Nestled against hills and beside water, Yanshan Park is a rare ecological oasis within Bengbu City. Its Peony Garden is renowned for nine color series and over 500 varieties; in spring, blossoms blanket the landscape like clouds and rosy dawn, while in autumn, golden leaves adorn the branches, creating a poetic scene with the layered rockeries that evokes the famous line: "Misty mountains appear even more enchanting in the rain."
The Lake and Hill Scenic Area features shimmering emerald waters, where a lotus-viewing pavilion nestles among winding bridges and weeping willows. In summer, lotus pods sway gently; in autumn, reeds rustle in the breeze. Boats glide through these tranquil waters, making visitors feel as if they have stepped into an ink-wash painting.
Winding through shaded groves, the ecological trail includes an educational corridor showcasing Bengbu’s geological evolution. Within the park stands the site of a Qing-dynasty well, its bluestone rim inscribed with the words “When drinking water, remember its source”—a poignant reminder of centuries of history.
The celebrated modern writer Zhang Henzhi, a native of Bengbu, once composed here the verse: “Cloud-capped peaks merge with misty seas beneath the sky,” imbuing the park with enduring literary heritage. The park also derives its name from historical military defenses established by the famed Ming-dynasty general Qi Jiguang, who once stationed troops in Bengbu to resist Japanese pirates. Remnants of his “Yanshan Fortress” defense system still remain, and the hill’s silhouette subtly echoes the form of ancient beacon towers, silently bearing witness to the region’s turbulent past.
Today, Yanshan Park serves both as a natural oxygen haven for local residents and as a living museum where history comes alive.
