Exploring Zhongshan Park: A Summer Oasis by the Jinjiang River

On a business trip to Xiamen, I checked into Jinjiang Hotel at noon, where cicada songs mingled with salty sea breezes piercing through the windows. Pushing open the curtains, I saw undulating greenery nearby—Zhongshan Park on the map appeared like an emerald oasis exuding coolness amidst the urban bustle, instantly drawing me in. Walking through the arcaded old streets, weathered Nanyang-style buildings intertwined with vibrant bougainvillea. At the park's south gate, stone lions stood silently as glazed tiles shimmered softly in the sunlight. Inside, giant banyan trees spread their canopy-like shade, aerial roots swaying gently while feathery pinnate leaves of Indian almond trees filtered dappled light onto moss-kissed stone paths, dissolving the summer heat. Following winding trails, I encountered flamboyant trees blooming fiercely near the flower exhibition hall, crimson petals pirouetting on water alongside water lilies. Along the creek, clusters of heliconia peeked from wooden boardwalks, their golden bracts resembling playful bird beaks whispering in the breeze. By the lakeside pavilion, an egret skimmed jade-green waves, ripples mirroring the crimson walls and emerald tiles of Kuixing Tower like a living ink-wash scroll. At Children's Island, laughter tinkled like wind chimes. Wooden slides and climbing frames nestled under trees as parents chatted beneath wisteria trellises. Elderly musicians playing Minnan folk tunes on bamboo flutes merged melodies with babbling streams, evoking the century-old park's timeless pulse. As twilight deepened, I glanced back at the park—lanterns glowing through swaying branches, transforming pavilions into veiled silhouettes. Though Jinjiang Hotel's warm lights beckoned, Zhongshan Park's gift of poetic serenity had already taken root, becoming the most tender footnote of this business journey.