The abandoned tin mine ground was donated by Chung Keng Quee as a recreation park for public use.
Along Residency Road, near the gardens, were golden rain trees (Malay: Samanea saman) or hujan-hujan (pterocarpus indicus) planted along the pathway.
The gardens were so striking that they attracted many travelers to write of their beauty: The streets are shaded by rows of the angsena tree, which at irregular intervals bursts forth into a riot of blossoms, even more yellow than those of the laburnum.
These it rains down in golden snow upon the streets, providing a carpet fit for a Sultan, for yellow is the royal colour in the East.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (formerly known as the Malayan Railway) operates a number of daily services along the main north-south line which stops at Taiping station.