Wang Chang Park straddles the Jian River, which flows through the middle of Luoyang. The name means "Imperial City", for the park is built on the site of a Zhou Dynasty (1060-221 BC) palace from the days when Luoyang was capital of China. Perhaps the Chinese emperor stood on this very river bank 2500 years ago, and enjoyed the same kind of view we enjoy today.

Ji Sheng Gate marks the entrance to the Zhou Dynasty Cultural Area in the park. This is, of course, a reproduction, but it is built according to Zhou Dynasty records. Deanna stands by one side of the gate, dwarfed by its massive size.

Inside the gate, nine columns in nine different styles surround a garden courtyard. The columns are inscribed with calligraphy done by famous people in history, describing the Zhou Dynasty.

The Shaoyue Terrace is the centerpiece of the Zhou Dynasty Cultural Area. Once again it is based on Zhou Dynasty designs. The second story chamber contains ancient musical instruments, like stone chimes, and the zheng, a plucked stringed instrument similar to a large zither.

All four sides of the Shaoyue Terrace's lower walls are carved with historic scenes. They depict thirty-two different stories associated with Luoyang during the Zhou Dynasty.

Besides the historic area, Wang Chang Park has carnival rides, a place where kids can fish for pet goldfish, a cable car across the river, and a zoo. This shot incorporates two of those attractions, being a view of the peacock pen from the cable car. Most of the animals there are indiginous to China, like yaks, tigers, cranes, macaque monkeys, Asian elephants, and peacocks. It was interesting to see Bactrian camels instead of the dromedaries we usually see in the West.

And what is a Chinese park without gardens? Wang Chang Park is the site of the opening ceremonies for the Luoyang Peony Festival each spring. After the peonies finish blooming, the roses start, then chrysanthemums beautify the park in the fall. There are also many trees and shrubs, including this kind of tree that Lee likes very much. Its twisty branches make it beautiful in winter and summer. We're not sure, but maybe it is the "weeping" (pendular) form of the scholar tree.

Copyright 2006, Dr. Lee Williams

Last Modified: 18 June 2006

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