Tianjin Water Park
By admin on 2014-12-26

The Tianjin Water Park (simplified Chinese: 天津水上公园) is the largest urban park and recreation area in Tianjin, China. The park was formally established in 1951, covering an area of 126.71 hectares. The park is one of Tianjin's leading tourist attractions, which was officially acknowledged when it was listed in the National Tourism Administration 4A Level List of Scenic Sites in 2004.

History
The Tianjin Water Park formerly known as "Green Dragon Pond" (青龙潭) prior to its official establishment. Its history can be traced back first century AD. Historically, the site was known for its lush vegetion and natural ecosystems, particular in summer and autumn.

With the establishment of Beiyang University and Nankai University at the turn of the 19th century, the waterways of the park became popular for swimming among academic staff and students during the hot summer months.

The ground-breaking for the Tianjin Water Park occurred on 26 August 1950 and it was officially opened July 1, 1951 to visitors.

Park Layout
The Tianjin Water Park consists of nine islands (Islands 1 - 9) and three lakes (East Lake, West Lake and South Lake). Surrounding the waterways are pathways, pagodas and gardens. The gardens showcase both Chinese and foreign architectural styles. Visitors enjoy boating on the lakes. A long corridor winds its way from the east gate of the park to the Children's Amusement Park, equipped with a mini-train and a merry-go-round. A walk along the bank planted with peach trees and willows leads to the Culture Corner, with an alfresco theatre, a reading room, a swimming pool, a skating rink, and waterside pavilions. Another attraction is the Ten Thousand Buddha Island, with 36 spots that illustrate the Buddhist world view through the reconstruction of scenes from Buddhist stories.

Activities
The recreation area of the Tianjin Park has one of the city's highest ferris wheels. Visitors are also encouraged to travel on the lakes via rowing boats and high speed water shuttles. The park changes its theme according to season, for example, during spring there is the Tulip Show, and in autumn there is the Chrysanthemum Show.