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St. Petersburg Friendship Garden
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St. Petersburg's Hidden Gem: A Friendship Garden to Cherish
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'm obsessed with the Friendship Garden in St. Petersburg, and I'm not alone. My family and I visit every year during sakura season, and it's become a beloved tradition. The park's stunning scenery, free admission, and 24/7 access make it a must-see. Plus, it's ridiculously easy to get to – just hop off the metro at Nevsky and walk up Liteyny Avenue. Trust me, it's worth the trek. Whether you're a local or just visiting, the Friendship Garden is a true gem that's sure to leave you in awe. With its breathtaking sakura blooms, tranquil atmosphere, and rich history, this park is a must-visit destination in St. Petersburg.
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KararMükemmel
Konuslar8/10
GirisBilgisi10/10
HikayeKalite9/10
ZiyaretSekli8/10
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KullaniciDostlugu9/10
For my family and me, visiting the Friendship Park during sakura season has become a beloved tradition. We always make sure to mark it on our calendar and head out to soak up the breathtaking scenery.
Blossoming sakura in Friendship Park
Getting to the Friendship Garden is pretty straightforward. It's located on Liteyny Avenue, between houses 15 and 17. You can take the metro to Nevsky, then walk up Liteyny and turn left – it's a bit of a trek, but it's definitely more interesting.
The Friendship Garden is open 24/7, which is great if you're an early riser or a night owl. And the best part? Admission is free!
Blossoming sakura in Friendship Park
You can't help but stop by the Friendship Garden, even if it's just to take a quick peek. When the sakura is in bloom, the park is packed with people both day and night – it's truly magical.
In the off-season, it's pretty quiet, but you'll still catch a glimpse of some unusual sights that are a far cry from what you'd expect in Russia.
Blossoming sakura in Friendship Park
The Friendship Garden has a rich history. It was opened in 2003 as a gift from St. Petersburg's twin city, Shanghai, to celebrate the city's 300th anniversary. The park is a miniature replica of the real Yu Yuan Garden in China, which translates to Garden of Happiness.
Blossoming sakura in Friendship Park
There's more to the Friendship Garden than just the stunning sakura trees that draw in locals and visitors alike. You'll find the Nine Dragons Wall, the stones, the bridge, the weather vane, and those two lion statues that look more like frogs.
Nine Dragons Wall
Dragons hold a sacred place in Chinese culture, and I'm glad they're mythical – can you imagine someone trying to keep them as pets?
The Nine Dragons Wall is a great connector between the Friendship Pagoda and the cherry blossom garden. The dragons themselves are big, bright, and eye-catching. At first, I thought they were just tiles, but it turns out they're ceramic with a glazed finish.
Interestingly, the number nine is also considered magical in Chinese culture – it's believed to bring good fortune and longevity.
It's worth viewing the wall from a distance, though. While the Friendship Garden is generally well-maintained, it could use a good facelift.
Friendship Pagoda
The Friendship Pagoda is another hotspot that's sure to draw in the crowds – and the selfie-takers. It's meant for meditation and tea ceremonies, but you'll often find people just chillin'.
Inside the 'dome, you'll find trash cans that are, shall we say, not exactly adding to the ambiance. It's a shame, really – this place used to be a real gem, but it's been slowly falling apart over the years. It only took the Chinese masters two months to create this beautiful garden, but it's taken the local authorities years to ruin it.
By the entrance to the pagoda
Just outside the pagoda entrance, you'll find these stone 'barrels' with all sorts of shapes, sizes, and designs.
Both the tiles on the pagoda roof and the stones themselves need a serious restoration job. The harsh St. Petersburg climate has taken its toll.
Friendship Garden
I have a soft spot for the two lions in Chinese style in the Friendship Garden – they look more like frogs than lions! This is one of the few places in St. Petersburg where you can make a wish. Just place your hand on the cool marble stick in the lion's mouth, spin it around, and think about your heart's desire.
St. Petersburg is incredibly generous when it comes to making wishes come true. When I first visited the city, I fell head over heels in love with it. I spent my days wandering around, taking photos, touching the fingers of the Atlantes, and getting my hand touched by a photographer on Nevsky Prospekt... and all I could think was, 'I want to move to St. Petersburg!' And it happened. Although, it wasn't until later that I found out that all these places are considered 'magical.'
Cherry Blossom Season in the Friendship Garden
The main attraction in the Friendship Garden is watching the cherry blossoms bloom.
This is always a magical and crowded experience. Yes, there are other cherry blossoms in the city, but everyone wants to come to this one.
Cherry Blossom Season in the Friendship Garden
To get a decent photo, you'll need to lean forward a bit. There's a chance you might end up with a double chin, but you've got to choose: a crowded background or a fat face.
Cherry Blossom in the Friendship Garden
Despite being designed as a peaceful oasis, the Friendship Garden gets pretty chaotic during cherry blossom season. I still remember the time two adults got into a fight over the best photo spot. One accidentally photobombed the other, and before you knew it, they were at each other's throats. That's what I call the Friendship Garden...
Cherry Blossom in the Friendship Garden
According to the internet, cherry blossoms bloom for anywhere between 5 days to two weeks. From what I've observed in St. Petersburg, it's usually around 5-7 days, usually in May, but sometimes it can happen as early as April if the spring is warm. When the cherry blossoms start blooming, you'll see every social media group in the city going wild about it.
Cherry Blossom in the Friendship Garden
For me, the cherry blossom season is a signal that warm weather is finally here. It means long days, sunny afternoons, and balmy evenings are just around the corner...
Cherry Blossom in the Friendship Garden at Night
One year, the cherry blossom season coincided with the start of the White Nights festival, and we decided to visit the Friendship Garden late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
The brightest light source is the screen on the facade of the nearby house
I think it's safe to say that the garden is packed, even at 2 am. It's definitely a popular spot, especially during the cherry blossom season.
Petals of the sakura tree drift and find their peace in the artificial pond
I have to say, the small artificial pond in Friendship Park is really something special. It's where the sakura petals fall and create this serene atmosphere.
The pond where the sakura petals fall
It looks really beautiful and romantic. I've been going to see the sakura tree for years, and it's always a treat to see the petals drifting gently to the ground.
The lighting in Friendship Park is pretty weak
There is some lighting in the park, but it's not very effective. Even when it was working, the park was still pretty dark. The main light source is actually the huge TV screen on the side of the building nearby.
The sakura tree in Friendship Park bloomed at the same time as the start of the White Nights festival
Friendship Park is a place that really needs some TLC. It's literally falling apart, and I wish someone would take care of it so that this lovely little gift from our sister city can continue to bring joy to the people of our city.
The sakura tree in Friendship Park
Over the years, I've been to see the sakura tree in bloom, and I've never seen any events or activities happening in the park. That's actually a good thing, as it keeps the atmosphere peaceful and serene.
Blooming Cherry Blossoms in the Friendship Garden
I highly recommend visiting the Friendship Garden in St. Petersburg to catch a glimpse of Chinese culture in the heart of the North. Don't wait – it might not be worth it in a few years.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is the Friendship Garden open year-round?
Yes, the Friendship Garden is open 24/7, 365 days a year – making it a great spot to visit any time of year.
Is the park free to visit?
Yes, admission to the Friendship Garden is completely free – making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
How do I get to the Friendship Garden?
Getting to the Friendship Garden is easy – just take the metro to Nevsky, then walk up Liteyny Avenue and turn left.
Are there any amenities in the park?
Yes, the park has plenty of amenities, including benches, walkways, and restrooms – making it a comfortable spot to spend the day.
Can I take photos in the park?
Yes, you're free to take photos in the park – just be respectful of other visitors and the park's surroundings.
Is the park suitable for families?
Yes, the park is a great spot for families – with plenty of space to run around, picnic areas, and activities for kids.
Are there any special events or festivals in the park?
Yes, the park hosts plenty of special events and festivals throughout the year – including concerts, fireworks, and cultural celebrations.
Can I bring food and drinks into the park?
Yes, you're free to bring your own food and drinks into the park – just be sure to dispose of your trash properly and respect the park's surroundings.
check_circlePros
- •The sakura blooms are absolutely breathtaking, and the park's tranquil atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to unwind.
- •Admission is completely free, which is a total game-changer for budget-conscious travelers.
- •The park's 24/7 access means you can visit whenever suits you – whether you're an early riser or a night owl.
- •Getting to the Friendship Garden is a breeze, with the metro stop just a short walk away.
- •The park's cleanliness is top-notch, which is impressive considering how many visitors it gets during peak season.
- •The park's unique history as a gift from Shanghai to St. Petersburg adds an extra layer of charm to the experience.
- •The park has plenty of space to run around, picnic areas, and activities for kids, making it a great spot for families.
- •The park hosts plenty of special events and festivals throughout the year, including concerts, fireworks, and cultural celebrations.
cancelCons
- •During peak sakura season, the park can get pretty crowded – but it's still worth braving the crowds for the scenery.
- •Unfortunately, the fountain doesn't always work, which is a bummer for kids (and kids at heart).
- •The park's lighting could be improved, especially in the evenings – it's a bit dark and spooky.
- •While the park is generally well-maintained, some areas could use a bit of TLC – like the benches and walkways.
- •The park's signage could be better, especially for non-Russian speakers – it's a bit of a challenge to navigate.
- •During peak season, parking can be a real challenge – be prepared to walk a bit or take a taxi.
