Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden in Songming County, Kunming
Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden (丰泽源植物园) is located in Baiyiba, Songming County, northeast of Kunming City, about 40 kilometers from downtown Kunming. The park covers an area of 66 hectares, with a plant reserve exceeding a thousand acres. It is situated at the source of the Panlong River, surrounded by beautiful mountains and waters, boasting rich natural resources and historical culture.
Focus and Purpose
The botanical garden is dedicated to cultivating rare and valuable plants native to Yunnan while also introducing and breeding notable domestic and international plant species. It serves multiple purposes, including:
- A seedling and germplasm base for rare and valuable plants
- A conservation base for rare and endangered plants in Yunnan
- A scientific research and public education base for botany
- An education base for water resource protection in Kunming
- A base for patriotic education
Black Dragon Pool
The Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭) within the garden was originally a dragon palace, later evolving into a temple that harmonizes Buddhist and Taoist traditions. Established in the first year of the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty (1488), it has undergone multiple renovations over the years, including recent constructions. The temple environment is picturesque, with abundant wildlife and historical cultural relics.
Facilities and Attractions
The botanical garden features several themed areas that widely cultivate national treasure-level protected plants and nationally protected plants such as:
- Yunnan Dove Tree (珙桐)
- Silver Fir (银杉)
- Dawn Redwood (水杉)
- Red Cedar (红豆杉)
Additionally, it has a large variety of ornamental plants.
Natural Environment
Known as “the land of colorful clouds,” this vibrant region in western China is home to the renowned Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden. Over the years, the garden has capitalized on its favorable conditions to focus on cultivating rare and high-quality local plants, as well as introducing and domesticating notable species from abroad.
Black Dragon Pool Temple
The Black Dragon Pool, initially a dragon palace, gradually transformed into a temple that integrates Buddhism and Taoism. Its construction began in 1488, with subsequent renovations carried out during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple is set against the backdrop of the rolling Guanshan Mountain, overlooking the shimmering Long Lake. Surrounded by lush mountains and clear waters, it features ancient trees, singing birds, and stunning landscapes.
The temple houses numerous rare wild plants, including:
- Golden Line Fish (金线鱼)
- Splendid Fish (裂腹鱼)
- Yunnan Loach (云南鳅)
- White Egret (白鹭)
- Kingfisher (翠鸟)
- Wild Orchids (兰花)
The halls and pavilions are majestic, adorned with exquisite stone and wood carvings, as well as famous couplets and plaques. Among these, a plaque inscribed with “Panjiang Zhao You” by Emperor Guangxu hangs prominently. The temple’s historical significance is underscored by visits from notable figures, including the Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake, who famously described the depth of the dragon pool as “unfathomable.”
Natural Resources
The garden features fifteen themed areas, including:
- Camellias (山茶)
- Peonies (牡丹)
- Magnolias (木兰)
- Rhododendrons (杜鹃)
- Osmanthus (桂花)
- Chrysanthemums (菊花)
It also has five comprehensive areas for various plants, including rare protected species like:
- Taiwan Fir (银杉)
- Bald Cypress (秃杉)
- Redwood (水杉)
- Camellia (金花茶)
Other notable trees include North American Redwood (北美红杉), Ginkgo (银杏), and several species of orchids.
Water Resources
After several years of development, the Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden has improved its water sources and vegetation, radiating with vibrant life. The garden has become a dazzling jewel on the red soil plateau, with colorful flowers and lush trees creating a picturesque landscape. The clear springs provide a habitat for fish among the aquatic plants. The red walls and glazed tiles of Black Dragon Pool Temple stand out among the greenery, creating a striking visual.
Operations and Activities
Fengzeyuan engages in various activities, including:
- Garden and horticultural exhibitions
- Ecological tourism
- Seedling protection and cultivation
- Scientific education
- Sale of flowers and seedlings
- Landscape design and creation
The garden integrates production, environmental protection, and educational outreach, embodying a fusion of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Transportation
Route
Visitors in Kunming can take buses 23, K1, 57, 79, 61, 67, 59, 92, or 96 to the North Jinxiang Passenger Station and then transfer to the Baiyi bus to reach the garden.
