Xingyuan Lake Park

　　 Xingyuan Lake Park is located on the east side of Bao-Han Highway, 4 kilometers north of Hanzhong City, and is named after the Xingyuan Prefecture that existed during the Tang Dynasty. It is a key tourist attraction in Hanzhong City and a designated destination along the city’s ring tourism and leisure resort belt in Hantai District. Situated in the northern suburbs of Hanzhong, adjacent to the Han-Bao Highway and about 3 kilometers from the city center, it was developed in 1982 as a comprehensive urban leisure park built on the site of the Balijiao Reservoir.

　　 The park covers an area of 420,000 square meters, including a water surface of 220,000 square meters. Various types of pleasure boats are available on the lake. Landmarks such as a modern waterside pier symbolized by “sail shadows” and a “Lake-Viewing Platform” have been constructed over time. The park features pavilions, terraces, and towers arranged in an elegant layout, with richly colored paintings and uniquely designed zigzag bridges and pagodas. A wide variety of flowers and trees have been planted here, including rare species such as plum groves, osmanthus woods, magnolia, ginkgo, and wintersweet, comprising 46 families and 126 varieties. In spring, the flowers bloom competitively, filling the entire park with fragrance.

　　 At dawn, the rising sun shines from the east, casting the “sail shadows” to the west, while lush greenery stands tall and birds sing in chorus, presenting a vibrant scene. As night falls, the blue lake becomes as calm as a mirror, and couples stroll quietly along tree-lined paths around the lake, whispering softly. Egrets, which have spent the day playing in the water, rest peacefully on the solitary island in the lake’s center, appearing from afar like clusters of white snow nestled among the branches. Visitors can’t help but pause and gaze in awe at this spectacular view.

　　 Xingyuan Lake is the largest and most popular park in Hanzhong City. During holidays, it attracts crowds of visitors. Expansion plans are currently underway, which will significantly increase the park’s area and further enrich its leisure and entertainment offerings.

　　 Built along the lakeshore, Xingyuan Lake Park boasts lush forests, numerous scenic spots, and a wealth of rare and precious trees and plants. There are flowers blooming in all four seasons, and scenery that takes on different charms under varying weather conditions. To the east of the lake lie two bird islands where egrets gather in flocks without fear of people; hundreds of plum trees bloom competitively, perfect for a “snow-seeking plum blossom” experience; cherry blossoms shine brilliantly like brocaded clouds, while osmanthus fills the air with fragrance for miles. With shimmering waves and a seamless blend of water and sky, the park is a prime leisure destination within the city. The park is equipped with well-developed infrastructure, featuring landscape structures such as Yifang Pavilion, Sail Shadows, Lake Heart Pavilion, an arch bridge, and the Deer Call Sculpture, all nestled among green trees and clear waters. The surrounding roads are smooth and flat, with complete public service facilities. Teahouses and restaurants are thoughtfully located along the paths, offering an elegant environment and standardized management, providing comprehensive travel and leisure services.

　　 In the western part of the park lies the largest comprehensive amusement park in southern Shaanxi, featuring over 30 large and medium-sized rides such as rapids rides and high-altitude parachute towers. The dock has more than 70 types of leisure boats. In the southern area, there is a medium-sized zoo home to over 100 rare animals of more than 30 species, including lions and tigers.