Xichun Garden

Xichun Garden

Xichun Garden is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

Nestled against mountains and beside water, Xichun Garden covers an area of 38 hectares. The garden features numerous ancient architectural ruins and scenic spots from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, among which the Canglang Pavilion, Xichun Morning Sun, Liuxu High Whistle, Huiying Temple, and Yuewang Terrace are the most famous. The Canglang Pavilion is located to the east of Xichun Mountain in the suburbs of Shaowu, overlooking the Futun River. Built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, it is commonly known as the Octagonal Tower. In the early years of the Yongzheng reign during the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Canglang Pavilion in honor of Yan Yu, a renowned literary critic and patriotic poet of the Southern Song Dynasty. The inner courtyard of the pavilion is planted with boxwood, bamboo, osmanthus, and pomegranate trees, which remain green all year round, accompanied by birdsong and floral fragrance. The pavilion houses works by Yan Yu such as "Canglang Collection" and "Canglang Poetry Talks." From the rooftop, one can enjoy the splendid night view of the Futun River. A few dozen steps westward along the river from the Canglang Pavilion is said to be the spot where Yan Yu used to fish. Going further beyond Liuxu High Whistle and Huiying Temple, you will arrive at Yuewang Terrace, situated atop the northwest hill of Xichun Garden. This terrace was built to commemorate the achievements of the Minyue King and his brothers in establishing the city of Shaowu during the early Western Han Dynasty. The three golden characters “Yuewang Terrace” on the plaque at the center of the terrace wall were inscribed by General Zhang Aiping. Inside the terrace stands a stone stele that records the historical evolution of Shaowu. Climbing the stone stairs behind the terrace to the top offers a panoramic view of the developing city of Shaowu.