Changchun • Nanhu Park—A Super Park in South Changchun

After returning to Changchun city from the Jilin Provincial Museum, I arrived at the famous Nanhu Park. Nanhu Park covers an area of 238.6 hectares, including a water area of 92 hectares and a green area of 134.6 hectares. It is a super-large central urban park, one of the best in the country. Knowing that the park's planning history spans nearly a century, one can appreciate Changchun's forward-looking vision and ambition. The planning of Nanhu Park originated from Japan's "Greater New Kyoto City Plan." At that time, facing the Imperial Palace of Xinjing along Zhongyang Street was this vast park, formerly known as Huanglong Park. According to this plan, in 1937, an 800-meter-long and 10-meter-high dam was built along Gongnong Avenue, intercepting several small tributaries of the Yitong River to form an artificial lake, which is today's Nanhu Lake. A large bridge divides Nanhu Lake into two parts. The original bridge, built shortly after the park's creation, was destroyed in August 1948 by the Kuomintang army to prevent the People's Liberation Army from attacking Changchun. The current bridge, built in 1979 and known as Nanhu Bridge, resembles a rainbow lying on the waves, dividing Nanhu Lake into two sections and becoming a magnificent scenic spot itself. Entering the park from the north gate, you are greeted by the Changchun Liberation Monument. Located directly north of Nanhu Lake, the site boasts a prime location, originally reserved by the Japanese for a declaration of war tower to commemorate the outbreak and victory of the Pacific War. With Japan's defeat in the war, the monument was never built. On October 18, 1988, on the 40th anniversary of Changchun's liberation, the Changchun Liberation Monument was erected here, proudly proclaiming that Changchun was no longer the Japanese Xinjing, but the people's Changchun. Nanhu Park is a leisure park, featuring ingenious scenic buildings like the Siting Bridge and attractions like Golden Beach, which offers a sunny beach experience even in Northeast China. The park is lush with trees and flowers, serving as Changchun's green lung and providing different scenic views throughout the four seasons. Having such a large park is truly a blessing for the people of Changchun.