Quancheng Park (Southeast Gate)

The predecessor of Quancheng Park in Jinan was the Jinan Botanical Garden, and further back, it was the Southern Suburb Orchard. Later, after the new botanical garden was built in Zhangqiu District in the eastern part of Jinan, it was renamed Quancheng Park. It is close to Qianfoshan, one of the three major attractions in Jinan, Shungeng International Convention and Exhibition Center, Shandong TV Station, and Jinan TV Station, and is located on the main traffic artery Jing 10 Road, making it an excellent location. There is no entrance fee, and the park has multiple entrances. The plant species are rich and diverse, and the scenery varies throughout the four seasons, making it a great place for citizens to relax. Today, I entered from the southeast gate, presenting the midsummer scenery near the southeast gate. Among them, the Bocho Pavilion is located on the east side of Yingri Lake in Quancheng Park and is in the traditional Japanese style. It was a permanent gift from Japanese friends in 1992 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the establishment of friendly relations between Shandong Province and Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan. There are also Ishido Gate, Nishiki Bridge, and Karesansui, forming a half-closed, half-open small garden. Yamaguchi Prefecture was formerly part of the two countries of 'Suō' and 'Nagato,' and later generations referred to it as 'Bocho,' which is the meaning of the pavilion's name. The pavilion is a four-sided square steel structure with a purple copper tile roof, upturned eaves, and a conical pointed top. In the center of the ceiling is a map showing the corresponding locations of Shandong Province and Yamaguchi Prefecture, as well as eight pictures reflecting the famous scenery of Yamaguchi Prefecture: Nishiki Bridge, Tenmangu Shrine in Hofu, Ruriko-ji Five-story Pagoda, Yamaguchi Prefectural Office, Akiyoshido Cave, Kanmon Bridge, Aoshima Island, and the Ogi Family Old Residence. Outside the main gate of the Bocho Pavilion, there is a cherry blossom tree that was transplanted from Japan to Jinan more than 30 years ago. This Somei Yoshino cherry tree has a beautiful crown, and during its blooming season, the flowers are abundant and gorgeous, covering the tree like clouds and mist, which is extremely spectacular. Under the large cherry blossom crown, it attracts a large number of tourists every year who come to enjoy the flowers and take photos. It is the most beautiful cherry blossom tree in Jinan and is known as the 'Cherry Blossom King.' There are also many late-blooming cherry trees in the courtyard of the Bocho Pavilion, with large, double-petaled, densely packed flowers that are brightly colored; the flowers and leaves bloom simultaneously or the leaves come after the flowers, and they do not bear fruit. The flowering period is from April to May, with strong vitality, a large number of flowers, and good ornamental value.