Since the campaign to solicit new names for the Citizen Park was launched, readers from all over the country have enthusiastically participated by sending letters and making phone calls. In recent days, more than 300 emails have been received in the designated mailbox, each one expressing the public's expectations for this park.
Many of the proposed names carry cultural connotations.
Many of the names suggested by citizens are imbued with cultural significance, such as "Public Achievement Ecological Garden," "Zui Li Park," and "Wan Mu Chun Park." These names were carefully chosen after consulting various resources, showing a great deal of thought.
Xiao Chen, a resident of Shuixie Huadu, sent an email suggesting names like "Public Achievement Garden," "Public Achievement Ecological Garden," and "Public Achievement Park," all centered around the term "public achievement." He provided several reasons: "Public Achievement" is the courtesy name of Ling Tong, a famous general of the Wu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. The descendants of Ling Tong respectfully refer to him as Mr. Ling, and it is said that Ling Gong River was excavated by Ling Tong leading his troops and civilians. Naming the Citizen Park after Ling Tong's courtesy name would differentiate it from the existing Ling Gong Tang Cultural Theme Park while preserving its original charm and reflecting the historical and cultural essence of the park. Moreover, in ancient times, the character "achievement" (绩) was commonly used in terms like spinning, silk weaving, and hemp processing, closely related to ancient weaving techniques. Jiaxing has long been known as the "Land of Fish and Rice" and the "House of Silk." Today, Jiaxing is also an important textile and garment production base not only in China but also worldwide. Therefore, naming the park with the character "achievement" is quite appropriate.
Mr. Tang Longru from Qinghe Neighborhood proposed four names for the park: "Yuan Shui Park," "Century Park," "Harmony Park," and "Zui Li Park." Among these four, Mr. Tang is most satisfied with "Zui Li Park." He explained, "According to legend, Fan Li gave Xi Shi Zui Li plums to quench her thirst when they passed through Jiaxing. With a flick of her finger, the fruit left a mark, henceforth giving Zui Li plums their distinctive trace. If we could cultivate a grove of Zui Li plums within the park, it would make the name even more fitting, and the park's fame would surely increase."
Suggestion to retain "Citizen Park"
"The construction of a new park on the south side of the Nanhu District government is a great thing and will surely be welcomed by all the people of the city. I think calling this park 'Citizen Park' is just fine!" While everyone was proposing new names for the park, Mr. Chen Chunsheng, a 72-year-old retired elder, suggested retaining the originally planned name. First, the name "Citizen Park" reflects the connection between the government and its citizens, embodying the characteristic of being close to the people. Second, the five key words—greenery, nature, ecology, fun, and sports—and the four thematic landscapes—plaza, lawn, oxygen bar, and dense forest—allow citizens of all age groups to find suitable leisure activities here, making it a truly deserving "Citizen Park."
Elementary school students also join in naming
Even elementary school students showed great interest in coming up with a new name for the park. Wang Qiqun from Xingzhi Elementary School in Haiyan County came up with two names: "Little South Lake Park" and "Lian Ye Park." "The bird's-eye view of Ling Gong River resembles a miniature version of South Lake, which is a representative symbol of Jiaxing, so I named it 'Little South Lake Park.' The water of Ling Gong River is crystal clear, with ripples appearing on the surface. 'Lian Ye' sounds similar to 'Lian Yan' and carries deeper meanings, so I named it 'Lian Ye Park.'"
Other names such as "Yuan Yang Hu Park," "Jiaxing Eden," and "Jiao Long Park"... According to preliminary statistics, as of last night, the park name solicitation activity had received more than 300 emails from all over the country and over 50 paper letters. More than 400 new names have already been collected.