Jinan Zhongshan Park is located in Shizhong District, Jinan City. It is the earliest public tourist site named after the park in Shandong Province, covering an area of 46.5 acres.
History of Jinan Zhongshan Park
According to historical records, in 1904 of the Qing Dynasty, the Jiaoji Railway was completed. Shandong Governor Zhou Fu and Beiyang Minister Yuan Shikai advised the court to open commercial ports in Jinan, Zhoucun and Weixian. The customs, bureaus, markets and parks were set up there.
In the design plan in Jinan, a park with an area of 8 hectares was set up. This was the first park established in the commercial port area in China at that time, called "Shangbu Park". In 1925, to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the "Shangbu Park" was renamed as "Zhongshan Park".
After the Japanese army occupied Jinan, they built radio stations, shrines and artillery towers, and dug the trenches in the park. As a result, the area was drastically reduced and the views turned withered. After 1949s, the city was rebuilt to provide new places for the people of Jinan to relax and entertain. At that time, "Zhongshan Park" was renamed as "People's Park".
The reconstructed Zhongshan Park is covered by lush trees and flowers. It is the one and only comprehensive park in Jinan integrating sightseeing, entertainment, accommodation and dining together. The name "Zhongshan Park" has been reused since 1986. In the past 100 years, the park has played an inestimable role in the urban greening and tourism of Jinan.
Attractions in Zhongshan Park
The Flower Pot Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of the park, covering an area of 6,000 square meters. It is an area for flower production, appreciation and sales. The area displays various trees, rock bonsai and seasonal flowers. On the south side, there are the tall pines, cypresses, ginkgo, neem and other trees. The plum blossoms, roses, chrysanthemums and other ornamental flowers are also planted in this area. There are the pavilions, stones, pools, fountains and other buildings.
The Central Scenic Area is located in the middle of the park, covering an area of 18,000 square meters. The west side stands rockeries, pools, and Yundong Ridge. The ridge is full of trees, flowers, cliffs, canyons, and winding mountain roads. There is a 900-square- meter pool in the east of the ridge. The water is clear surrounded by the stone paths.