Geographical Location & Transportation

Jiageng Park, located at Aoyue Road 24, Jimei District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, sits right next to the famous Aoyu Garden (Eel Garden). It’s a short walk from Jimei University, making it a perfect stop for visitors exploring the area’s cultural and educational heritage. To get here, take Bus 929 or 959 from Xiamen Island, or hop off at Jimei District Station on the廈門地鐵1號線 (Xiamen Metro Line 1). The park’s entrance is easy to spot—just look for the traditional-style archway!

Natural Scenery: A Blend of Tradition and Nature

Jiageng Park isn’t your typical “nature spot,” but its layout makes it feel like one. Designed in 1994, the park uses free-form traditional Chinese园林 (yuanlin) style, with winding paths, shaded pavilions, and ponds surrounded by lotus flowers. What really stands out are the red-pillar, green-tile buildings connected by dragon-shaped corridors—these twists and turns create surprises at every step. In spring, cherry blossoms and bamboo groves add a fresh vibe, while evenings offer peaceful sunset views over the nearby sea.

Cultural Highlights: Stories of Education and Gratitude

This park is all about Chen Jiageng’s legacy—the man who transformed Jimei into China’s first “education town.” Here’s what you can’t miss:

1. The “Peaches and Plumps” Sculpture

At the park’s heart, the massive “Tao Li Fen Fang” statue shows students gazing up at the Jimei Liberation Monument. It’s a tribute to Chen’s belief that education grows talent (like fruit trees!).

2. Donation Honor Walls

On the east side, a giant candle sculpture symbolizes “lighting the way to knowledge.” Nearby, black stone walls list names of donors who funded schools—a powerful reminder of how communities rallied behind Chen’s vision.

3. Architecture Lover’s Delight

Every building here screams Chen’s signature style: think闽南屋檐 (south Fujian-style roofs) mixed with modern simplicity. The Long Corridor (a series of connected pavilions) is a photo op—it looks like a dragon winding through the park!

Practical Tips: What to Expect

  • Facilities: Clean restrooms, plenty of benches, and free Wi-Fi. Bring water—there are small shops but no restaurants.
  • Best Time to Visit: Mornings (cooler weather) or late afternoon (gorgeous golden light for photos). Avoid noon heat!
  • Who Should Come: Families, history buffs, and anyone interested in education stories. Students especially love the monuments.

Why Jiageng Park Rocks

In just one visit, you’ll get:

  • A taste of Chen Jiageng’s lifelong mission to boost education.
  • Instagram-worthy shots of traditional architecture.
  • A quiet escape from Xiamen’s tourist crowds.

Pro tip: Pair this with a stroll through Aoyu Garden (next door) and Jimei University’s campus for a full day of culture. Trust me—Jiageng Park isn’t just a park; it’s a love letter to learning!