Flower Appreciation, Leisure, Learning History, and Remembering the Virtuous: New Additions at Kunming's Lotus Pond Park

Text and photos by Yuanshan Moyu.

With the development of the city, the pattern of parks in Kunming is also changing. Many new parks have been born, and many urban green spaces have been opened to the public. Road greening and beautification continue to improve the urban landscape, providing many great places for citizens to relax and exercise.

In Kunming, there are many parks with distinctive features and long histories. Amid the constantly changing urban development, they still attract people with their former characteristics, while also adding new content and acquiring new features. Surrounded by high-rise buildings, Kunming's Lotus Pond Park is such a place.

Old Kunming residents are no strangers to Lotus Pond Park, which has a long history. According to historical records, Lotus Pond dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and by the early Ming Dynasty it was one of the 'Six Scenic Spots of Dianyuan', with the reputation of 'Dragon Pool Gleaming Gold'. The park is located in the northern part of Kunming city, at the foot of Shangshan Mountain, northwest of Yuantong Hill. There is a water outlet beside the pond; when the water is full, it flows into the Panlong River.

In the past, Lotus Pond Park was considered a suburban area, quiet and peaceful, making it a great place for outings. Now, with the expansion of Kunming's urban area, it has long been in a bustling, crowded commercial district. Yet the small and exquisite Lotus Pond Park remains unchanged, with shaded trees and blooming flowers spread around a clear pool of water, offering a tranquil retreat amidst the hustle and bustle, with a unique charm.

Lotus Pond Park is not large in scale, free to the public, and its several gates have merged with the surrounding roads. The residents nearby are truly fortunate.

In spring and summer, the park is lush and green; in autumn and winter, it is colorful. Although we don't have many opportunities to visit Lotus Pond Park, every visit brings a good experience.

Not long ago, we went to Lotus Pond Park again. Without any prior plan, we passed by the park and were attracted by the greenery: bougainvillea blooming in brilliant red, willow leaves fluttering in a vast green... We couldn't help but want to enter and take a stroll, and indeed found many new discoveries.

During midsummer, Lotus Pond Park is full of verdant greenery. The fitness path around the lotus pond is shaded by dense foliage. The willow trees by the lake are lush and verdant, almost dripping with green. The blooming bougainvillea cascades like a waterfall, bright and dazzling. The scene of red flowers and green leaves is full of vitality.

There are not many visitors in the park. Families and friends come together, some focusing on walking, others on admiring the flowers. Everyone walks leisurely under the deep shade of trees, enjoying the atmosphere. Few people, beautiful scenery – it allows one to slow down.

We walked along the path by the lake, slowly appreciating the flowers, breathing freely, relaxing and refreshing our spirits.

We hadn't been to the park for a while and noticed many new additions along the lakeside path. Simple and practical handwashing stations stand by the roadside, blending well with the surroundings, providing convenience and also becoming a unique sight in the park.

We also noticed many bronze sculptures of figures along both sides of the path, spaced at intervals. We hadn't paid much attention before; perhaps they are new additions.

Looking closer, these bronze sculptures are of distinguished historical figures related to Yunnan's history, both ancient and modern: Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din, Sun Ranweng, Lin Zexu, Qian Feng, and modern ones like Wen Yiduo, Nie Er, Zhu De, Li Guangtian, among others.

A group of themed display boards titled 'The Spirit of Lianda' and 'Memories of Lianda' bring people back to the Southwestern Associated University (Lianda), back to the time when Kunming was home to a galaxy of scholars...

The sculptures and display boards capture the typical characteristics and temperament of these figures, accompanied by relevant textual introductions, allowing us to learn history while enjoying the park – truly a multifaceted benefit.

These historical figures, who left a profound impact, are worthy of remembrance and commemoration.

Located in the bustling city center, Lotus Pond Park is small, exquisite, and tranquil. It is a great place for flower appreciation and leisure, and with the addition of new content, it is also a good place to learn history and remember the virtuous.

Have you visited Kunming's Lotus Pond Park? Do you like it? Welcome to leave a comment and share.