Xishan Azalea Garden

Xishan Azalea Garden

Xishan Azalea Garden

The Xishan Azalea Garden is located southwest of Yingshan Lake, adjacent to the tomb of Hua Yanjun, covering an area of over 2 hectares. Originally, it was an uneven, overgrown hillside. In 1978, it was transformed into a specialized azalea garden in line with the terrain, becoming a “garden within a garden” of Xihui Park. When the azaleas are in full bloom, they create a magnificent scene of “thousands of clusters facing and turning away, tens of thousands of blossoms swaying low and high, glowing crimson against vermilion railings, and sparkling delicately beside pink walls.” The garden opened in mid-autumn 1981; in 1983, as both azaleas and plum blossoms were designated as sister-city flowers of Wuxi, it was officially named the Azalea Garden. In 1984, the garden was awarded the National Excellent Design Award; in 1986, it also received the National Ministry of Construction Technology Progress Award.

The designer of the garden’s planning and landscaping was Mr. Li Zheng, a professor-level senior architect. Stepping through the moon gate of the Azalea Garden inscribed with Wang Jihao’s calligraphy “March on Songshan, May with red azaleas,” you are greeted by a lush earthen mound that resembles the artificial hill used for screening views in the Grand View Garden of Dream of the Red Chamber. Following the winding path westward, the Azalea Garden reveals a captivating corner with shimmering water, lush trees, and elegantly placed pavilions. Descending the stepping stones by the pond and walking up the scenic Qin Fang Stream, praised in calligraphy by Wu Zechun for its beautiful valleys and rustic charm, you’ll find at Yinghong Crossing a solitary rock standing picturesquely by the water. Passing through the arched bridge, the stream meanders along, flanked by faintly visible fragrant woods. On the left, a clear spring, never drying up throughout the year, is inscribed by Zhu Youjie as “Drunken Spring.” Above the stream sits the Flying Eaves and Upturned Corners-style Zhenliu Pavilion, with calligraphy by Gao Shinong. Beneath the pavilion, stacked rocks form a cave, while behind it dense shade enhances the endless flow of the stream.