Former Site of Yu Gong Valley in Wuxi

Former Site of Yu Gong Valley in Wuxi

The Former Site of Yu Gong Valley in Wuxi is a cultural relic protection unit of Wuxi City.

The Former Site of Yu Gong Valley in Wuxi is bordered by Huanggoujian to the south, Huishan Temple to the north, Mingquanli (Erquan Spring) to the west, and Xiuzhang Street (around Yingshan Lake) to the east. Covering an area of over 50 acres, it is a classical garden from the Ming Dynasty, initially built around the 15th year of the Wanli reign. The owner, Zou Diguang, styled Yianji and also known by his alias Liudu Jushi, was a native of Wuxi. He became a Jinshi (advanced scholar) in the 2nd year of the Wanli reign and served as the Vice Commissioner of Education in Huguang. After resigning from office and returning to Wuxi, he lived a life of indulgence befitting a gentleman. He chose the Qinwangwu area between Xishan and Huishan mountains to build a villa garden — Yu Gong Valley. He gave himself the name “Yu Gong” (the Foolish Old Man), and after more than ten years of development, created 60 scenic spots. Taking advantage of the mountainous terrain, he arranged earthen hills and peaks, and used Huanggoujian as the source of flowing water. Streams, pools, and ponds enhanced the interplay of mountain views and water scenery. At that time, Zou’s garden was once hailed as one of the four most famous private gardens in China, enjoying great renown in the Wu region. Yu Gong Valley had already been destroyed by the early Qing Dynasty. In 1985, the Wuxi Municipal People's Government thoroughly renovated Yu Gong Valley, demolishing dilapidated temples and transforming the site into structures such as Binhu Mountain Pavilion, Jinshu Hall, Lotus Pavilion, and Huilu Thatched Cottage. Existing buildings such as Taibo Hall, Hua Xiaozhi Ancestral Hall, and Bishan Recitation Society were preserved and remodeled. A large number of trees were planted, creating a classical garden complex featuring “gardens within gardens, and scenes within scenes.” In 1960, Guo Moruo inscribed the plaque for “Yu Gong Valley,” which was placed at the entrance to mark the remarkable transformation from an abandoned garden to a renewed valley. Entering Yu Gong Valley, a winding corridor leads to a lotus pond, above which stands an ancient three-bay pavilion called “Lotus Pavilion.” This was built in 1959 by repurposing structures from the rear garden of Zhide Ancestral Hall, transforming them into a corridor complex that includes an elegant waterside pavilion, ancient pavilion, and spring pavilion, all facing the lotus pond. Earthen hills extend continuously, complementing the views of Xishan and Huishan. The calligraphy for “Lotus Pavilion” was done by Wu Zuoren.