Dongyuan Scenic Area

Dongyuan Scenic Area

Dongyuan Scenic Area

The main part of Dongyuan Scenic Area is primarily laid out around the East Garden, featuring hills as the main element and a pond as a complementary feature. The main buildings face south and consist of a group of double-eaved halls. The northeast corner slightly juts out, enclosing three small courtyards with multi-layered walkways. To the west, it connects with the residence, collectively known as Chengqu Cao Tang. In the center, there is a three-bay hall that was once used by the former garden owner for banquets and gatherings. This structure is unique among classical gardens. In front of the hall lies a broad flat grassy slope, complemented by a yellow-stone rockery that exudes a majestic presence. On the east side of the rockery, a rectangular pool has been excavated, stretching from north to south. To the east of the pool runs a corridor, connecting to the eastern section of the main hall to the north and leading to a small waterside pavilion to the south.

From the pool, water extends eastward, with a winding bridge built over it. At the southern end of the pool stands a pavilion that spans the water, called Shanshui Jian (Between Mountains and Water), featuring an intricately carved floor screen depicting the “Three Friends of Winter.” The yellow-stone rockery in front of Chengqu Cao Tang is grand and imposing, representing the most exquisite part of the entire rockery. The West Garden is located to the west of the central axis of the residence and is divided into two small courtyards by a study at its center. The study is named Zhilian Laowu (Old Weaving Shed). Behind the study lies another courtyard, where a study tower is built amidst rockeries and trees. The close integration of architecture and courtyards in its layout is also one of the distinctive features of the Couple’s Retreat Garden.