Eling Park

Lies on the western side of Chongqing, Eling Park stands on Mt. Eling. In Qing Dynasty, a famous calligrapher who was a friend of the garden owner felt the topography of this mountain for its narrow and steep shape resembling a nape of a goose. He wrote down a piece of calligraphy and gave it to the owner. The owner immediately carved it to a stone tablet. This is how the park got its name.

The Eling Park displays the layout of Suzhou gardens. There are various kinds of pavilions, platforms, high buildings, winding paths and corridors, lotus ponds and arc bridges in the garden. Additionally, there are potted landscape gardens with characteristic. The man-made landscapes on the mountain look quite elegant.

On the crest of the city, Eling Park graces Chongqing with delicate miniature landscapes. Mt. Nanshan, Mt. Wangshan and Mt. Jinyun with age-old trees and bamboo groves are worth visiting. Swimming and bathing in the Hot Springs of the Southern and Northern Parks appeal to all. In the zoo there are such rare animals such as pandas and golden haired monkeys. The museum in Chongqing has on display dinosaur fossil skeletons and many other relics. About 150 kilometers from Chongqing you will find the famous super sized stone sculptures in Dazu. You regret it if you miss the magnificent Yangzi Gorges as you leave Chongqing. After the dam on the Yangzi River is completed this sight will be gone forever.
 

History

Eling park, formerly known as, originally is the villa of Li Yaoting, a rich merchant and the first chairman of Chongqing commerce chamber in the late Qing dynasty. In the late Qing dynasty Xuantong emperor period (1909-1909), Yunnan En’an salt merchants Li Yaoting and his father like the beauty in Eling, therefore they build gardens here, and it is the first private garden of Chongqing.

In 1958, Chongqing municipal government repaired and improved the courteous park, constructing new buildings and pavilions, widely planting flowers and plants trees, gave it a new name as "Eling Park". The park was originally called Edingling ("Goose Nape Hill") due to its narrow and steep shape that resembles the nape of a goose.

Highlights to Visit

Lotus Pond and Long Corridor
During summer, the blooming lotuses and water lilies in Eling Park become a seasonal highlight. At the Lotus Pond and in front of Exiang Villa, large clusters of lotus flowers unfold against the emerald leaves, while water lilies float gracefully on the crystal-clear pond. Bathed in sunlight, their petals shine with a soft glow, as if they were dancing on the water’s surface.

Eling Park is designed in the style of a Jiangnan classical garden. Traditional Chinese elements such as pavilions, winding corridors, stone bridges, flowing water, and rockeries are carefully arranged to create poetic scenery. Classic spots like the Lotus Pond Corridor and Exiang Villa showcase the charm of ancient Chinese architecture blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

Exiang Villa 鹅项山庄
Exiang Villa stands out with its distinctive design featuring yellow walls, grey tiles, and elegant flying eaves. Winding corridors connect delicately carved halls and pavilions, while arched gateways frame lush greenery like living paintings. The wooden lattice windows inside the villa vary in shapes and designs, perfectly capturing picturesque views of ancient trees, flowers, and garden architecture. It is a wonderful spot for photography lovers seeking the interplay between traditional Chinese architecture and nature.

King Tree (Huangge Tree)
On the hilltop of Eling Park grows a 175-year-old Huangge Tree, also known as the King Tree. With a trunk circumference of about 6.6 meters, it takes four adults to encircle it. Around the tree, visitors can relax at the Tree King Square, sipping tea, chatting with friends, and enjoying the leisure of park life under the shade of this ancient giant.

Stone Rope Bridge 石绳桥
One of the most iconic attractions in the park is the Stone Rope Bridge, located in the central area. The S-shaped stone bridge crosses over Rong Lake, which is divided into upper and lower sections due to its terrain. The bridge’s balustrades are shaped like two thick, twisted ropes, hence its name. From either side of the bridge, the arches appear differently—one large and one small—offering a unique perspective. It is also an excellent place for photographing classical garden landscapes.

Flying Pavilion (Feige)
Built in 1939, Feige, or the Flying Pavilion, covers 319 square meters and adopts a brick-and-wood structure with turquoise tiles and colorful eaves. Its hexagonal shape and upward-curving eaves resemble a bird spreading its wings, giving the pavilion its poetic name.

Xizhao Pavilion (Sunset Pavilion)
As its name suggests, Xizhao Pavilion is the best place in Eling Park to admire the sunset. Located along the climbing corridor, it offers panoramic views over the Jialing River. Visitors can lean against the railings on the platform to enjoy the romantic scenery of the setting sun reflecting on the water, with the city skyline bathed in golden light.

Liangjiang Pavilion (Viewing Pavilion) 瞰胜楼（两江楼）
Liangjiang Pavilion, also known as Kan Sheng Lou, is the highest point in Eling Park. Climbing the seven-story tower allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of Chongqing’s cityscape, including the winding roads, bridges, and passing trains. From here, you can also take in the spectacular confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, as well as panoramic views of the Chongqing peninsula. At night, it becomes one of the most famous spots to appreciate the dazzling lights of Chongqing.



Yihui Garden
Located at the southern end of the park, Yihui Garden features a polygonal pond with a rockery in the center. Around it are seasonal flower beds and a Guwen Stone Flower Terrace, where a wide variety of flowers bloom throughout the year, adding colorful charm to the park.

Soviet Martyrs’ Tomb
Built to honor Colonel Shtof and Kartov, two Soviet Air Force officers who sacrificed their lives in Chongqing, the Soviet Martyrs’ Tomb is a place of solemn commemoration within the park.

Former Sites of Allied Diplomatic Missions
During the Anti-Japanese War, Chongqing served as the political, economic, cultural, and military center of China. More than 30 countries relocated their embassies to the city, and over 40 foreign affairs institutions were set up here. Within Eling Park, visitors can still find the former sites of several diplomatic missions, including the Australian and Danish embassies. Their unique architectural styles reflect the city’s historical role as an international hub during wartime.

How to Get There

【By bus】
1. Taking No.808, 318, 503 and 210 to Liziba Stop.
2. Taking No.829 to Eling Park stop.
3. Taking No. 416, 418, 421, 413, 463, 466, 268 and 819 to Eling stop.

【By subway】
Taking Line 1 to Eling station, get off at exit 2A.