Fengtai Garden in Beijing

Fengtai Garden (丰台花园) is a public park located in Fengtai District (丰台区), Beijing. It is a third-level, district-level park, situated near the Four-ring Road (四环路) for convenient access. Established in 1984, the park covers an area of 10 hectares, with a water surface area of 1 hectare. The park is known for its scenic beauty, featuring lakes, mountains, and vibrant floral displays, aligning with the traditional “flower town” characteristics of Fengtai (丰台). The park officially opened to the public in May 1986, after being approved by the Beijing Municipal People’s Government (北京市人民政府) in March 1984. Over the years, the park has undergone extensive development, adding various attractions such as the West Gate Scenic Area, amusement park, lake area, grass slopes, exhibition greenhouse, bamboo forest area, and Peace Square (和平广场), built in 2001.

Key Information

  • Name: Fengtai Garden (丰台花园)

  • Location: Fengtai Town, Fengtai District, Beijing

  • Area: 10 hectares

  • Opened: May 1986

  • Admission: Free

History and Development

Fengtai Garden was established as the first garden in Beijing’s southwestern suburbs. Fengtai has long been known as a “flower town,” and the garden emphasizes its floral heritage. The park has expanded significantly since its opening, with notable developments including the creation of fitness stations, playgrounds, and cultural spaces. In 2005, the park earned the title of “National Outstanding National Fitness Activity Station” due to its exceptional sports and fitness offerings.

The park has a strong connection with the local community, providing a venue for both physical activity and relaxation. Notably, it houses a Qigong Fitness Activity Station (健身气功活动站), which has become a focal point for residents to practice fitness Qigong, a traditional Chinese health practice.

Fitness Qigong Activities

The Fengtai Garden Fitness Qigong Activity Station (丰台花园健身气功活动站) is one of the park’s central features. It offers various forms of fitness exercises such as Eight Section Brocade (八段锦), Five Animal Frolics (五禽戏), and Yi Jin Jing (易筋经). These exercises are designed to improve both physical and mental well-being.

Since becoming a pilot unit for fitness Qigong in March 2003, the station has grown in popularity. The practice has had significant health benefits for participants, many of whom are elderly residents. The exercises are simple yet effective, providing improvements in cardiovascular health, flexibility, and overall happiness. Some participants, such as Yang Baolong (杨柏龙), Zhang Mingliang (张明亮), and Ru Kai (茹凯), have served as instructors, inspiring others to engage in these activities.

Success Stories

Many participants in the Qigong program have reported significant health improvements. For example, Zhou Fengxiang (周凤祥), who once suffered from severe insomnia, experienced remarkable changes after practicing Eight Section Brocade (八段锦). Similarly, Yan Shuying (闫淑英) improved her physical health and felt a deeper connection with her community through the practice of Five Animal Frolics (五禽戏), Yi Jin Jing (易筋经), and Eight Section Brocade (八段锦).

Development and Achievements

The park’s Fitness Qigong station became a model for national fitness programs after participating in over 10 large-scale demonstrations, including events like the National Sports Fitness Qigong Series Demonstration (全国健身气功系列展示活动). In recognition of its efforts, the station achieved national recognition as an Outstanding National Fitness Activity Station in 2005.

Television and Public Recognition

Fengtai Garden’s Fitness Qigong station has also gained media attention. During a recording for the Beijing Television (北京电视台) program “Beijing Fitness Trend” (京城健身潮), the station’s practitioners, many of whom were over 60, showcased their dedication and the benefits of the practice. The event received high praise from the television staff and the audience.

Leadership and Support

The park has received strong support from local leaders, including Guan Deyi (管德义), the Director of Fengtai Garden, and Li Jinghua (李京花), the Deputy Director. The garden has also become an important space for community interaction. With the guidance of Fengtai District Sports Bureau (丰台区体育局), the station has facilitated numerous opportunities for people of all ages to engage in physical activities, promoting a healthier and more harmonious community.

Attractions and Facilities

Fengtai Garden is not only a place for fitness but also a recreational park with various attractions. Visitors can enjoy the serene lake, walk through lush landscapes, or engage in various leisure activities. The park features:

  • Amusement rides: including a Pirate Ship (海盗船), Bumper Cars (碰碰车), and a Carousel (旋转木马).

  • Fitness equipment: separated into areas for children and adults, offering a variety of machines for all ages.

  • Lake Activities: The lake is a central attraction, where visitors can enjoy boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to Fengtai Garden often comment on the peaceful atmosphere and variety of activities available. The park is especially popular with families, as children can enjoy the Children’s Playground (儿童乐园), and adults can relax by the lake or engage in fitness activities.

Impressions from Visitors

“Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted by a large circular pond with a beautiful statue of a goddess. There are two paths around the pond, both leading to different areas of the park. I usually walk to the right, as it leads to the Children’s Playground, which has many toys and amusement facilities like the Pirate Ship, Bouncy Trampolines, and a Slide.”

“The park’s center features a small lake, which is especially lively in the summer when people go boating. In winter, the lake is used for ice skating. It’s a beautiful spot with a joyful atmosphere.”

Accessibility and Transportation

Fengtai Garden is conveniently located for public transport access. Visitors can take buses 310, 335, 340, 354, 480, 604, 657, 689, 694, 736, 740, 959, 967, and Yuntong 115 to the Cha Lu Kou (叉路口) station, or take the 205 night bus and 323 express bus to Fengbei Bridge East (丰北桥东), followed by a 154-meter walk.

Future Outlook

Fengtai Garden is striving to improve its services and environment, and it has already received ISO9000 and ISO14000 certification for its management systems. The garden’s vision for the future is to become a model of modern park management while continuing to provide high-quality services for visitors. The management aims to create a comfortable and accessible environment for visitors, ensuring that it remains an important cultural and recreational space in Beijing (北京).