Eling Park
Eling Park, known as Yiyuan or Liyuan and occupying 66,254 square meters, was built in 1909 and was originally the home of Li Yaoting, a wealthy businessman in the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911). It is composed of Stone Rope Bridge, Yihui Garden, Lansheng Tower and other spaces. The park was originally called Edingling (Goose's Nape Hill) because of its narrow, steep shape reminiscent of the nape of a goose. Located at the highest point of the Yuzhong Peninsula, it faces west, with mountains behind it, the Yangtze River and Jialing River flowing below, and magnificent and beautiful natural scenery clearly presented ahead.
Eling Park adorns Chongqing with delicate miniature landscapes. Nanshan, Wangshan and Mount Jinyun are worth visiting, with lush trees and groves. In addition, there are many attractions worth visiting, such as Shengqiao, Tiger Terrace, Bonsai Garden, where visitors can appreciate flowers and bonsai, enjoy the night scene and taste tea. From time to time, some exhibitions are held in the park, especially the chrysanthemum exhibition, which is the model of Chongqing garden art.
Due to its good location and beautiful natural landscape, Eling Park has become the ideal place for a break. Therefore, many famous people have stayed or visited here for different reasons in the past, such as Mr. Chiang-Kai-Shek, Mr. Feng Yuxiang, Mr. Lin Sen, Mr. Sun Ke, Mr. Song Ziwen, Mr. He Yingqin, Mr. Yan Xishan, Mr. Chen Cheng, all of them were important ministers of Kumingtang. The Australian embassy was also in the park. Australia's first diplomatic body in China operated between 1941 and 1946. The building is still complete and in good condition, with lush foliage covering the courtyard. A plaque, provided by the Australian Embassy in China and unveiled by the Australian Government on September 15, 2006, welcomes visitors at the entrance. Bob Hawke, former Prime Minister of Australia, and his wife, as well as several Australian ambassadors to China, have visited the site.
There are three main things to do when taking a trip to Chongqing: eat hotpot, take in the night scenery, and visit the Three Gorges. And to contemplate the night landscape, nowhere is better than Eling Park.
