Park on Water (Shuishang Gongyuan)

Built in 1950, Shuishang Park is located in the southwest of Tianjin and covers an area of 213 hectares. It is the largest scenic park in the city.

Shuishang Park is most admired for its waterscapes, which cover almost half of park's total area. Surrounded by water are 12 isles, which are also connected by elegantly designed arch bridges and artificial dykes. These bridges and dykes divide the water surface into East Lake, West Lake and South Lake. Within the dominating cool shade of willows on banks, keen nature lovers are bound to spot some beautiful lotuses in water. The sidewalks on isles are lined up with Chinese ashes, Chinese scholar trees, silk trees, Chinese parasols, and the like. The central point of the park is Yuantiao Pavilion (pavilion from where to look into the distance). Twenty-six meters high, the pavilion is the highest point within the park. Around it is a three-layer sloping terrace, which offers a spectacular view of the park at different heights. The charming pavilion beautifully set off by the water and the boats on it reflects a truly rustic ambience set within the tranquil setting of the park's deep interior. Within the park are also built Shenhu Garden (garden for celestial households), Penjing Garden (garden of potted landscapes), Bibo Village (village of blue ripples) and Children's Paradise, all of which are imitations of antiques. A zoo is home to nearly 200 species of animals, including pandas and golden monkeys.

To the north of the park are Nankai University and Tianjin University. In the proximity of the park is the famous Tianjin Broadcasting and Television Tower, which is nicknamed "Sky Tower."