Zhaolin Park

Zhaolin Park, located at No. 15 Senlin Street, Daoli District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, was first built in 1906 and is the oldest city park in Harbin. In 1946, to commemorate General Li Zhaolin, a commander of the Anti-Japanese Allied Army, the Heilongjiang Provincial Government renamed it "Zhaolin Park." It is the birthplace of Chinese ice lantern art and hosts an ice lantern art fair every year. As of 2025, Zhaolin Park has been designated as a provincial-level patriotic education base, a Harbin municipal-level moral education base, and a Heilongjiang provincial-level national defense education base.
 

The Historical Story of Zhaolin Park, Harbin

Zhaolin Park, with a history spanning over a century, is not just a urban green space but also a witness to Harbin’s historical changes and a carrier of patriotic memory. Its story can be divided into two key stages: its early establishment and its renaming to honor a national hero.

1. Early Establishment (1906-1945): From a "Board Park" to a Public Space

Zhaolin Park was first built in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty. At that time, Harbin was a rapidly developing railway hub, and the park was initially named "Dongli Park" (also known locally as "Board Park," as it was managed by a foreign business board in the early days).
 

In its early years, the park was designed with a mix of Chinese and Western landscape styles, featuring lawns, flower beds, and simple recreational facilities. It served as a rare open space for local residents and foreign expats to relax, becoming a small window for cultural exchanges in Harbin at that time. Over the following decades, the park underwent minor expansions and renovations, but its core function as a public park remained unchanged.

2. Renaming and Patriotic Inheritance (1946-Present): Honoring General Li Zhaolin

The most important turning point in the park’s history came in 1946, shortly after the end of World War II. To commemorate General Li Zhaolin—a distinguished leader of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army who fought bravely against Japanese aggression and sacrificed his life for national independence—the Heilongjiang Provincial Government officially renamed the park "Zhaolin Park."
 

Later, a tomb and a monument dedicated to General Li Zhaolin were built within the park. These landmarks became important sites for patriotic education, where local residents, students, and visitors gather to pay tribute to the martyr every year. Since then, Zhaolin Park has transcended its role as a mere leisure spot; it has become a symbol of Harbin’s patriotic spirit, connecting the city’s past with its present.
 

Main attraction

Natural Landscapes

• Artificial Lake: There is a circular artificial lake of more than 10,000 square meters in the park. Five small bridges are cleverly built on the lake, connecting the water area and adding a touch of agility to the park.
• Huaguo Mountain and Meigui Mountain: Huaguo Mountain is located in the east of the park, and Meigui Mountain is in the west. The two mountains set off each other, with lush vegetation, adding a rich natural flavor to the park.
• Xiaonan Islet: It is located in the south of the park, in the center of the artificial lake. It is an island in the lake, surrounded by water, with a unique scenery.
• Yingyue Garden and Dingxiang Garden: They are two of the more famous small gardens in the park. Yingyue Garden is elegant and quiet, suitable for enjoying the moon and relaxing; Dingxiang Garden is full of lilac flowers. When the flowers are in full bloom, the fragrance is overflowing.
   

Cultural Relics Buildings

• Li Zhaolin's Tomb: It is located at the northernmost end of the park. It is a memorial site for General Li Zhaolin, a famous anti-Japanese national hero. It has important historical and patriotic education significance.
• Anzhonggen Monument: It is one of the 10 cultural relic buildings in the park that have been listed as provincial and municipal cultural relics protection buildings, commemorating the Korean patriot Anzhonggen.
• Russian Log Cabin: It shows the unique architectural style of Russia, reflecting the cultural exchanges between Harbin and Russia in history.
• Park Enclosure and Exhibition Hall Bridges: The park's enclosure has a European classical style, exuding a strong exotic atmosphere. The exhibition hall's Kuahong Bridge, Dujian Bridge, Tuxi Bridge, Yunzhou Bridge, and Rainbow Bridge are all well - preserved ancient bridges, which are not only convenient for people to travel but also have high artistic value.
   

Special Seasonal Landscapes

• Ice Lanterns in Winter: Zhaolin Park is the birthplace of Chinese ice lantern art. The Harbin Ice Lantern Art Fair is held here every year from January 5th to the end of February. When night falls, the ice lanterns are resplendent and colorful, and the various ice sculptures, combined with modern technology such as sound and light, make the whole park like a fairy - tale world.
   

How to get there?

By Subway

• You can take Line 3 of the Harbin Metro and get off at Zhaolin Park Station, which is the north gate of the park.
• You can also take Line 2 and get off at Central Street Station, then exit from Exit 1 and walk along West Seventh Street to the park. In addition, you can get off at People's Square Station of Line 3, exit from Exit C, and then take a taxi to the park at the starting price.
   

By Bus

• You can take buses No. 8, 23, 29, 52, 65, 83, 101, 201, 206 and get off at Zhaolin Park Station, which is located on the southeast side of the park.
• Taking buses No. 4, 12, 24, 26, 56, 64, 79, 95, 102, 114, 132, 136 and getting off at Children's Hospital Station, and you can reach the north gate of the park.
• Get off at Daoli Third Street Station by taking buses No. 16, 64, 74, 85 and you can reach the west gate of the park.
   

By Taxi or Car

• Taking a taxi is the most convenient way. You can show the Chinese "兆麟公园" to the driver, and he will take you to the park. If you drive by yourself, you can navigate to Zhaolin Park. There are parking lots around the park, such as the underground garage of Mckayle Apartment.