Chen Congzhou Art Museum

Chen Congzhou Art Museum

Chen Congzhou Art Museum, also known as Ziyuan, was built in 1998. Located on the north side of Xijian, it neighbors the Xijian Thatched Cottage and covers an area of over 3 mu. Its main structure is an ethnically styled exhibition hall, built to commemorate the renowned Chinese garden expert Chen Congzhou. The courtyard features a half pavilion, which is a reproduction of the Ming-style garden "Ming Pavilion" designed by Professor Chen Congzhou for the United States.

Chen Congzhou (1918–2000), also known as Ziweng, was a professor at Tongji University in Shanghai and a celebrated expert in garden architecture. He was also skilled in calligraphy, painting, poetry, prose, and Kunqu opera, and was regarded as a "master of creating artistic beauty in gardens." He authored more than ten works, including *On Gardens*, *Suzhou Gardens*, *Yangzhou Gardens*, *Shaoxing Stone Bridges*, *Garden Discourses*, *Book Belt Collection*, *Spring Moss Collection*, *Casual Essays*, and *Lakes and Mountains Everywhere*.

Professor Chen Congzhou had a special "passion" for scenic spots and historical sites. This devotion stemmed from his deep love for landscapes and garden art. He traveled extensively across China, sparing no effort in rescuing, preserving, and restoring famous gardens and cultural heritage sites. Among the dozens of famous gardens and ancient buildings he saved and restored, Nanbei Lake is just one example—but the old master indeed held a special affection for it.