Qinba Plant Expo Park in Dazhou

I. Core Highlights: Four-Season Flower Sea and Cultural Integration

1. Peony Culture Experience
   The garden takes “peony” as its theme, featuring the century-old peony “Fene Jiao (粉娥娇)” (102 years old) and over 2,000 premium peony varieties from home and abroad, such as “Jin Ge (金阁)” and “Hai Huang (海黄)”. The blooming season is from March to April. Around the Peony Pavilion (牡丹亭), there are experience areas for peony tea and flower banquets, where visitors can participate in making peony-derived products and immerse in the culture of the “King of Flowers”.
2. Multi-season Flower Landscapes
   • Spring: Cherry blossoms, redbuds, and peach blossoms cover the mountains; Sakura Square (樱花广场) becomes a popular photo spot.
   • Summer: Lavender, roses, and lotuses bloom, creating a romantic flower sea.
   • Autumn: Chrysanthemums and ginkgoes paint the mountains in vibrant colors.
   • Winter: Wintersweet flowers stand out against snow, offering a unique charm.
3. Immersive Folk Culture
   • Bashan Folk Culture Garden (巴山民俗苑): Showcases traditional architecture, farming tools, and intangible cultural heritage handicrafts of eastern Sichuan. Visitors can experience local crafts like Bashan paper-cutting and bamboo weaving.
   • Kongjiazhai Folk Custom Garden (孔家寨风情园): Restores ancient Bashan dwellings and hosts folk performances such as campfire parties and eastern Sichuan folk songs.

II. In-Depth Activities: Nature and Humanities Combined

1. Photography Creation
   The garden offers scenic spots like observation decks, glass walkways, and flower corridors, ideal for photographers. The century-old peony “Fene Jiao” paired with classical architecture makes a perfect backdrop for Hanfu (汉服) or qipao (旗袍) photo shoots.
2. Parent-Child Interaction
   • Plant Science Education: Signage and 科普 boards introduce plant species, suitable for family learning.
   • Petting Zoo: Get close to alpacas, mini pigs, and other animals for feeding experiences.
   • Outdoor Expansion: Children’s playgrounds and camping bases provide space for family activities.
3. Red Culture Tour
   Pujiang Town is a key red culture town in eastern Sichuan. Combine your visit with the Pujiang Fifth Higher Primary School Relic (蒲家五高小遗址) (a revolutionary education base) and Shenjian Garden (神剑园) (former residence of General Zhang Aiping) to explore Dazhou’s red history.

III. Practical Information: Travel and Services

1. Transportation
   • By Car: From downtown Dazhou, drive along National Highway 210 or En’guang Expressway (Xujia Dam Exit) to Pujiang Town, about 40 minutes. Free parking is available.
   • Public Transit: Take Bus 101 from Dazhou North Bus Station to Pujiang Town, then walk 1 km; or take a taxi for about 50 RMB.
2. Admission and Opening Hours
   • Ticket: Historical reference: 30-50 RMB; half-price for children and seniors. Free entry during some seasonal events (e.g., Children’s Day 2018).
   • Hours: May 1–Sep 30: 8:00–18:00; Oct 1–Apr 30: 9:00–18:00 (last entry at 17:00).
3. Surrounding Facilities
   • Dining: The garden has an ecological restaurant serving Bashan local cuisine and peony banquets. Nearby farmhouses in Pujiang Town offer specialties like cured pork and bean curd.
   • Accommodation: On-site options include wooden cottages and camping tents; budget hotels are available in Pujiang Town, or return to downtown Dazhou (40-minute drive).
   • Shopping: Buy specialty products like peony tea, essential oils, and blueberry goods.

IV. Tips and Recommendations

1. Best Visiting Seasons
   • Spring (Mar–Apr): Peak bloom for peonies and cherry blossoms, ideal for flower viewing.
   • Autumn (Oct–Nov): Ginkgoes turn golden, with fewer crowds for a more peaceful experience.
2. Clothing and Gear
   Wear comfortable shoes for walking; bring sun protection in summer and warm layers in winter.

V. Extended Itineraries: Nearby Attractions

1. One-Day Tours
   • Nature Route: Qinba Plant Expo Garden → Jinshi Yunding Wildlife Park (金石云顶野生动物园) (30-minute drive, rare animal viewing).
   • Cultural Route: Qinba Plant Expo Garden → Shenjian Garden (神剑园) (25-minute drive, red education) → 515 Art Cave (515 艺术创窟) (15-minute drive, contemporary art exhibitions).
2. Two-Day Tours
   • Day 1: Downtown Dazhou → Qinba Plant Expo Garden (flower viewing, folk experiences) → Stay in Pujiang Town.
   • Day 2: Pujiang Town → Bashan Grand Canyon (巴山大峡谷) (1.5-hour drive, canyon rafting and cave exploration) → Return to downtown.

VI. Visitor Feedback and Considerations

• Praises: Beautiful natural scenery, family-friendly; unique peony culture and rich folk activities.
• Notes: Some visitors mention issues like worn facilities (e.g., damaged walkways, overgrown weeds). Opt for peak seasons and plan ahead.

Conclusion