Qujiang Pool Park

Qujiang Pool Park occupies the site of a royal garden lake first developed during the Han dynasty and expanded into one of imperial Chang'an's most celebrated pleasure gardens under the Tang. Designed by architect Zhang Jinqiu and opened in 2008, the modern park rebuilds that history around a landscaped lake with stone-paved walking paths, pavilions, and clusters of lotus that bloom through the summer months, giving the water a quiet, garden-like character rather than an open swimming shoreline. At the end of the main landing stage, the Yunge Pavilion operates rowboat rentals, letting visitors paddle out among the lotus beds for a closer look at the water than the surrounding paths allow. The park is free to enter and popular with local residents for morning walks and photography, especially when the lotus is at its peak in June through August, while cooler months bring a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere with bare trees reflected in the still water. Restaurants and teahouses cluster near the main entrances, making it easy to combine a lake walk with a meal. Reaching the park is straightforward via Subway Line 4 to Qujiangchi Xi Station, followed by a 15-minute walk east, or several bus routes that stop directly at the park gate.