680-Hectare Plant Kingdom with Cultural Heritage, a Must-Visit!

**Opening Highlights**: Asia's largest plant treasure trove + explore two gardens for just ¥10! **This is China's first National Botanical Garden**, comprising the South Garden (research hub) and North Garden (leisure paradise). Home to the Metasequoia Forest🌲 in Cherry Valley, the 1,000-year-old Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Monet-inspired Giant Water Lily Ponds, Jurassic-era fossilized wood, and year-round floral displays. Don’t miss the July-exclusive misty Metasequoia spray—perfect for family outings, dates, and educational trips! 🕘 **Opening Hours**: | **South Garden** | 8:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00, greenhouse closes at 16:30) | **Combo ticket ¥10** (access to both gardens) | | **North Garden** | Peak season (Mar 16–Nov 15): 6:00–20:00; Off-season (Nov 16–Mar 15): 6:30–18:00 | **North Garden only ¥5**; **Premium ticket ¥50** (includes main gate + greenhouse + Temple of the Reclining Buddha) | | **Cherry Valley Mist Spray** | July–Aug, every Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun **9:00–10:00** (summer highlight!) | Free with park entry 💴 **Ticket Prices**: **North Garden only ¥5**; **Premium ticket ¥50** (includes main gate + greenhouse + Temple of the Reclining Buddha) ⛺ **Attractions**: - **State Gift Greenhouse**: Diplomatic treasures like the Bodhi tree + giant water lilies; aquatic plant room mimics Monet’s garden. - **Kangxi Emperor’s Stele**: Poetry monument by the lotus pond—perfect for vintage photos. - **Herbarium**: Asia’s largest plant specimen collection, a kid-friendly learning spot! 🚌 **Transport**: - **Metro**: Xijiao Line to **National Botanical Garden Station** (North Garden’s southeast gate); South Garden is a 300m walk. - **Bus**: Routes 318/360/505 to "National Botanical Garden Southwest Gate" (South Garden) or "Xiangshan Station" (North Garden). - **Drive**: Navigate to **Xiangquan Roundabout**, head 400m toward Xiangshan👉 **P1 Parking** (¥10/hour in peak season—arrive before 9am!). 👉 **Itinerary Suggestions**: ✅ **Customized Routes**: > **Half-Day**: North Garden greenhouse → Temple of the Reclining Buddha → Cherry Valley mist → South Garden’s water lily pond. > **Full-Day**: South Garden greenhouse → Herbarium → North Garden’s peach blossom area → Cao Xueqin Memorial → Cherry Valley → hike to Olympic Forest Park’s viewpoint for Xiangshan vistas! 🧡 **Essentials**: | 👟 **Sneakers + sun protection** | Expect 20,000 steps/day! Cobblestone paths + slopes (South Garden has no shuttle; North Garden shuttle ¥20/person). | | 🥪 **Lunch + water bottle** | Only basic snacks in North Garden; South Garden has no stores—pack sandwiches/energy bars. | | 🦟 **Bug spray** | Mosquitoes thrive in Metasequoia forests/wetlands—long pants recommended. | | 📸 **Camera + power bank** | Photogenic greenhouses and misty Metasequoia scenes! | | 🔖 **ID + booking code** | Scan ID for entry; forgot it? Swap for a ticket onsite.