The main part of this park is the lake of Lianhuachi, which literally means Lotus Pond.

This lake is believed to be the most important water source of ancient Beijing city since the Zhou dynasty.

As mentioned in the Commentary on the Water Classic, a masterpiece of geographic record in ancient China, water from this lake supported Beijing from the very beginning of the city history until the Yuan dynasty (1276–1368), during which the city of Beijing was rebuilt and shifted towards northeast a bit, and the lake lost its importance as the water source.

It gradually became the place for the royal family and noblemen to enjoy the nature.

In 2000, the park was largely renovated, and many landscapes and scenic areas were added to it.