Milesi Park in Kunming

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Milesi Park (弥勒寺公园), also known as Mile Temple Park (弥勒寺公园), is an open park located at the intersection of Jinbi Road (金碧路) and Xiba Road (西坝路) in Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province, China. The park was created after the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee (云南省委) headquarters moved south during the Reform and Opening-up period. The original site was transformed into a public park, and it is locally referred to as the Provincial Party Committee Park (省委公园). The park spans over 80 acres and features a variety of landscapes, including rockeries, streams, lotus ponds, waterfalls, and wells.

History and Location

Historical Background

The park was originally the site of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee‘s headquarters before it moved to a new location in 2008. The former grounds were repurposed into an open public park, which was named after the Mile Temple Village (弥勒寺村) located nearby, though no actual temple remains.

Location

• Address: Jinbi Road (金碧路) near Xiba Road (西坝路), Kunming, Yunnan, China.

• Public Transport: The park is easily accessible by Metro Line 5, with the Mile Temple Station (弥勒寺站) located just 50 meters from the entrance. You can also take local buses 184 and others directly to the park.

Park Features and Design

Natural Landscape

The park’s design focuses on harmony with nature, featuring lush greenery, diverse flora, and beautifully arranged landscapes. Some of the park’s notable attractions include:

• Rockeries and streams

• Lotus ponds and waterfalls

• Ancient trees and rare species of flowers

• Themed Gardens:

  • Camellia Garden (山茶园)

  • Osmanthus Garden (桂花园)

  • Begonia Garden (海棠园)

  • Bonsai Garden (盆景园)

  • Bayberry Garden (杨梅园)

  • Chestnut Garden (板栗园)

  • Star Anise Garden (八角园)

Seasonal Attractions

The park is a year-round attraction with seasonal highlights:

• Spring: Magnolias (玉兰) and Cherry blossoms (樱花) bloom.

• Summer: Crape myrtles (紫薇) and Hibiscus (芙蓉) create a vibrant scene.

• Autumn: Osmanthus (桂花) and Magnolias (木莲) fill the air with fragrance.

• Winter: Camellias (山茶) and Wax plums (蜡梅) provide a peaceful atmosphere.

Ecological Design

The park’s design emphasizes sustainability and an eco-friendly approach:

• Stone-paved paths and natural rock formations blend seamlessly into the landscape.

• Benches crafted from large logs or rough stones offer natural seating for visitors to relax.

• The park uses minimal cement to create a more natural and understated aesthetic, allowing the beauty of nature to shine through.

• Wildlife: Doves, sparrows, and other birds inhabit the park, adding to its vibrant and peaceful ambiance.

Cultural and Recreational Activities

Cultural Spaces

• Jingdian Glasses Museum (精益眼镜博物馆): This museum exhibits over 300 glasses artifacts from the Qing Dynasty (清代) to modern times, along with traditional lens adjustment techniques.

• Creative Studios (文创集群): The old office buildings house over 30 studios, including shops selling Cloisonné enamel (掐丝珐琅) and independent bookstores.

• Youth Cultural Events: The park hosts regular activities like fermentation markets, swing dance performances, and environmental art exhibitions.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

• The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Free entry for all visitors.

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit is between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when the sunlight creates beautiful effects perfect for photography.

• On weekends, the park features a lively matchmaking corner (相亲角), where locals gather to meet and connect.

How to Get There

• Public Transport: You can take Metro Line 5 to Mile Temple Station (弥勒寺站) or Bus 184 and others to the park entrance.

Nearby Attractions

• The park is conveniently located near Cuihu Park (翠湖公园), another popular attraction in Kunming. The two parks are easily connected by Metro Line 5.