Wangcheng Park

Introducing Wangcheng Park
Wangcheng Park is named after the Wangcheng Site, which was constructed during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (771 BCE-256 BCE). Wangcheng Park covers an area of about 40 hectares and it is the largest park in Luoyang. The park is divided into five scenic areas: the History and Culture area, the Peony Admiring Area, the Peony Culture Area, the Wangcheng Zoo, and the Amusement Area. The History and Culture Area is a journey back to the Zhou Dynasty (771 BCE-256 BCE), with attractions such as the Jishengzhu Tablets, Shenyuantai Hall, Jicheng Hall, Zhou Memorial Pavilion, and Mingdemen Gate.

The Peony Admiring Area is the most famous section of the park, comprised of three gardens – the Luoyang Peony Garden, the Rockii Peony (Purple Speckle Peony) Garden, and the Herbaceous Peony Garden. Each April, during the Luoyang Peony Festival, hundreds and thousands of peonies bloom together in a majestic display of natural beauty. The Peony Culture Area presents poems from many of China’s literary giants and artwork from famous calligraphers and painters.

Wangcheng Park Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Wang Cheng Gong Yuan 王城公园
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Flowers, Animals
• Opening Hours: 6:00 – 22:00 (Wangcheng Park), 8:00-18:30 (Wangcheng Zoo)
• Entrance Fee: Free for the park; CNY 20 for the Zoo inside; CNY 20 to 30 for combo ticket during the Peony Festival from April to Early May
• Address: No. 312 Zhongzhou Middle Road, Xigong District, Luoyang, Henan Province

What to expect at Wangcheng Park
Whether you’re interested in exploring historical mysteries, basking in nature’s tranquility, or enjoying a day filled with fun and excitement, Wangcheng Park has something for everyone.

Majestic Zhou Dynasty Cauldron
Commanding attention atop a raised platform just inside the park’s main entrance stands a magnificent replica of a bronze Zhou Dynasty Ding (cauldron). This imposing vessel, measuring 4.7 meters tall (15.4 ft) with a rectangular mouth spanning 3.9 meters long (12.8 ft) and 3.08 meters wide (10.1 ft), is a sight to behold. Intricate cloud-and-thunder patterns adorn its four sides and legs, providing a backdrop for the fearsome Taotie (an ancient Chinese mythological creature) masks that embellish its surface. Twelve sturdy handles, strategically placed at the corners and center of each side, complete the design. The Taoties, with their bulging eyes and thick eyebrows, are flanked by raised dragon motifs, adding to the vessel’s ornate beauty.

Shaoyue Pavilion
Built in the traditional Zhou Dynasty style with its elevated square platform, this pavilion was once a place where the melodies of ancient China, such as the one it’s named after, resonated through bronze bells and stone chimes. The pavilion also holds more stories. At its base, a vast storytelling wall stretches nearly 42 meters (138 ft) long and over 3 meters (10 ft) high. The wall depicts 32 key events from Luoyang’s past, selected from over 500 tales. Each scene provides a window into pivotal moments in time, featuring some of the most famous stories you’ll recognize as you explore this remarkable artwork.

Stele of Hetu and Luoshu
This unique stele, measuring 5 meters high (16.4 ft), 5 meters wide (16.4 ft), and 3 meters thick (9.8 ft), and weighing 150 tons, features the ancient Hetu and Luoshu myths, integral to Chinese civilization. “He” refers to the Yellow River, and “Luo” to the Luo River, underscoring the region as a cradle of Chinese culture. The top of the stele depicts Hetu, while the bottom shows Luoshu. Legend has it that during Fuxi’s (the first mythical emperor of China) era, a dragon-headed horse emerged from the Yellow River carrying Hetu, which consisted of numbers one to ten in 55 dots, representing heavenly and earthly elements and forming the five elements. Fuxi used Hetu to create the Eight Trigrams. Later, Yu the Great (a demi-god who tamed the floods) saw a divine turtle from the Luo River bearing Luoshu, a magic square of numbers one to nine, which he used to manage floods and divide the land into nine provinces. The stele’s corners feature totemic symbols—dragon, phoenix, bear, and sheep—representing the guardianship of our ancestors’ rich cultural heritage.

Peony Viewing Areas
In China, the peony reigns supreme as the “King of Flowers,” captivating hearts with its large blooms, vibrant colors, and elegant presence. Wangcheng Park is a true celebration of this beloved flower, showcasing over 880 varieties and a stunning collection of more than 150,000 plants. Spanning 33 acres, the park’s peony gardens transform into a breathtaking spectacle each spring, drawing millions of visitors eager to witness their beauty. The park is divided into seven distinct viewing areas, each thoughtfully designed to blend early, mid, and late blooming varieties, ensuring a continuous display throughout the season.

Amusement Park
The amusement park within Wangcheng Park offers a delightful blend of excitement and family-friendly fun amidst its historical and natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy a variety of rides, from thrilling roller coasters and spinning rides to charming carousels and gentle train rides, suitable for all ages. Additionally, food stalls and cafes provide a range of snacks and meals, allowing visitors to refuel and relax between adventures.

Wangcheng Zoo
Located on 34 acres in the northern part of Wangcheng Park, Wangcheng Zoo is a premier zoo in Luoyang, especially known for its successful breeding program for the endangered South China tiger. Home to over 2,000 animals representing 103 species, the zoo offers visitors a chance to encounter creatures from around the world. Along with the South China tiger, you’ll find other rare and endangered species like leopards, African elephants, sika deer, drills, ring-tailed lemurs, black storks, and milu deer.

How to get to Wangcheng Park
• By Bus: Take bus 99 to Wangcheng Park Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 1 to Wangcheng Park Station.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Luoyang to Wangcheng Park.

Additional travel advice on Wangcheng Park
• There would be crowds during the Pony Festival. Please take care of yourselves and belongings.
• Do not pick flowers or trample on the lawn.
• Do not tease or feed animals in the zoo.