Chengdu People's Park: A Century of Time Record from the Imperial Old Garden to the Living Room in the City

The Origin of Shaocheng - Memories of the Entire City
The area where the People's Park is located can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty's "Shaocheng". During the Kangxi reign, the Qing court built the "Mancheng" in the west of Chengdu, which was exclusively for the residence of the Eight Banners officers, soldiers, and their families. It resembled a centipede, hence it was also known as the "Centipede Street". This area is independent of Han residential areas and is a special "city within a city" in Chengdu. The initial prototype of the park came from the gardens and archery grounds of this Qi people's settlement.

The Road to Openness - The Birth and Renewal of Southwest First Park
The modern story of People's Park is an epic of the transformation from a closed aristocratic garden to an open civic paradise:
Opening of the Park (1911): On the eve of the Xinhai Revolution, under the influence of the reformist ideology, the Qing government ordered the construction of a park in some areas of "Shaocheng", named "Shaocheng Park". It was opened in 1911 and became the first park in Sichuan and even southwestern China to be open to the public, opening the history of its public space.
The War of Resistance Against Japan (1937-1945): The park became an important cultural activity and gathering center in the rear area of the Anti Japanese War, where multiple anti Japanese rescue groups operated, carrying a heavy national memory.
Renaming and Rebirth (After 1949): After the founding of the People's Republic of China, "Shaocheng Park" was renamed "People's Park" and truly became a cultural and leisure venue serving the general public. After multiple repairs and expansions, while preserving its historical heritage, it continuously integrates new urban functions and citizen needs.

In depth understanding: Explore more Chinese urban historical parks>>Beijing Zhongshan Park

 Natural Creation - Landscape Charm in Urban Centers
Despite being located in a bustling city, People's Park has created a natural atmosphere rich in the characteristics of Western Sichuan gardens through its exquisite layout.
Ginkgo Avenue and Garden Greenery: Tall ginkgo trees stand alongside multiple roads in the park, especially in autumn when the sky is filled with golden hues. The ancient trees in the garden are towering, and various Sichuan style bonsai shapes in the bonsai garden are unique, condensing the landscape into a square inch and showcasing a high level of garden art. Strolling through it, the hustle and bustle of the city is filtered by layers of greenery, leaving only coolness and tranquility.
Artificial Lake and Pillow Flow Tea Garden: The artificial lake in the park is a dynamic pen, and visitors can enjoy the scenery along the shore from the center of the water by boating on it. The "Pillow Flow" tea house by the lake, named after the "New Tales of the World", symbolizes seclusion between mountains and rivers, complementing the scenery of the lake and mountains, providing another peaceful choice for drinking tea.

Humanistic craftsmanship - a monument to a hundred years of history and a living environment
The charm of People's Park lies not only in its pavilions and towers, but also in the profound history it carries and the vivid and lively urban fireworks.
The Xinhai Autumn Road Protection Death Memorial: This is the most important historical landmark in the park and even in Chengdu. Built to commemorate the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the 1911 Sichuan Road Protection Movement, the monument is 31.86 meters high and is inscribed with the words "Xinhai Autumn Road Protection Death Memorial" in different calligraphic styles on all sides. It is not only a stone building, but also a historical witness to the patriotic spirit of the Sichuan people and the trigger of the Xinhai Revolution, silent yet powerful.
Heming Tea House: Founded in 1923, Heming Tea House is the soul of People's Park and one of the oldest surviving tea houses in China. Bamboo chairs, wooden tables, covered bowls of tea, and tea masters (tea blending masters) shuttling between them form a vivid picture of Chengdu's folk customs. Drinking tea here is like drinking tea, savoring the timeless leisure time and authentic way of interpersonal communication.
Blind Date Corner: Every Wednesday and Sunday, specific areas within the park spontaneously form the nationally renowned "Blind Date Corner". The trees are covered with signs of marriage, and the ground is filled with dense messages of marriage, where parents search for a suitable match for their children. This unique urban phenomenon has become a vivid window for observing contemporary Chinese social concepts of marriage and family relationships, and is a sociology classroom full of human emotions.
Jinshui Creek and Goldfish Island: The winding Jinshui Creek and Goldfish Island, where various koi fish are kept, add vitality and liveliness to the park, making it a favorite place for children and photography enthusiasts to linger.

Photography tips:
The best humanistic documentary camera is located at Heming Tea House, where one can capture the various behaviors of tea customers and the superb tea blending skills of tea masters; The Ginkgo Avenue in autumn is a golden background for capturing portraits and landscapes; The Baolu Memorial Monument is suitable for showcasing its historical significance from a solemn upward angle; The blind date corner is suitable for using documentary techniques to capture vivid social expressions. The park environment is open, but please be polite when taking photos of others.

 Four Must Do Things to Unlock Authentic Park Time
Drinking a bowl of lidded tea at Heming Tea House: This is the core ritual for experiencing the culture of People's Park and even Chengdu. Order a cup of bamboo leaf green or blue pond snow, and sit on the mottled bamboo chair for half a day. Reading newspapers, chatting, and ear picking (experiencing traditional ear picking services), feeling the slow flow of time. The key is to put down your phone and immerse yourself in the leisurely atmosphere around you.
Tasting classic snacks in Zhongshuijiao: The "Zhongshuijiao" restaurant located in the park is an excellent place to taste Chengdu's famous snacks. Must order "Zhong Dumplings" (sweet and spicy flavor), Lai Tangyuan, Fuqi Feipian (Sliced Beef and Ox Tongue in Chilli Sauce). Sitting in the antique hall, connecting the culinary memories of this city with your taste buds.
Rafting on the lake or strolling through the trees: Rent a small boat, gently paddle on the artificial lake, and enjoy the park scenery from different perspectives. Alternatively, Simplemente can stroll along the tree lined avenue and observe Chengdu citizens dancing, singing, exercising, and writing local books. This is the most authentic local living scene.
Strolling through the legendary blind date corner: Even if there is no need for marriage, it is worth visiting the "blind date corner" at a specific time to experience the unique Chinese style enthusiasm and concern. Listening to parents chatting and looking at the marriage advertisements that carry countless family expectations, you will have a deeper understanding of this city.

 Tourist Route Suggestions
Half day "leisure essence" tour (suitable for tourists with limited time):
Enter the park at 9am or 2pm → Go directly to Heming Tea House, sit down near the lake, order a bowl of tea, and experience the most authentic Chengdu tea life for 1-2 hours → Get up and take a walk to the Xinhai Autumn Road Protection Death Memorial to learn about its history → Then go to the Zhong Dumplings in the park for lunch or afternoon tea → After dinner, take a walk on Ginkgo Avenue or Bonsai Garden for digestion → If interested, go to Goldfish Island to enjoy fish or go boating alone → Leave contentedly.
IntoTravelChina tip: The focus of this journey is on experience rather than rushing, so please slow down your pace. Heming Tea House may be in high demand on weekend afternoons, please arrange your time reasonably.
One day "Deep Humanities" Tour (highly recommended for culture enthusiasts):
Morning: Enter the park calmly, first feel the overall atmosphere in various parts of the park (such as monuments and old buildings) and take photos → go deep into the bonsai garden to appreciate Sichuan style bonsai art → have lunch at Heming Tea House or Zhenliu Tea Garden (tea houses also offer light refreshments).
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the Heming Tea House, fully experience drinking tea, ear picking, chatting, and observing the various aspects of the city → At three or four o'clock in the afternoon, go to Zhongshuijiao to taste authentic snacks → Afterwards, according to the date (Wednesday or Sunday), you can go to the blind date corner to experience the unique city culture → In the evening, rest by the lake or in the long corridor, watch the lanterns light up, and the other side of the city's nightlife begins to unfold.
The advantages of IntoTravelChina: We can book the most suitable accommodation for you, arrange the connection of all activities, and provide detailed hiking routes and safety guidelines.

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 How to reach: Convenient hub in the city center
People's Park is located in the absolute central urban area of Chengdu, with convenient transportation.
Departing from Chengdu Airport/Railway Station: The most recommended option is the subway. Take Metro Line 2 and get off at "People's Park Station". Exit at Exit A or B to reach the park gate, seamlessly connecting.
Departing from any location in Chengdu city: buses, taxis, and ride hailing services are all extremely convenient. The park is adjacent to core areas such as Tianfu Square and Kuanzhai Alley, and can be easily reached on foot.
Starting from surrounding attractions: It is easy to connect with Kuanzhai Alley (about 10 minutes' walk), Tianfu Square (about 15 minutes' walk), and Qingyang Palace (about 10 minutes' drive) for sightseeing. It is recommended to walk or ride to deeply experience the charm of Chengdu's streets and alleys.
Important return reminder: The park will be closed at night (usually around 22:00), please pay attention to the travel time. After the park is closed, the surrounding public transportation is still well-developed, and the subway usually runs after 23:00.

Best Travel Time
People's Park is suitable for all seasons, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable and have the best atmosphere.
Spring and Autumn Golden Season (March May, September November): The climate is mild, and the flowers in the park bloom repeatedly, especially the golden ginkgo trees in autumn, which is the most beautiful season of the year.
Summer Cooling Season (June August): The weather in Chengdu is hot, but the ancient trees in the park are towering, making it a great place for citizens to cool off. The open-air area of Heming Tea House is shaded by green trees, with a cool breeze and a unique charm.
Winter quiet season (December February): There are relatively few tourists. On sunny afternoons, sitting in tea houses to bask in the sun and drink tea is the favorite "sun drying" activity among Chengdu people, warm and comfortable.

Accommodation Options
Park surroundings/city center area (preferred):
This is an excellent location to experience urban life in Chengdu. We recommend staying in a boutique hotel with historical heritage or modern design, which offers a panoramic view of the city night. The cost-effective option is to choose nearby comfortable hotels or specialty homestays, which are within walking distance to parks and narrow alleys, with extremely convenient dining and transportation.
Accommodation in other urban areas:
The Chengdu subway network is well-developed, and hotels along subway lines 1, 2, and 4 can also conveniently reach People's Park. This is suitable for tourists who want more diverse accommodation options and more flexible budget control.

IntoTravelChina accommodation booking recommendations:
Chengdu, as a popular tourist city, has a strong demand for high-quality hotels in the city center during holidays and peak seasons. By booking with us, you can not only get real-time room availability and competitive prices, but also select the most suitable accommodation location based on your different preferences for history, culture, or cuisine, and perfectly combine your park stroll with city exploration. Tell us your needs and we will arrange the most authentic 'Chengdu Home' for you. >>Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel consultant

One day essence tour of Chengdu urban culture: Chengdu Museum (history) → Taikoo Li (modern fashion) → Kuanzhai Alley (traditional street) → Sichuan Opera Performance (night). This route crosses the past and present of Chengdu within a day.
Sichuan Sichuan Classic 6-day Ring Road: Chengdu → Leshan (Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, Mount Emei) → Sanxingdui → People's Park, Jinli Old Street → Giant Panda Base, Chunxi Road. This is a classic Sichuan journey from modern cities to natural wonders and cultural heritage. >>Explore the 6-day essence of Sichuan

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Make your trip to Taikoo Li not just about shopping, but also a deep conversation about understanding Chengdu, a city where you don't want to leave once you come.  

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