Geography & Transport

Horticultural Expo Park sits in the Chanba Ecological District of Xi’an, about 20 kilometers northeast of the city center. It’s easy to reach by metro—take Line 3 to Baoyi Road Station, then transfer to the park’s free shuttle bus. If you drive, there’s a large parking lot near the main entrance. The park is next to the Xialingbei TV Tower, so it’s a great spot to combine with a visit to that landmark.

Natural Scenery: A Green Oasis

This park is a breath of fresh air! It covers 480 hectares with gardens, lakes, and forests. You’ll see colorful flower beds, towering bamboo groves, and a man-made lake where ducks swim. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the paths, and autumn brings yellow ginkgo leaves. The International Gardens section showcases plants from around the world—like Japanese maples and French roses. Don’t miss the Romance Avenue, a petal-shaped walkway lined with fragrant osmanthus trees.

Cultural Highlights: Art Meets Nature

Horticultural Expo Park isn’t just about plants. The Shanxi Pavilion here looks like a traditional Tang dynasty palace, with red walls and curved roofs. There’s also a Terracotta Warriors-themed garden with mini statues surrounded by boxwood hedges. At night, light shows project stories about Xi’an’s history onto the pavilion’s walls. For kids, the Children’s Explore Area has a giant chessboard made of flowers and a “dig-up-dinosaurs” sandpit.

Practical Tips: What to Bring

The park is huge, so wear comfy shoes! There are rental bikes (around ¥30/hour) if you get tired. Bring sunscreen in summer—there’s little shade on some trails. For food, the Silk Road Food Street offers liangpi (cold noodles) and meat skewers. Coffee lovers can check out the lakeside Book & Brew Café, which has free Wi-Fi.

Year-Round Fun

Each season feels different here. Spring has tulip festivals, summer hosts outdoor movie nights, and winter lights up a Lantern Festival with silk-lantern tunnels. Even on rainy days, the Conservatory Dome (a huge greenhouse) stays open with exotic plants. If you visit during Chinese New Year, the park decorates with giant red lanterns and dragon dances.

Insider’s Advice

Go early! The park opens at 9 AM, but popular spots like the Flower Sea Bridge get crowded by noon. Download the Xi’an Tourism app for English audio guides. For photographers, morning light near the Water Fountain Plaza is magical. And if you spot a golden retriever named “Chloe” wandering—she’s the unofficial park mascot!

Horticultural Expo Park blends nature, art, and local culture. Whether you’re a plant lover, a family with kids, or someone wanting to escape the city buzz, it’s worth a full day. Just keep an eye on the metro schedule—the last bus leaves at 9 PM!