable about calligraphy, especially seal script, so I still haven’t figured out who the creator of the Hundred Longevity Characters is. However, the spirit and charm between the characters can generally be felt—those endless blessings, where words may end but meaning lingers. In the four corners and center of the stone wall are carved images of plum blossoms, cranes, deer, bamboo, ganoderma, pine trees, and the god of longevity, further revealing the intent of the designer and calligrapher. They wish us longevity and a fulfilling life. Truly, the harmonious blend of horticultural culture and calligraphy art evokes endless beauty and imagination.

　　Since undergoing pavement work, additional planting, and landscape renovation in 2004, the park now cultivates approximately one hundred different types of plants, including locally rare species such as Eucommia, ginkgo, paper mulberry, and shade-loving plant Clerodendrum trichotomum. In early summer, bright red fruits of flowering cherry hang abundantly on the branches; in autumn, hawthorn, figs, pomegranates, as well as serene water lilies in the water, elegant lotus flowers, and swimming fish seem to announce the season’s bounty.

　　Meanwhile, the vast expanse of evergreen bamboo forest, stretching west from the north entrance to the greenhouse, shows that these bamboo varieties native to southern China can thrive just as vigorously in the north.