Yuhuatai
Memorial park of legend and revolutionary remembrance
No. 215 Yuhuatai Road, Yuhuatai District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Yuhuatai (Rain Flower Terrace) is a hilltop park in southern Nanjing that carries two distinct layers of significance: an ancient legend that gives the site its poetic name, and a modern history as the site of mass executions during the 1927–1949 period, now commemorated by a revolutionary martyrs' memorial. The park's peaceful groves of pine, plum, and bamboo provide a contemplative setting for both stories, and the distinctive rain flower pebbles (yuhuashi) — smooth, colorful stones found in the local soil — have been prized by collectors for centuries.
Admission to the park is free. The memorial areas are open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Details
The Legend
According to ancient legend, a Buddhist monk preached so eloquently at this site that the heavens were moved to rain flowers upon the earth — hence the name Rain Flower Terrace. The colorful rain flower pebbles, naturally occurring agate and quartz stones with vivid patterns and translucent colors, are said to be the petrified remains of those celestial flowers. Vendors sell the stones throughout the park, and selecting a particularly beautiful specimen makes a distinctive Nanjing souvenir.
Revolutionary Martyrs' Memorial
The park serves as a memorial to the Communist revolutionaries executed at this site by the Nationalist government between 1927 and 1949. A large memorial group sculpture at the park's entrance depicts nine revolutionary figures in heroic poses. The memorial museum documents the lives and sacrifices of the martyrs through photographs, personal effects, and historical exhibits. The memorial areas are maintained with appropriate solemnity.
Gardens and Nature
The park's natural landscape — mature pine and cypress groves, plum blossom orchards, bamboo stands, and flower gardens — provides a pleasant setting for walking. The plum blossoms in late winter and early spring are particularly beautiful. The hilltop clearings offer views of the surrounding city, and the paths are popular with local joggers and walkers.
Getting There
Address: No. 215 Yuhuatai Road, Yuhuatai District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
**Yuhuatai Station** on Line 1 exits near the park's main entrance. The park is in the southern part of the old city, south of Zhonghua Gate and the Fuzimiao district.
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Yuhuatai