Sweet fragrance fills the air. That signals that we have arrived at Guilin Park. This is a unique destination in Shanghai. It offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle.
Guilin Park is not just another green space. It is a traditional southern Chinese garden. It provides a glimpse into old Shanghai’s elegance. It is also a window into the soul of Chinese garden design.
Once, this park was Huang Jinrong’s private garden. He was the head of the French Concession Police. He also led the Shanghai Gangster group. Built in 1931, it took four years to complete. The park showcased Huang’s status. It had an elegant design. It was a place to enjoy life.
However, the garden’s history is not without its shadows. In 1937, Japanese troops occupied Shanghai. The garden became an army base. They burned mansions and a temple. This act forever changed the landscape.
In 1957, the Shanghai government transformed it. It became a public park. Over the years, expansions and constructions took place. Today, Guilin Park spans 35,509 square meters.
As you enter, notice the dragon wall. It stretches 83 meters. It features 46 windows. These resemble the Lingering Garden in Suzhou. The layout reflects craftsmanship. It is an artistic simulation of nature.
Guilin Park has all the elements of a classic Chinese garden. Pavilions dot the landscape. Rock formations rise. Ornamental windows frame views. Arched bridges cross ponds. Shady walkways invite exploration. Each section has its own unique layout.
The park’s 15 pavilions connect different areas. The Hexagonal Pavilion holds inscriptions by Jiang Jieshi for Huang Jinrong. The long corridor leaves a lasting impression.
The design reflects a traditional Chinese belief. It emphasizes harmony with nature. Every element is carefully placed. Every square meter has a purpose.
Guilin Park is named after its osmanthus trees. More than 1000 trees of over 20 types grow here. They include Osmanthus Fragrans and Osmanthus Asiaticus. Two-thirds of the trees are evergreen. One-third are deciduous. The park also boasts hundred-year-old pine trees. There are also two-hundred-year-old boxwoods.
Other plants add to the beauty. Peonies, pines, cypress, and white magnolias grow here. Cinnamomum trees also thrive.
Guilin Park offers a peaceful retreat. It is quieter than other city parks. Find a pavilion and relax. Read a book as locals do. Follow the winding paths. Discover hidden corners. Appreciate the garden’s landscape.
Visit during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The osmanthus trees bloom then. The garden fills with sweet scents. Sometimes, special events take place.
For families, Guilin Park is a playground. Kids can play hide-and-seek. The park offers a natural and engaging environment.
Despite its beauty, many tourists miss Guilin Park. It is a hidden gem on Shanghai’s west side.
To get here, take the subway line 12 to Guilin Park Station. Buses also stop nearby. The north entrance is at Caobao Road and Guilin Road. The park also has south and west entrances.
Guilin Park has witnessed Shanghai’s changes. It has transformed from a private garden to a public space. The osmanthus trees stand as silent witnesses. They remind us of the past. They also offer a promise of tranquility.