An introduction to Xiaoyaojin Park

Located on the northeastern corner of the old city of Hefei, it was an ancient battlefield in the Three Kingdoms period (220-280) and served as a private garden of bureaucrats and major landlords in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

After being rebuilt many times and consequently well-maintained, it has become a comprehensive park, including the Children's Amusement Park, zoo, square, skating rink Pleasure-boat jetty, sculptures, long corridors' and pavilions on the water, and a miniature landscape garden. With an area of 31 3 hectares, the park boasts a beautiful environment and picturesque scenery.

The really eye-catching aspects of the Park are its lake, islet and pavilion. The pavilion stands on the islet surrounded by rippling waters.

Various vistas will reveal themselves in the mist or in the red glow of morning and evening. On an islet of Xiaoyao Lake lies a tomb. Legend has it that it is the tomb of Zhang Liao (169-222), a famous general of the state of Wei (220-265) during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280).

It only contains Zhang's personal effects. In the west of the Park stands a statue of Zhao Liao. Duxiu (Solitary Beauty) Peak on the northwestern corner soars above the horizon. Standing at its summit, tourists can have a panoramic view of the beautiful park.

Not far off, a wonderful place named Cangyou (Hidden Tranquility) is covered by green trees and flowers in blossom. The artificial hills, oddly shaped stones, small bridges spanning swiftly flowing creeks, long corridors and pavilions on the water all combine to form a sort of delightful painting scroll. Strolling in the park, tourists will feel as if they were in the wonderland.

Source: Anhui Tour Guide

Photos: cnanhui.org