A Realm of Love Across the Millennia

Kunming Pool Qixi Park: A Realm of Love Across the Millennia
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city lies a fairy-tale destination steeped in ancient romantic legends—Kunming Pool Qixi Park 😉

🌊 1. Park Overview
Located in Fengdong New Town, Xixian New Area of Xi'an, Kunming Pool·Qixi Park is an ecological and cultural park reconstructed based on China's first artificial lake dug during Emperor Wu of Han's reign. Renowned as the origin of the "Cowherd and Weaver Girl" legend, it blends Han culture, Qixi Festival themes, and natural landscapes, earning recognition as a National Civilized Tourism Demonstration Unit in 2024.

🚌 2. Travel Prep
1. Transportation:
* Metro + Bus: Take Metro Line 5 to "Doumen Station," then transfer to Bus 1124 directly to the scenic area; or take Buses 863/864/833 to "Kunming Pool Scenic Area Station."
* Drive: Navigate to "Kunming Pool·Qixi Park," which offers 5 parking lots (8,000 spaces total).
2. Opening Hours:
* March-October: 6:00 AM-12:00 AM; November-February: 6:30 AM-11:00 PM.
3. Admission: Free (some experiences like Hanfu rental, archery, etc., require additional fees).
4. Suggested Duration: Half to full day (wear comfortable shoes due to the park's vast size).

📸 3. Must-See Attractions & Activities
1. Qixi Lake: Shaped like a magpie, dazzling with night lights; its Magpie Bridge is a couples' photo hotspot.
2. Weaver Girl Statue: A 20m+ iconic sculpture depicting the legendary figure.
3. Emperor Wu of Han Statue: Majestic bronze commemorating the lake's historical creation.
4. Magpie Bridge: Symbolizing the lovers' reunion, where visitors hang wish plaques.
5. Qixi Cultural Corridor: Showcasing legends, folklore, and historical roots.
Featured Activities:
* Night Tour: Light shows + water screen films (narrating the Cowherd and Weaver Girl tale).
* Boating: Scenic lake tours (paid activity).
* Seasonal Events: Qixi Festival activities like needle-threading contests, floating lanterns, and Hanfu shows.

🎭 4. Unique Experiences
1. Cultural Immersion:
* Hanfu Rental: Dress-up photoshoots (¥50 adults/¥30 kids) with traditional music and crafts (paper-cutting, knotting).
* Mystery Games: Themed puzzle-solving adventures.
2. Leisure:
* Camping & BBQ: Tent rentals + DIY grilling + outdoor movies (reservation required).
* Sports: Free basketball/soccer courts and lakeside trails (ideal for cycling/jogging).

🍜 5. Food Highlights
* Kunming Pool Fish Feast: Steamed perch, braised carp (lake specialties).
* Shaanxi Snacks: Liangpi, roujiamo, yangrou paomo (available in dining areas).
* Qixi Desserts: Festival cakes, Cowherd-Weaver Girl pastries.

📅 6. Itinerary Tips
Half-Day Route: Emperor Wu Statue → Qixi Lake → Magpie Bridge → Weaver Girl Statue → Cultural Corridor → Night Lights.
Full-Day Deep Dive:
Morning: Boating + Hanfu experience;
Afternoon: Cultural zone + Kids' play area (for families);
Evening: Camping BBQ + Water Screen Film.

⚠️ 7. Notes
1. Stay safe near the lake; no climbing railings.
2. Sun protection in summer, warmth in winter; carry rain gear.
3. Preserve the environment; no littering.
4. Arrive before 9 AM on holidays to avoid crowds.

🏨 8. Nearby Stays
* Close by: Kunming Pool Holiday Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Xi'an Fengdong.
* Downtown: Metro-accessible hotels (e.g., near Bell Tower/Giant Wild Goose Pagoda).

💡 Best Seasons: Spring & autumn (March-May for blooms, Sept-Nov for fall foliage); Qixi Festival (7th day of 7th lunar month) for peak romance.