Chongqing Eling Park

　　Eling Park is located at the highest point of the Chongqing Peninsula. The Lusheng Tower (also known as the Two Rivers Pavilion) soars high, and from its top, visitors can take in the full panoramic view of the two rivers. At night, the sea of lights makes it an even more spectacular spot. The Ronghu Rope Bridge is the park’s most famous iconic attraction and a fine example of traditional Chinese garden art. In 1960, artist Zhu Xuanxian created the artwork "Dripping Greenery at Ronghu," inspired by this very scene — a representative piece that highlights this landmark. The painting is vivid and full of artistic conception. In 1960, it was selected for inclusion in "Modern Chinese Woodcuts." This artwork reflects how, during Chongqing's scorching summer days known as the "furnace city," the Ronghu Rope Bridge offers people a serene, peaceful, and cool refuge.

　　Originally known as the Gift Garden, also called Yi Garden, Eling Park was the villa of Li Yaoting, a wealthy businessman and the first president of the Chongqing Chamber of Commerce in the late Qing Dynasty. During the Xuantong period of the late Qing Dynasty (1909–1911), Li Yaoting and his son, salt merchants from En’an, Yunnan, were captivated by the beauty of Eling and built a garden here, naming it “Li Yuan” (Gift Garden), also known as “Yi Yuan” (Suitable Garden). It is the earliest private garden in Chongqing. Li’s friend, the Qing official Zhao Xi, inscribed the name "Eling" on a stone tablet. Upon its completion, the garden was already praised as having "the finest pavilions, terraces, pools, and towers." A poem by Song Yuren, a scholar of the Guangxu era, titled "Inscription on the Pavilions and Terraces of Li Garden," describes the scenery vividly: “The sound of ascending immortals drifts down from the wind-riding terrace, where rain reveals a mountain pavilion by the stream. A refreshing breeze floats westward as the white colt gallops away; the river flows eastward back to the ocean tide. Looking down, a lonely pavilion stands atop the treetops; listening quietly, the roar of the waves echoes through the valleys.”

　　During the War of Resistance against Japan, Chiang Kai-shek and his wife lived in the “Flying Pavilion” in the park for six months; British Ambassador Carl also resided there for five years; and the Australian Embassy was once located in the park. After the liberation of Chongqing in 1949, it served as the headquarters of the Southwest Military Region. Comrades Deng Xiaoping, Liu Bocheng, He Long, and Li Da all lived here at various times. With Deng Xiaoping’s support, the site was handed over to the Chongqing Municipal Government in March 1958. In 1958, the municipal government expanded and renovated the former Li Garden site, constructing new pavilions and planting numerous trees and flowers, and named it "Eling Park." The park features attractions such as the Rope Bridge, Tiger Terrace, Scenic Overlook Terrace, Bonsai Garden, Lusheng Tower (Two Rivers Pavilion), and others. Perched at the highest point of the Chongqing Peninsula, the Lusheng Tower (Two Rivers Pavilion) offers sweeping views of the two rivers, and at night, the illuminated cityscape creates a truly magical experience.

　　Since October 2005, the park has been open to visitors free of charge.

　　In January 2008, it merged with the former Fotuguan Park, expanding its area to over 400 acres. It is one of the best spots to enjoy the views of the two rivers and the mountain city’s night scenery, particularly famous for the ancient “Fotu Night Rain,” one of the Twelve Scenic Spots of Old Chongqing. The park is now divided into two main areas: Fotuguan and Eling. The ancient fortress and the private garden complement each other with a blend of strength and elegance, rugged beauty, and refined charm, each with its own distinctive character, making it a model of Chongqing garden art. Through a thousand years of history, many precious cultural relics and poetic inscriptions have been preserved. Notable sites such as the Eling Stele, Ronghu Rope Bridge, Tiger Terrace, Flying Pavilion, Tongxuan Pavilion, Fotuguan Cliff Carvings, Scenic Overlook Terrace, Bonsai Garden, and Lusheng Tower (Two Rivers Pavilion) still retain their historic charm.

　　Address: No. 176, Eling Zhengjie, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

　　Type: Urban Park

　　Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

　　Tel: 023-68908606

　　Opening Hours:

　　8:00–22:30

　　Ticket Information:

　　Free admission.