Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden

Introducing Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden

Yunnan Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden is located in the rich and beautiful Baiyiba, about 40 kilometers away from the center of Kunming. It covers an area of ​​66 hectares and focuses on cultivating and protecting rare and precious flowers and trees. It has more than ten professional parks such as Davidia involucrata, Camellia, Peony, Magnolia, and four comprehensive parks including Flower Garden, Arboretum, Fruit Garden, and Aquatic Botanical Garden. It is a rare plant seedling planting base in Yunnan, a water resource protection education base, a scientific research and popularization base, and a patriotism education base.

The Botanical Garden boasts the renowned Black Dragon Pond Temple, originally a dragon palace, which gradually evolved into a Buddhist and Taoist monastery. Construction began in 1488, the first year of the Hongzhi reign of the Ming Dynasty. The temple's Dragon Pond is divided into two pools, the North and South. The North pool, with its abundant springs, flows into the South. The pool, approximately 500 square meters in area, boasts a water output of 0.25 cubic meters per second, a crystal clear water that remains unchanged year-round. The water in the Dragon Pond is a source of the Panlong River, the main stream of Dianchi Lake, which flows into the Songhuaba Reservoir. The Botanical Garden benefits from the natural advantages of the Dragon Pond spring, which flows into every lake and stream within the garden, creating a tranquil and beautiful scene of lakes and mountains, green willows, clear water, and flowing water under small bridges.

Climate and best time to travel

Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden has a subtropical plateau monsoon climate; the environment is beautiful and the air is fresh and natural, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours

Tickets

Full ticket: 10 yuan/person, half ticket: 5 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

8:00-18:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Fengzeyuan Botanical Garden (丰泽源植物园) is located in Songming County, northeast of Kunming, covering about 66 ha and forming part of the upstream water-source region of the Songhuaba Reservoir. It has fifteen themed botanical areas and multiple comprehensive gardens, focused on plant conservation, seedling cultivation, scientific education and ecological tourism.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The garden is located near Baiyiba, Songming County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, about 40 km from downtown Kunming. Getting there:

• By bus: From Kunming North Station (or other major bus hub) transfer to the “Baiyi” bus line to reach the garden area.
• By taxi or private car: Drive north-east from Kunming city center, takes about 1 hour depending on traffic.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The garden is open from approximately 08:00 to 18:00. Best times: spring (March-April) when cherry-blossoms, camellias and aquatic flower displays are at their peak; early morning or later afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entry is approximately ¥20 for adults. Senior or discounted rates may apply. Tickets appear to be purchased on-site (offline); online booking may not be necessary or widely available.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No strong indication that advance booking is mandatory. Arrive early on popular days (weekends, holiday seasons) to secure entry and best photo spots.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan for about 1 to 3 hours to go through the major themed areas, stroll the creek, take photos, and relax.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Highlights include:

• The aquatic plant area & creek where petals float and fish swim in clear water.
• The themed gardens such as camellia, magnolia, peony, dove tree (珙桐) and others.
• The Black Dragon Pool temple area (黑龙潭) set amidst the garden.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

No widely documented guided tours or audio guides. The garden appears to be self-guided. For groups, you might arrange a local guide in Chinese.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Top photo spots:

• The bridge or vantage overlooking the creek of floating petals + koi fish (ideal in spring).
• The archways or trellises covered in roses or vines in early summer.
• The forested themed garden areas where tall rare trees stand, offering dramatic backdrops.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Suggested route: enter via the main gate → stroll through aquatic-plant creek zone → move to themed gardens (camellia, magnolia, peony) → head uphill/into the forest area if available → visit Black Dragon Pool temple zone → exit via a scenic path, possibly stopping for rest or snack.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

No documentation of night lighting events or special tours. It’s oriented for daytime visits.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

It is moderately visited; spring weekends may be busier. Visit on weekday mornings or later afternoons for fewer crowds.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The garden has basic visitor amenities: rest areas, pathways, possibly snack vendors at entrance. Reviewers mention stalls selling snacks outside. Bring water and maybe picnic gear if you want a relaxed stop.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The terrain is largely garden level, with paths and themed zones, suitable for children and general walking. Elderly or those with mobility issues should check for any steep paths or uneven terrain. Accessibility for wheelchairs is not clearly documented.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Tickets bought on-site likely accept cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) given current Chinese practise; bring small cash just in case.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Snack stalls are mentioned near the entrance. Some sources note a restaurant “Lao Shaodian Renjia” near one of the gates that offers ticket-discounts if you dine there. Outside the garden in Songming County you will find local Yunnan cuisine restaurants.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Not specifically documented. Many Yunnan restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes; for halal or strict vegan options you may need to ask locally or return to Kunming city centre.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodation is available in Songming County or back in Kunming city; staying in Kunming provides more hotel choices, and you can visit the garden as a day trip.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby you can explore other parts of Songming County, or return to Kunming city centre and visit scenic spots like Dianchi Lake, Western Hills, or other flower/plant-themed gardens in the “City of Eternal Spring.”

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops are not heavily featured in sources, but you may find small stalls selling local flower-seed packs, plant-related souvenirs, or local snacks at the entrance or parking area.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting, you can return by taxi or bus to Kunming, or continue exploring Songming County by car or local bus. If you drove, you can combine with other nature scenic spots north or east of Kunming.