Zeng Garden

Zeng Garden

Zeng Garden is a cultural tourism attraction.

　Zeng Garden, also known as Xukuang Garden or Xukuang Residence, is located in the southwest corner of the ancient city district, adjacent to Zhao Garden. It was originally part of the ruins of the "Little Wangchuan" villa built during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era by the censor Qian Dai. During the Tongzhi and Guangxu reigns of the Qing Dynasty, Zeng Zhizhuan, a minister of the Ministry of Punishments, transformed it into a private residence, naming it "Xukuang Residence." It was also the former home of his son, Zeng Pu, a late Qing literary figure, commonly referred to as the Zeng Family Garden. The garden centers around a body of water, surrounded by pavilions, rockeries, bamboo groves, and ancient trees, all thoughtfully arranged. Its architecture is uniquely ingenious. The garden also borrows the scenery of Yushan Mountain, blending water and mountain views into one harmonious scene. At the center of the garden lies a clear pool, fed by a continuous flow of water from the city moat. In the pool stands the "Buyi Pavilion," while to the south lies the "Xukuang Village Residence" (inscribed by Weng Tonghe), featuring the "Leisure Talks by the Water and Sky." In front of the courtyard are planted a camphor tree and a white-bark pine, both remnants of the Ming-era "Little Wangchuan." Beneath the trees stands the "Miaoyou" peak lake rock. To the east, a corridor leads to the "Guigeng Kedu Cottage," from which one can ascend the "Qiongyu Tower." Southwest of the "Xukuang Village Residence" stands an old red bean tree, also a relic of the Ming-era "Little Wangchuan." To the east of the pool is a yellow-stone rockery named "Xiaoyoutian," inscribed with: "In the year of 1886 (Guangxu Bingxu), a stone chamber was built here, managed by my old friend Zhuang Yigeng. Six years later, Zeng Zhizhuan recorded this." At the summit of the rockery is a hexagonal pavilion, with a small pavilion to its north. Below the rockery is the "Panji" engraved with the words "Xukuangzi’s Foot-Washing Spot," and to the north of the rockery stands a square pavilion. The eastern and northern corners feature enclosed corridors, with walls inlaid with two stone carvings: "Mountain Villa Study Scene" and "Mr. Mianyun’s Return-to-Farming Scene," including over 30 calligraphy stone engravings by figures such as Li Hongzhang, Weng Tonghe, and Yang Yisun. Southwest of the pool is the "Yaoyue Pavilion," and northwest lies the "Qingfeng Mingyue Pavilion." In 1995, the garden was meticulously restored to its historical appearance, with pathways paved around the pool and a variety of flowers and trees such as plum, plum, peach, willow, osmanthus, and bamboo planted throughout. The garden, rich in lush trees and shaded beauty, captures the essence of an urban forest and is a renowned leisure destination in the area.

Phone: 52221655

Opening Hours: 8:00 – 16:00

Ticket Price: 15 RMB Address: No. 7, Wengfu Front, Changshu