Hutai Park

　　Hutai Park is an ancillary project of the Hutai New Village residential complex. Located in the eastern part of Putuo District at No. 37 Xincun Road, it was designed by the Shanghai Landscape Architecture Design Institute. Construction began in December 1988, and the park was completed and opened to the public on May 1, 1988, covering an area of 1.47 hectares.

　　The site was originally farmland, with the old Henggang River and ponds to the west. In the early 1980s, according to urban planning, it was designated as one of the supporting projects for the Hutai New Village. A total investment of 1.79 million yuan (including land acquisition costs) was made.

　　The architectural style and layout of the park are distinctly different from traditional Chinese classical gardens. The square umbrella-shaped pavilion cluster, over ten broken columns, wall-mounted wisteria trellises, whimsical sculptures, and Western-style murals all reflect Western design influences. Their colors, lines, lightweight structure, simplicity, and brightness, along with lively plan compositions and staggered facade lines, create a harmonious contrast with the high-rise buildings opposite. The innovative layout and handling techniques exude a modern vibe, making it a meaningful fusion of Chinese and Western styles. It stands out in China’s landscape architecture design with a unique aesthetic appeal.

　　The main scenic area is a plaza dominated by seven square umbrella-shaped pavilions. The plaza is surrounded on three sides by a shallow, flat pool with crystal-clear water. Ten irregular, broken columns dubbed the “Beauty of Imperfection” are scattered throughout. Several stone-like benches are arranged along the pool. From the seating, the view is open and unobstructed, clean and pristine. The Western-inspired structures are understated and simple. Farther away, hedges along the walls help block noise and dust, complementing the low shrubs, flower stands, and flower beds to the north, creating a richly atmospheric scene.

　　Other small features include a Western-style mural at the entrance depicting the “Four Seasons” (Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter), alongside a rockery scenic spot made of three stone bamboo shoots. Inside the park, there is a stainless steel sculpture called “Childhood Fun” and an eight-panel open-air pavilion serving as a wisteria trellis. The designs are novel and uniquely styled.

　　The park is home to over 70 species of plants, including Chinese tulip trees, silk trees, metasequoias, privet, camphor trees, weeping crabapple, red-leaf plum, and azaleas.

　　The park has become a popular leisure and recreation spot for nearby residents. Since January 1994, Hutai Park has been a free-admission park.