Changchun's Victory Park—Changchun's First Park

Nanhu Park is the largest park in Changchun, but it's not the oldest. The oldest park in Changchun is Victory Park, located at the intersection of Renmin Street and Beijing Street. Built in 1915, Victory Park has a history of over a century, making it the oldest park in Changchun. Originally called West Park, it was designed by the Japanese landscape architect Shirasawa Yasumi. Completed in 1921, the park featured winding streams, a vast lake, and willow trees lining the shore. Later, a baseball field and a zoo were added, making it Changchun's most popular destination. In the early 1930s, West Park was renowned for its modern facilities and vast area among the cities occupied by the Japanese puppet regime, with the lake as its main attraction. The park was divided into two parts, east and west, by two lakes, one large and one small, running north to south. In 1938, the Japanese erected a bronze statue of Kodama Gentarō at the park entrance, and the park became known as Kodama Park. During the puppet Manchukuo period, the government held many large-scale events in the park, such as the "Festival of Heaven," the "Welcome Garden Party," the "Welcome Games," and military exercises attended by Puyi. Between 1945 and 1948, control of the park changed hands between the Soviet Army and the Kuomintang. Finally, after Changchun's complete liberation in 1948, the park was restored and rebuilt. In 1949, it was renamed Victory Park, symbolizing its rebirth and the victory of the people. Later, the portrait of Sun Yat-sen at the main entrance was replaced by a statue of Chairman Mao. This century-old park, having witnessed a tumultuous history, stands as a testament to Changchun's vibrant past. Today, Victory Park is no longer the largest or best park in Changchun, but it continues to attract visitors. The wave-shaped corridor on the lake boasts a novel design, and in spring and summer, the fragrance of blooming roses fills the air. The 118-meter-tall Ferris wheel, the largest in Jilin Province, has become the park's most prominent landmark. Changchun Dreamland Amusement Park, located within Victory Park, offers dozens of amusement facilities, making it a great place for families with children. The annual ice lantern and ice sculpture exhibitions, as well as the colorful light displays, are also captivating. If Nanhu Park is full of tourists, Victory Park is undoubtedly a beloved spot for Changchun residents.