World Horticultural Expo Garden in Kunming

Location: 439 Bailong Road, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
Located in the Golden Temple Scenic Area (金殿风景名胜区) on the northeastern outskirts of Kunming, the garden is approximately 4 kilometers from the city center. It served as the venue for the 1999 Kunming World Horticultural Expo (1999昆明世界园艺博览会), and in 2016, it was designated as a National 5A Tourist Attraction (国家5A级旅游景区), the highest level of tourism quality in China.

General Overview

• Area: 218 hectares, with a vegetation coverage rate of 76.7%.

• The garden incorporates local features from various Chinese provinces and municipalities, alongside horticultural achievements from 95 countries. It emphasizes the theme "People and Nature, Harmonious Development" and showcases the beauty of plants, garden designs, architecture, and technological achievements.

• The garden includes five major exhibition halls: China Pavilion (中国馆), International Pavilion (国际馆), and the Great Greenhouse (大温室), which features tropical, temperate, and alpine plant zones.

• The garden is undergoing renovations starting in 2021, aiming to transform it into an open 5A-rated tourist destination (5A级景区), with additions like Garden Avenue (花园大道) and a Parent-Child Amusement Park (亲子乐园).

Opening Hours and Admission

• Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00 daily.

• Free Entry: May 28, 2022, to December 31, 2022.

• Admission Fee: ¥70 for adults; discounted rates for children and students.

• Health and Safety: Visitors are required to make reservations in advance, undergo temperature checks, and show health codes (depending on COVID-19 regulations).

Accessibility

• Public Transport: Direct bus routes such as 47, 69, and 71 connect the city center to the Expo Garden.

• Shuttle Service: In-park electric vehicles are available for ¥15 per person.

Major Attractions

1. International Pavilion (国际馆)

• Located at the far eastern end of the garden, this pavilion features global horticultural exhibitions from around the world.

• The architecture is designed with a circular main structure and a long, curved wall, symbolizing the harmony between nations.

2. People and Nature Pavilion (人与自然馆)

• This pavilion embodies the theme of the Expo and highlights the relationship between humans and the environment.

• The design incorporates natural elements like mountains, forests, and water, and the structure itself is made of stainless steel mesh with free-flowing space.

3. Technology Pavilion (科技馆)

• Showcases the intersection of horticulture and technology.

• Exhibits include "Gifts of Nature," "History," "Oasis Created by Wisdom," and "Wings of Life," with a focus on innovation in garden design and sustainable development.

4. China Pavilion (中国馆)

• The largest indoor exhibition space at the Expo, it reflects traditional Chinese garden architecture, with courtyard-style buildings and a focus on regional garden aesthetics, such as Southern Gardens (江南庭园), Northern Gardens (北方庭园), and Dali Gardens (大理庭园).

5. Great Greenhouse (大温室)

• This large structure is divided into four exhibition zones: tropical, temperate, alpine plants, and a photo exhibition area.

• It represents the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, with a spiral design reflecting the rising influence of nature and ecological balance.

6. Bamboo Garden (竹园)

• Spanning 17,000 square meters, the Bamboo Garden is home to over 200 species of bamboo.

• The garden emphasizes the aesthetic qualities of bamboo, including its texture, sound, and visual appeal.

• Rare species like Iron Bamboo (铁竹) and Gongshan Bamboo (贡山竹) can also be found here.

7. Bonsai Garden (盆景园)

• Located on the southern side of the Garden Avenue (花园大道), this garden features more than 5,000 square meters of bonsai displays.

• The layout includes three exhibition halls with traditional architecture and carefully curated bonsai displays that represent various artistic styles.

8. Tea Garden (茶园)

• The Tea Garden (茶园) offers visitors an immersive experience in Chinese tea culture.

• The garden is designed with pathways that lead through teas from both China and abroad. Visitors can participate in tea ceremonies and enjoy fresh tea in the Tea Tasting Pavilion (品茗馆).

9. Herb Garden (药草园)

• Covering 8,700 square meters, this garden showcases traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and plants.

• Designed in the style of classical Southern Chinese gardens (江南园林风格), the garden features plants known for their medicinal properties.

10. Tree Garden (树木园)

• Situated in the center of the garden, this area includes rare and endangered species of trees, showcasing the richness of plant resources in Yunnan Province (云南).

• The collection includes more than 40,000 trees, including Magnolia (木兰) species, which are a highlight in this section.

11. Rose Garden (玫瑰园)

• With over 3,000 varieties of roses, the Rose Garden is one of the most famous sections of the garden.

• The roses bloom year-round, and the garden also includes a space for romantic events, including rose weddings.

12. Wings of Phoenix (凤之翼)

• Located at the entrance to the Expo Garden, the Phoenix Wings is an iconic architectural structure, symbolizing Kunming’s revitalization.

• The wings span 210 meters and are accompanied by a musical fountain (大型音乐喷泉) at the base.

13. Han Sea Gateway (翰海津门)

• A symbolic entrance to the Expo, this structure reflects the spirit of Nankai University (南开大学) and commemorates the achievements of the school's founder, Zhang Boling (张伯苓).

14. Xixia Garden (西夏园)

• Inspired by the Helan Mountains (贺兰山), the Xixia Garden is a tribute to the Western Xia Dynasty (西夏), incorporating Ningxia’s unique flora and architecture.

Special Products and Cuisine

• Tea (茶叶): Yunnan is the birthplace of tea. Major varieties include Pu’er Tea (普洱茶), Yunnan Black Tea (滇红), and others, known for their rich flavors and health benefits.

• Baozhu Pear (宝珠梨): A sweet, juicy pear from Chenggong County (呈贡县), known for its crisp texture and pleasant aroma.

• Taihe Fermented Soybeans (太和豆豉): A famous Yunnan product, this soy-based condiment is known for its rich flavor and is used in many traditional dishes.

• Yunnan Go (云南围棋): Handmade Go pieces from Yunnan, recognized for their quality and historical significance.

Transportation Information

• Public Buses: Multiple routes such as 47, 69, 71, and others run from Kunming city center to the Expo Garden (世博园站).

• Shuttle Services: The park offers electric vehicle shuttles for ¥15 per person, providing an easy way to explore the garden.