Strange Tales Garden

Strange Tales Garden

Strange Tales Garden was built with investment from Pujiazhuang in Zichuan. It is a large, clustered scenic garden complex themed around *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*, presented in the form of a garden. Located in Pujiazhuang, Hongshan Town, Zichuan District, Zibo City, this is the hometown of Pu Songling, known as the “King of World Short Stories.” It is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and one of the top five tourist destinations in Shandong Province.

To meet the development needs of the tourism market, descendants of Pu Songling established Zibo Strange Tales Tourism Development Co., Ltd. Committed to promoting Pu culture, they have continuously intensified the development of Strange Tales cultural tourism resources, forming tourist attractions such as Liquan Spring, Strange Tales Palace, Fox Fairy Garden, Stone Hidden Garden, Manjing Temple, Folk Song Teahouse, and the Cemetery, bringing the construction of Strange Tales Garden to an initial scale.

Inside the Pu Songling Memorial Hall in the Strange Tales City Scenic Area, the original appearance of Pu Songling’s residence has been largely preserved. The former home is a typical northern rural courtyard, with a golden plaque inscribed “Pu Songling’s Former Residence,” written by Guo Moruo, hanging high above the main gate. In the courtyard, there is the “Chatting Studio” where Pu wrote his stories, an exhibition room showcasing Pu Songling’s life, a stone exhibition hall featuring the literary rocks he cherished, and a calligraphy and painting gallery displaying works by contemporary literati. Liquan Spring, also known as “Manjing,” was where Pu Songling once set up tea and gathered folk tales. A stone tablet inscribed with the characters “Li Quan” by Shen Yanbing stands here. The spring, with its blue stone mouth, overflows with water, enchanting visitors. In addition to *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*, Pu Songling also composed thousands of folk song pieces; the Folk Song Teahouse is the perfect place to enjoy performances of these songs. Visitors can sit, sip tea, and listen to a few folk tunes, which is truly a rare delight. Fox Fairy Garden is designed around the themes of *Strange Tales* stories and features exhibition rooms on Pu Songling’s life and works, his career as a private tutor, and artworks by famous individuals. Stone Hidden Garden was originally the garden of the Bi family. Pu Songling tutored at the Bi residence for 30 years and wrote numerous poems about the garden. The garden is filled with oddly shaped rocks and lush trees. This relocated version of the garden recreates Pu Songling’s life as a scholar and writer. Manjing Temple is a reconstructed ancient temple, with a double-arched memorial archway serving as the entrance. It houses structures such as the Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Three Saints Hall, and Bell Tower. The exterior of Strange Tales Palace resembles a celestial palace towering above, with blue lakes and green mountains, reminiscent of a heavenly abode. Inside, colored sculptures, movie special effects, lighting, and sound effects artistically recreate the mythical creatures and spirits from Pu Songling’s stories.

Strolling through Strange Tales Garden allows you to leave behind all worries and the noise of the city, refreshing your senses as you fully appreciate and deeply understand the world of spirits, demons, foxes, and ghosts depicted by the literary master Pu Songling.

Phone: 0533-5810351

Address: Pujiazhuang, Hongshan Town, Zichuan District, Zibo, Shandong Province

Postal Code: 255100

Directions:

Take bus No. 1 to Zichuan Station, then transfer to bus No. 23 to Pujiazhuang

Ticket Price: 40 RMB

Opening Hours

Summer: 07:30–18:00

Winter: 08:00–17:00