If you've passed through Yan'an Xi Lu Station recently, you might have noticed things looking a little different. The station has had a colorful refresh, with a mix of soft tones, playful shapes and plenty of natural light. It's the kind of place that makes you slow down on your way out of the metro, and maybe take a few photos before remembering you were actually going somewhere.
The update goes beyond the station itself. Next door, Tianshan Park has also reopened after more than a year of renovation, with its old walls removed to create a more open, accessible green space. Covering around 68,000 sqm, the park is now free to enter around the clock, with a new pedestrian bridge, Kaixuan Bridge, connecting it to Haisu Green Space. The white, curved walkway crosses above the lake and makes the whole area feel a little like a scene from a Japanese indie film.
There's more happening along Kaixuan Lu, too. The little white building that used to house Yuyintang has also had a makeover. It's still empty for now, so there's no new tenant to report just yet, but the refreshed space has potential. You could see it becoming a café, a small cultural venue, or some kind of creative hangout. One to keep an eye on.
Inside Tianshan Park, there's plenty to explore: a large lawn for doing nothing, a winding bench, a picture-frame-style viewing spot overlooking the lake, and upgraded sports and kids' play areas. The old park has kept its trees and water views, but now has a few more reasons for younger locals to hang around too.
And there's enough nearby to turn a quick park visit into a full day out. C PARK has been expanding its offerings, with plenty of places to check out in the evening, including Yuyintown for live music and nightlife. Nearby Liu Haisu Art Museum is also worth a stop, with a rotating selection of free exhibitions. Spend the afternoon wandering around the park and checking out the art, then stick around for dinner, drinks or a gig. Yan'an Xi Lu might just be a good new starting point for a weekend around this part of Changning.
