Xilu

Xilu

Xilu

Xilu, also known as Xitian, is located about six or seven li outside the west gate of Chengxiang Town in Taicang City. It is a pastoral-style villa built in his later years by the renowned late Ming and early Qing painter Wang Shimin upon his return to his hometown, and is considered a masterpiece by the famous Ming Dynasty garden designer Zhang Nanyuan. The owner often gathered with many painters here to compose poetry and paint, and in his later years, he styled himself the “Old Man of Xitian.”

According to the "Record of Xilu": “Xilu is the villa of Wang Xunchang Xunzhi from Taicang,” situated outside the west gate, where fields and residences intermingle; bean trellises frame the view; within, there are attractions such as the Nongqing Hall, Daoxiang Hermitage, Xiawai Pavilion, and the Jjing Mirror Lake and Xitian scenic areas.

In 2002, the Taicang municipal government launched a project to create a National Garden City, with a requirement to integrate culture into the development. The project aimed to fully tap into the cultural heritage of Taicang’s ancient city and build a series of attractions that showcase the rich historical and cultural richness of Taicang. As part of this effort, Xilu was reconstructed — restoring the elegance of the former garden on its original site. With an investment of 40 million yuan and covering an area of 450 mu, the garden was completed in November 2004 after more than two years of planning and construction by relevant departments. Xilu has emerged with a brand-new look, becoming a new highlight at Taicang’s western gateway. The garden features pavilions and bamboo corridors, with ancient trees mirrored in green waters, lush flowers and fragrant grass, integrating leisure, ecology, landscape, and production.

Detailed address: Located about six or seven li outside the west gate of Chengxiang Town in Taicang City