The Bamboo Garden was built in 1960. A secluded bamboo trail reaches Xishan Lake along the north side path of Wanshi Lake at the foot of Banling Mountain. Strewn at random, the verdant bamboo trees are mirrored in clear water, like a fairyland.
Bamboos belong to Bambusoideae of Poaceae, including more than 100 genera and 1,000 taxa all over the world. They are the traditional ornamental and fueling plants, with edible and delicious bamboo roots. In the unique bamboo culture in China, bamboo has been regarded as a symbol of virtue. Su Dongpo has a poem saying, “I would rather eat without meat than live without bamboo”.
There are 28 genera and nearly 200 species of bamboos in the varied and graceful garden, such as Bambusa chungii, Bambusa multiplex, Bambusa multiplex f. silverstripe, Bambusa vulgaris f. vittata, Thyrsostachys siamensis and other ornamental bamboos.