Ruan Dun Huan Bi

Ruan Dun Huan Bi

Ruan Dun Huan Bi

Ruan Dun Huan Bi in Hangzhou is one of the New Ten Scenes of West Lake. Originally called Ruan Gong Dun, it was created from dredged silt by Zhejiang Governor Ruan Yuan during the early Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty after dredging West Lake. In 1982, through additional soil and careful planting, the area developed into a picturesque garden where bamboo huts and courtyards are tucked away amid verdant trees and vibrant blooms—forming a unique waterside garden with the charm of “bamboo houses hidden in greenery and flowers.” On summer and autumn nights, visitors are welcomed by costumed stewards and maids who serve tea to the accompaniment of guqin music, with light singing and dancing adding to the enjoyment. The Huan Bi Villa offers an antique amusement park and fishing experiences at Ruan Dun, both rich in charm and appeal on the lake.

Ruan Yuan, styled Boyuan and also known as Yun Tai, was a renowned scholar from Yizheng, Jiangsu, during the Qing Dynasty. To honor his contributions to the cultural development of Zhejiang, the preservation of ancient texts, and his achievements in managing West Lake, the island was named “Ruan Gong Dun” (Ruan Gong’s Mound). The island features low hedges enclosing a manor with rustic thatched cottages and bamboo pavilions, such as Huan Bi Xiao Zhu (Huan Bi Cottage) and Yun Shui Ju (Cloud Water Residence), all delicate and graceful. Around the cottages, fragrant trees like camphor, wingnut, osmanthus, crape myrtle, bamboo, banana plants, and ivy are planted, creating an atmosphere of serenity and simplicity. Near the water’s edge, there is the Yi Yun Ting (Remembering Yun Pavilion), commemorating Ruan Yun Tai (Ruan Yuan’s literary name), who dredged the lake, built the mound, and left lasting contributions to West Lake.

The interiors of Huan Bi Manor are simply and elegantly furnished. During the day, visitors arriving by boat can enjoy tea and light drinks here. In the evening, the “steward” (the manor’s host), along with a group of “servants” and “maids” dressed in classical theater costumes, joins guests in traditional-style recreational activities.