Jinhua Hengdian Yuanming New Park

A Cultural Phoenix: The Rebirth of Splendor in Hengdian

Nestled within the vibrant city of Jinhua, Zhejiang, the Hengdian New Yuanming Palace (Hengdian Yuanming New Garden) stands as a breathtaking testament to cultural renaissance and artistic ambition. More than a mere tourist attraction, it is a profound symbol of national rejuvenation, a dazzling theme park where history, horticulture, and cutting-edge entertainment converge under the vast Chinese sky.

From Historical Ashes to Modern Marvel

The park's story is one of resilience and vision. The original Yuanming Yuan (Old Summer Palace) in Beijing, a pinnacle of Chinese garden art and imperial grandeur, was tragically looted and destroyed in 1860. For over a century, its ruin stood as a poignant reminder of a painful historical chapter. However, the dawn of China's revitalization and the national pursuit of the "Chinese Dream" provided the backdrop for an extraordinary endeavor. Driven by patriotic fervor and a commitment to cultural prosperity, Mr. Xu Wenrong, founder of the Hengdian Group and Chairman of the Hengdian Common Prosperity Committee, embarked on a monumental project. Demonstrating remarkable courage and determination, Mr. Xu, then in his eighties, personally took command as the chief director to rebuild a new Yuanming Garden in Hengdian. This was not conceived as a simple replica, but as an innovative homage—a "New Garden" that would capture the essence of the original's golden age while infusing it with new life for the modern world.

A Fusion of Worlds: Design and Philosophy

The mastermind behind the park's visual splendor is Mr. Zhang Xianchun, the esteemed chief designer of Hengdian World Studios and a veteran art master from Beijing Film Studio. Under his guidance, the park transcends being a historical tribute. It is a grand synthesis, a "cultural paradise" that brilliantly integrates the finest elements of Chinese and Western landscape architecture. The design philosophy moves beyond recreation, aiming to harmonize traditional Chinese culture with diverse global artistic influences. The result is a unique space where East and West dialogue through architecture, layout, and aesthetic spirit.

True to its alternative name, "The Garden of Ten Thousand Flowers," the park is a horticultural wonderland. It boasts an astonishing collection of flora across one hundred distinct garden spaces, featuring thousands of rare and exotic flowers and plants that provide a constantly evolving tapestry of color and fragrance throughout the year.

Exploring the Vast Domains of the Park

The Hengdian New Yuanming Palace is meticulously organized into several captivating sections and offers a diverse array of experiences:

The Seasonal Gardens: The core of the park is divided into four expansive areas, each representing and embodying the unique beauty and character of a season:
- The Spring Garden (Chun Yuan): A realm of rebirth and blossoming, filled with vibrant flowers and flowing waterways that symbolize renewal.
- The Summer Garden (Xia Yuan): Lush, verdant, and designed for leisurely strolls, featuring shaded pavilions and serene lakes that offer respite and reflect the fullness of life.
- The Autumn Garden (Qiu Yuan): A poetic landscape where the changing colors of foliage create a melancholic yet beautiful atmosphere, often centered around pavilions designed for moon-viewing.
- The Winter Garden (Dong Yuan): Emphasizing stark, elegant beauty with evergreen pines, plum blossoms, and architectural structures that stand resilient against the crisp air.
Signature Shows and Nighttime Spectacles
- "Fantasy Yuanming" Large-Scale Multimedia Laser Water Show: This is a must-see nighttime extravaganza. Combining lasers, water screens, projection mapping, music, and dance, it tells epic stories against the backdrop of the palace's waterways, creating a truly immersive and dreamlike experience.
- Joyful Night Yao Pool & Night Market: As dusk falls, parts of the park transform. The Yao Pool area lights up with ethereal beauty, while a bustling traditional night market (Temple Fair) comes alive, offering local snacks, handicrafts, and lively performances, blending historical ambiance with festive energy.
Family Adventures and Technological Thrills
- Royal Safari Animal Kingdom: A large-scale, real-scene animal park where visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in thoughtfully designed habitats, providing an educational and engaging experience for all ages.
- High-Tech Amusement Rides: The park complements its cultural offerings with state-of-the-art, multi-functional amusement rides. These world-class attractions utilize cutting-edge technology to deliver excitement and interactive fun, ensuring entertainment for thrill-seekers and families alike.

Essential Visitor Information

Opening Hours:
- May 1st - October 6th: 08:00 - 17:00 (Last entry at 17:00).
- October 7th - April 30th of the following year: Open all day. It is always advisable to confirm the latest timings before your visit.
Contact: For inquiries, you can call 0579-89600107.
Getting to Hengdian New Yuanming Palace:
- By Car: Hengdian is well-connected by expressway. Visitors driving from major cities like Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing, or Quzhou can take the G60 Huhangyong Expressway or relevant routes, transferring to the Zhuyong Expressway and exiting at the "Hengdian" toll gate. The drive typically takes around 2 hours from cities within Zhejiang province.
- By Public Transport:
  - Direct buses are available from Hangzhou South Bus Station to a temporary bus station on the east side of Mingqing Street in Hengdian.
  - Buses also depart from the Hangzhou Tourist Distribution Center (at Huanglong Sports Center) to the same temporary station in Hengdian.
- Note: The provided driving routes are for reference. Travelers are strongly encouraged to use GPS navigation or confirm the optimal route based on real-time traffic conditions before departure.