Built in the 1960s, Yuyuan Tan Park in Haidian District, Beijing, has recently introduced new features such as fountains with a French-inspired design, hay bale Swiss rolls, and more, infusing the park with a European countryside charm. This has made it a hot spot for young visitors, reviving this long-standing park.
Liu Dongjun, the young horticulturist behind these changes, explains that, in addition to mastering plant care and variety breeding, gardeners must also break free from traditional thinking and embrace new aesthetics. This spring, he introduced the fragrant oxtail cherry blossom from Zhejiang Forestry Academy, which successfully bloomed and became a topic of discussion among visitors. Following this, his 'Spring Mirror' fairy tale landscape further boosted the park's online popularity, leading to rare queues of visitors on weekends and during holidays.
In pursuit of a romantic atmosphere, Liu visited rural inns and cafes, discovering that young people enjoy decorative settings. He therefore infused the park with French design, including the 'French Fountain', artistic screens, wooden swings, hydrangea flowers, and wooden lamps, creating a charming French-style park. Recently, he also added a countryside scene inspired by hay bales and Swiss rolls, attracting both young and older visitors.