Huanwen Park in Shiping County, Honghe
Huanwen Park (焕文公园) is located in Shiping County (石屏县), Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. The park is primarily divided into three main scenic areas: “Huanwen Scenic Area” (焕文胜景), “Famous Literature of the Nation” (名邦文献), and “Da Kui Tian Xia” (天—卜大魁). It features the North and South Gates (南北大门), Huanwen Tower (焕文塔), a multifunctional restaurant (多功能餐厅), Literature Building (文献楼), and Top Scholar Building (状元楼) as its five main structures.
History
In February 2020, in honor of medical workers battling on the front lines during the pandemic, the park implemented a free admission policy for all medical workers nationwide (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) from the end of the pandemic until December 31, 2020.
Huanwen Park is situated on the outskirts of Shiping County, near the west bank of Yilong Lake National Wetland Park (异龙湖国家湿地公园), covering an area of 633 acres (约633亩). It is now recognized as a national AA-level tourist attraction. The park is designed in the classical architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (清代), with its layout centered along the north-south axis, showcasing the three main scenic areas.
Attractions
The park displays the life story of Yuan Jiagu (袁嘉谷), Yunnan Province’s only top scholar (状元), along with portraits and biographies of 94 notable scholars and officials from the Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasties who hailed from Shiping. Additionally, it features photographs and biographies of 19 cultural figures from the Republic of China (民国) to the present day, as well as over 300 photos of books and cultural relics by authors from Shiping, highlighting the region’s literary heritage.
Administrative Development
The project was approved on September 25, 1998, by the provincial government at the Dali Tourism Boutique Construction Conference, with a total investment of 25.04 million yuan (约2504万元). Groundbreaking took place on February 13, 1999, and the first phase was completed and opened to the public on November 26 of the same year. This park serves as a significant venue for showcasing the historical and cultural achievements of Shiping County.
Tourism Information
Accommodations
There are limited accommodation options available in the area. In the Jianshui (建水) region, one- and two-star hotels range from 100 to 180 yuan per room. Ordinary inns and guesthouses cost between 10 and 50 yuan. In the Hekou (河口) area near Vietnam, similar one- and two-star hotels are also available.
Transportation
To reach Huanwen Park, you can take Bus No. 5 from Shiping County (石屏县). Yilong Lake is approximately 5 kilometers from Yilong Town (异龙镇), where you can take a taxi or minibus that passes by the park.
Free Admission Policy
From February 2020, in tribute to the medical professionals fighting the pandemic, the park has offered free admission to all medical workers across the country (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) with valid identification until December 31, 2020. Medical workers need only present their valid credentials (such as medical practice licenses or identification) at the visitor service center to enter for free. Additionally, groups of ten or more medical workers can make advance reservations for free guided tours.
How to Get There
- By Bus: Take Bus No. 5 to Huanwen Park from Shiping County.
- By Taxi: Hire a taxi to reach the park directly from nearby towns.
Travel Tips
- Timing: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially if you plan to explore the exhibitions in detail.
- Documentation: If you’re a medical worker, ensure you have your identification ready for free admission.
- Exploration: Take your time to appreciate the rich cultural history displayed throughout the park.
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