Jiulong River Ecological Park nestles along the banks of Zhangzhou’s “mother river,” with the meandering river serving as its lifeblood, weaving a vivid ecological tapestry of azure waters and blue skies. The riverside greenway winds like a jade ribbon, connecting reed marshes, floating eco-islands, and midstream sandbars. When egrets skim across the water, their wings stir ripples that shimmer like scattered gold—evoking the fluid grace of traditional ink-wash painting.
Within the park, birdwatching platforms, an ecological education corridor, and waterside trails invite visitors to stroll along the riverbank. At dawn, one might glimpse the rare finless porpoise leaping through morning mist; at dusk, the setting sun bathes the river in molten gold.
Since ancient times, the Jiulong River has served as a vital artery of southern Fujian, once bearing witness to the footsteps of Chen Di, a Ming-dynasty geographer who surveyed its mountains and rivers. His work, Dongfan Ji (Record of the Eastern Barbarians), documented tidal patterns still referenced in ecological research today. Along the riverbank, clusters of traditional Minnan-style houses—with their distinctive swallow-tail roof ridges—reflect beautifully against the rippling water.
Each year during the third lunar month, riverside temple fairs come alive with lantern processions and fishermen’s songs echoing in call-and-response, blending the timeless charm of this ancient water town with contemporary ecological values.
Designed around the core concept of “water veins, cultural veins, and ecological veins,” the park preserves native wetland vegetation while integrating installations inspired by the Minnan region’s 24 solar terms. At the tip of the midstream islet stands the Longyin Pavilion—a classically styled pavilion subtly echoing the river’s nine natural bends—offering an ideal spot for both panoramic views and quiet repose. More than just a paradise for egrets, this park embodies a poetic harmony between people and nature, a cherished home for Zhangzhou residents.
