Eling Park, formerly known as Liyuan, also known as Yiyuan or Goose Neck Park, was built in the first year of Xuantong in the Qing Dynasty (1909) . It is 4.3 km away from the centre of Chongqing. Perched high on a ridge overlooking the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Eling Park is an ancient and secluded place that offers breathtaking views of Chongqing at night. For anyone who plan a Chongqing city tour, Eling Park is a must visit sight.
What’s more, the park’s combination of ancient architecture and private gardens is a fine example of China’s garden art. As such, it’s also a great spot to admire traditional Chinese calligraphy, learn about the history of Chongqing, unwind in the cool air, and see the tree and blossoms.
Eling Park Facts
- In Chinese: 鹅岭公园
- Location: No.176, Goeling Main Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
- Area: 66254 m²
- Opening hours: 6:00-22:00
- Ticket price: free
- Suggested visiting duration: 1-2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: spring and autumn seasons (See also Chongqing Weather & Best Time to Visit)
- Best for: visitors interested in traditional Chinese culture, and Chinese classical gardens
History of Eling Park in Chongqing
E’ling Park is the villa of the rich merchant Li Yaoting, the first president of Chongqing Chamber of Commerce in the late Qing Dynasty. During the Xuantong period (1909-1911), Yunnan salt merchant Li Yaoting, together with his father and son, were drawn to the Goose Ridge’s natural beauty and established “Liyuan Park,” a park in the area. This is the earliest private garden in Chongqing. Zhao Xi, a close friend of Li’s family and a minister of the Qing Dynasty, wrote the “Goose Ridge” and carved a stone monument here.
Many politicians and celebrities have lived in Eling Park of Chongqing. During the Anti-Japanese War, Mr and Mrs Chiang Kai-shek lived in the park for six months in the “Flying Pavilion”. British Ambassador Carr also lived in the Flying Pavilion for five years, and the Australian Embassy was located in the park. After the liberation of Chongqing in 1949, Chongqing Eling Park was the headquarters of the China Southwest Military Region. Comrades Deng Xiaoping, Liu Bocheng, He Long and Li Da lived here.
In March 1958, the “Liyuan” was handed over to the Chongqing Municipal Government. In 1958, the Chongqing Municipal Government extended and repaired the site of the former Liyuan, built new pavilions, planted trees and flowers, and named it Eling Park (Goose Neck Park). In January 2008, Eling Park was merged with the former Fotoguan Park, increasing its area to more than 400 acres.
What to See and Do at Eling Park
When you travel to Chongqing and visit Eling Park, don’t miss its highlights attractions, including Stone Rope Bridge, Artistic Flower Garden, Overlook Victory Tower, Hiroshima Garden, Tongxuan, Martyrs’ Tomb, Three Friends Pavilion, Sunset Pavilion, and Lotus Pond Promenade. There are also 218 species of valuable ornamental plants of 83 families and 159 genera in the garden, totalling more than 80,000 plants. Among them, there are 42 ancient and famous trees. Don’t miss Eling Park during Chongqing tours.
Artistic Flower Garden (艺卉园)
Located at the southern end of the E’ling Park, Artistic Flower Garden has a polygonal pool with a rockery in the centre of the pool. Next to the rockery is a garden of a hundred flowers and a flower terrace of tortoiseshell stones, displaying a variety of seasonal flowers.
Stone Rope Bridge (石绳桥)
Located in the centre of Eling Park, the Stone Rope Bridge is one of the iconic attractions of Goose Ridge Park. It is an S-shaped stone bridge, designed by bridge architect Li Heyang. Banyan Lake in the park is divided into upper and lower levels due to the difference in terrain, and the Rope Bridge is on the upper level of Banyan Lake. There are stalactites imbedded in the lower end of the Stone Rope Bridge. Because of the way the stone parapet is shaped, it resembles two thick, curved ropes, hence the name Stone Rope Bridge.
Flying Pavilion (飞阁)
Located at the northern end of Eling Park, Flying Pavilion has a floor area of 319 square metres and is made of brick and wood. The Flying Pavilion gets its name from its hexagonal shape, which resembles a bird, and its blue tiles and colorful eaves.
Overlook Victory Tower (瞰胜楼)
Also known as the Two Rivers Pavilion, the Overlook Victory Tower is located at the north-eastern end of Eling Park. This seven-storey tower-style building is 41.44 metres high and 380 metres above sea level, and offers a great view from each floor.
Night View of Chongqing
Eling Park is the greatest site to take in the panorama of Yangtze river and Jialing River, as well as Chongqing’s stunning night view, which is particularly well-known for the Fotu night rain, one of the Twelve Scenes of ancient Sichuan.
Hot to Get to E’ling Park
- By subway: You can take Chongqing Metro Line 1 and get off at Eling Park Station.
- By bus: Chongqing public Bus 109, Bus 118, Bus 138, Bus 224, Bus 402, Bus 403, Bus 413, Bus 418, Bus 421, Bus 462 travel to Eling Park.
