French Garden in Mengzi City, Honghe
Overview
Nestled on the southern bank of Nanhu (南湖, Nán Hú) in Mengzi City (蒙自市, Méngzì Shì), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州, Hónghé Hānízú Yízú Zìzhìzhōu), stands a charming two-story yellow building. Regardless of the weather—be it rain, scorching heat, or the chill of winter—this structure quietly overlooks the scenic views of Nanhu, witnessing the cycles of nature. With its air of mystery and a touch of foreign romance, it resembles an elderly guardian that has watched over this small Yunnan town for over a century. This beloved landmark is known locally as the “French Garden” (法国花园, Fǎguó Huāyuán).
Similar to other French-related architectural sites in Mengzi, the French Garden is closely tied to the construction of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway (滇越铁路, Diānyuè Tiělù), which traverses the nearby mountains.
Historical Background
The French Garden法国花园 was originally named the “French Yunnan-Vietnam Railway General Bureau” (法国滇越铁路总局, Fǎguó Diānyuè Tiělù Zǒngjú), and prior to that, it served as the Italian Consulate in Mengzi (意大利驻蒙自领事馆, Yìdàlì Zhù Méngzì Lǐngshìguǎn). After the Italian consulate relocated, it was occupied by the French-appointed railway supervision office. The French, known for their romantic spirit, infused this small building with their culture, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape naturally inspired a sense of charm and allure, prompting locals to refer to it as the French Garden.
During its operational years, the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway was divided into upper, middle, and lower sections for construction, with many engineers and contractors being Italian. The Italian government established a consulate within the old railway bureau until the new railway office was completed in Bisezhai (碧色寨, Bìsèzhài), at which point the Italian consulate moved out, making way for the French supervision office. The two-story building, adorned with exotic architectural styles, often echoed with music and laughter, while the vibrant flowers surrounding it enhanced its beauty. Hence, locals dubbed it the French Garden. Today, one can still envision the past through the garden’s light yellow walls, crimson pointed roofs, wooden shutters, and European-style bell tower.
Current Attractions
Today, the French Garden is famous for its Motuo Tavern (墨脱酒馆, Mòtuō Jiǔguǎn). According to the owner, she dreams of visiting the idyllic county of Motuo (墨脱县, Mòtuō Xiàn) in Tibet but hasn’t had the courage to do so due to its perceived dangers. The tavern specializes in Western cuisine, featuring unique snacks such as turtle jelly milk tea and papaya juice. It is also a popular gathering place for English enthusiasts, making it a unique social hub in Mengzi. If you’re looking for delicious Western food, this is definitely a spot worth visiting.
How to Get There
The French Garden is conveniently located along the southern bank of Nanhu in Mengzi City, Honghe Prefecture.
By Car:
If you’re driving from the center of Mengzi, follow local road signs to reach Nanhu Park. The garden is situated nearby, making it easily accessible.
Travel Tips
- Timing: Visiting in the late afternoon can provide a lovely view of the sunset over Nanhu.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the charming architecture and vibrant flowers, especially during blooming seasons.
- Dining: Be sure to try the specialties at Motuo Tavern for a delightful culinary experience.
- Language: Since many locals gather here for English practice, it’s a good opportunity to converse with others and enhance your language skills.
Honghe French Garden in Mengzi City, travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, the best time to visit, how to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of French Garden in Honghe (蒙自法国花园).
