French Garden in Mengzi City, Honghe

Nestled on the southern bank of Nanhu (南湖) in Mengzi City (蒙自市), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), stands a charming two-story yellow building. Regardless of the weather—rain, summer heat, or winter chill—this structure quietly overlooks the scenic views of Nanhu, witnessing the cycles of nature. With its mysterious aura and foreign romance, it resembles an elderly guardian that has watched over this Yunnan town for more than a century. Locally, this beloved landmark is known as the "French Garden" (法国花园).

Similar to other French-related architectural sites in Mengzi, the French Garden is closely tied to the construction of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway (滇越铁路), which traverses the nearby mountains.

Historical Background

The French Garden (法国花园) was originally named the "French Yunnan-Vietnam Railway General Bureau" (法国滇越铁路总局). Before that, it served as the Italian Consulate in Mengzi (意大利驻蒙自领事馆). After the Italian consulate relocated, the building was occupied by the French-appointed railway supervision office.

During the operational years of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway (滇越铁路), the construction was divided into upper, middle, and lower sections, with many Italian engineers and contractors involved. The Italian government set up a consulate in Mengzi until the new railway office was completed in Bisezhai (碧色寨), after which the Italian consulate moved out, making way for the French supervision office.

The two-story building, featuring exotic architectural details, often echoed with music and laughter, while vibrant flowers surrounded it. Locals, charmed by the scene, began calling it the French Garden. Today, its light yellow walls, crimson pointed roofs, wooden shutters, and European-style bell tower still retain the elegance of the past.

Current Attractions

Today, the French Garden is best known for the Motuo Tavern (墨脱酒馆). According to the owner, she dreams of visiting Motuo County (墨脱县) in Tibet but hesitates due to its challenging journey. The tavern offers Western cuisine, with unique snacks such as turtle jelly milk tea and papaya juice. It is also a popular meeting place for English enthusiasts, making it a cultural and social hub in Mengzi.

If you are looking for a cozy spot with delicious Western food, the French Garden is well worth a visit.

How to Get There

The French Garden is located along the southern bank of Nanhu (南湖) in Mengzi City (蒙自市), Honghe (红河).

By Car:
From the city center of Mengzi, follow road signs toward Nanhu Park (南湖公园). The French Garden is situated nearby, making it convenient to reach.

Travel Tips

• Timing: Visit in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views over Nanhu (南湖).
• Photography: Bring a camera to capture the building’s European-style architecture and surrounding flowers.
• Dining: Try the specialties at Motuo Tavern (墨脱酒馆) for a memorable dining experience.
• Language: Many locals come here to practice English, making it a great place to meet people and exchange conversations.