Zijin Park is nestled at the southern foot of Zijin Mountain, where landscapes form its backbone and cultural heritage its soul, painting a harmonious urban ecological tableau of dynamic and tranquil elements.
The vegetable market at the foot of the hill in the park's southeast corner.
The Dragon Vein Plaza at the park entrance commands an imposing presence, with the Nine-Dragon Wall on its left serving as the crowning touch—seven-colored glazed tiles layered in intricate patterns. Nine coiled dragons wind across each side of the wall, their bodies soaring through waves and clouds, claws clutching jewels, scales distinct. The blue-gray glazed tiles shimmer in shifting light, radiating both majestic grandeur and an air of ancient mystery, as if encapsulating the essence of millennia of dragon culture within a single wall.
Sculpture at the square entrance.
Nine-Dragon Wall.
The park remains open to the public year-round, day and night, where the hustle and bustle of daily life blends with natural charm: In the southeast corner, adjacent to the bustling neighborhood market, the morning cries of vendors harmonize with the birdsong within the park; at the rear, the scholarly atmosphere of Nanjing Kelihua Middle School (Zijin Campus) accompanies the greenery, with youthful vitality adding vibrancy to the landscape; while the northwest corner's Jiayuan Plaza mall outlines the neighborhood's living radius with its modern commercial energy. Most enchanting is the park's embrace by the “Jinzihua Fu” residential complex. Ascend the pavilion for a breathtaking vista: to the west, Nanjing's skyline unfolds in a dense tapestry where history and modernity converse; to the north, the majestic silhouette of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the soaring eaves of Linggu Temple emerge, preserving an unbroken thread of cultural heritage; to the south, the verdant expanse of Qinglong Mountain and the expansive greenery of Qilin Central Park unfold, embracing the vastness of heaven and earth.
The Ring Expressway and Zhongshanmen Avenue encircle the park like two ribbons, wrapping around its northern and southern flanks. This configuration not only grants it a prime geographical location but also transforms this green oasis into a rare tranquil haven within the urban landscape. With exceptionally high plant coverage, the park transforms through the seasons: towering trees, lush shrubs, and vibrant flowers create a poetic “urban oasis” of vibrant life. Whether it's cherry blossoms blanketing the paths in spring or ginkgo leaves carpeting the ground in gold during autumn, it serves as a sanctuary where citizens can embrace nature up close and gaze upon distant landscapes.
Jade Belt Bridge.
Pavilion corridors with ornate beams and painted rafters.
Park bridge.
Several jade-belt bridges.
A sculpture tucked in a corner of the park, looking particularly desolate and lonely on a cold, overcast day.
Lush greenery.
Zijin Qieyuan - Sculpture depicting the Farmer's Fable and its information plaque.
Overlooking this small pavilion halfway up the hillside - its information plaque bears the beautifully named: Maple Evening Pavilion.
Approaching the main building's pavilion.
Weeds grow freely between the bricks.
Overlooking the pavilion.
The pavilion is quite magnificent, though unfortunately not open to the public.
The eaves of the pavilion feature a double-eave structure.
Weeds cover the ground.
A bird's-eye view of the park offers an intriguing God's-eye perspective.
A massive plant growing through brick joints—it must have been thriving for ages.
Looking back while descending the steps from the other side.
A sculpture of a child playing chess on the corner platform—where did its arms go?
This little park is definitely worth exploring when you pass by.