Fenghuangzhou Park in Chaozhou
Fenghuangzhou Park (潮州凤凰洲公园) is located at the southern outskirts of Chaozhou City, under the Hanjiang River Bridge at the head of Sha Island. The park was built in 1999 AD.
The park is known for its stunning landscape and is one of the Eight Scenic Views of Chaozhou, famous for “Phoenix Rain” (凤凰时雨). Within the park, the Phoenix Terrace (凤凰台) consists of two parts: the platform and a pavilion. This ancient-style building features a four-pillared, single-eave structure with the pavilion perched on a large stone base. The high, arched eaves and its overall elegant design complement the plaques on top, including “Phoenix Rain,” “Pillar in the Stream,” and “The Phoenix Comes to Greet,” all showcasing the cultural richness of the area.
- Location: Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China, along Fengzhou East Road, Shangzhou Village.
- Ticket Price: 10 RMB
- Built: 1999
- Category: Park
Features of the Park
Cultural and Historical Significance
Since the Ming Dynasty (明朝), various officials and local gentry have built several structures in the area, such as the “Ten Ancestors Temple” (十相祠), “Phoenix Terrace Academy” (凤台书院), “Wenchang Temple” (文昌祠), “Dragon God Temple” (龙神庙), “Tianhou Temple” (天后宫), “Zhenhong Temple” (镇洪寺), “Lu Gong Temple” (鲁公祠), “Zhou Gong Temple” (周公祠), and “Kui Pavilion” (奎阁). However, due to the passage of time, most of these landmarks no longer exist. The Phoenix Terrace (凤凰台), Kui Pavilion (奎阁), and Tianhou Temple (天后宫) have been repeatedly rebuilt and are still standing due to their exceptional scenic views and cultural significance.
The Phoenix Terrace was originally called “Laoya Island” (老鸦洲). In the late Ming Dynasty, the governor of Chaozhou, Hou Biding (侯必登), visited the sandbar multiple times and was captivated by its tranquility and elegance. He felt that the area, rich in culture and beauty, was a fitting location for the legendary Phoenix to rest. Thus, he renamed it from “Laoya Island” to “Phoenix Island” (凤凰洲) and built the Phoenix Terrace in 1568, which stands over 10 meters high.
“Phoenix Rain” – One of Chaozhou’s Eight Scenic Views
“Phoenix Rain” (凤凰时雨), also known as “Phoenix Terrace Serves the Rain” (凤台侍雨) or “Phoenix Terrace Rain” (凤台时雨), is one of the most renowned scenic views in Chaozhou. During the summer and autumn months, the cool breezes and river winds refresh the area, particularly during the unpredictable seasons of sudden sunshine and rain. The river creates fascinating scenes with changing cloud patterns, while the city’s bridges appear amidst light mist. This unique spectacle is the essence of “Phoenix Rain.”
September 9th Kite Festival
Every year, on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, Chaozhou hosts its annual kite festival. During this festival, kites from all around the region gather at Fenghuangzhou Park to compete in a vibrant display. The sky is dotted with kites of various shapes and sizes, creating a beautiful sight across the clear blue sky.
Travel Tips
- Address: Fenghuang Terrace (凤凰台) is located on the Sha Island (沙洲) of the Hanjiang River, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City.
- Ticket: 10 RMB for entry.
- Transportation: You can take bus No. 12 and get off at the Fenghuangzhou Park stop. Alternatively, you can walk from the western end of Xiangzi Bridge (湘子桥) along the Hanjiang Riverbank to the park, which is approximately 300 meters east of the Hanjiang Bridge, near the Xianzhou Bridge.
