Gardens of the Old State: The Serene Willow Spirits of Liuhu Park

A Historic Sanctuary in the Heart of Pingliang

Liuhu Park is located in the heart of the Kongtong District in Pingliang City, Gansu Province. Spanning approximately 8.7 hectares, it serves as a premier scenic destination and cultural landmark in the Longdong region. The park’s origin is tied to a natural spring that feeds the central lake, creating a lush environment that contrasts with the surrounding Loess Plateau.

1.The Eternal: Spring and Ancient Willow Heritage

The lake is fed by a perpetual underground spring that maintains a constant temperature of 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Its historical development began during the Northern Song Dynasty in 1078 AD and was significantly expanded as a royal garden for the King of Han during the Ming Dynasty. A defining feature of the park is the "Gong Willow" heritage; these thousands of ancient trees were planted by General Zuo Zongtang during the Qing Dynasty to stabilize and beautify the frontier.

Architectural Grandeur and Spiritual Connections

Within the grounds, structures such as Wucheng Hall and various traditional pavilions reflect the refined aesthetic styles of the Ming and Qing eras. The park is culturally linked to the sacred Kongtong Mountain, acting as an urban sanctuary that reflects the mountain's natural and spiritual essence. Adjacent to the Pingliang Museum, the park provides a living record of the region's deep "Old State of Zhou" cultural heritage, making it a focal point for both history and modern leisure.