Qianjiang Meiyuan

Qianjiang Meiyuan

Meiyuan is located in the northern part of Qianjiang, by the rippling waters of Machang Lake. Here, willows veil the misty bridges, lotus flowers float on emerald waters beside red pavilions, stone railings frame elegant terraces, and winding paths wind through fragrant grass — an ethereal scene of serene beauty. To the north lies Luotan River, to the south borders Yintai Road, facing the large Machang’an residential area across the street. To the west it edges up to the Baili Canal, and to the east reaches Zhanghua South Road, standing in close proximity to Cao Yu Park. Covering an area of nearly 53.33 hectares (about 800 acres), Meiyuan has a total investment of approximately 250 million yuan.

Meiyuan is a garden complex themed around showcasing Chinese theatrical culture, where the natural beauty of plum blossoms harmonizes with the cultural essence of literary plum, blending seamlessly into one.

Deep within Meiyuan, on an artificial island shaped like a plum blossom, a cluster of classical-style buildings with white walls and black tiles stands out strikingly — this is the renowned Cao Yu Ancestral Home Museum.

An ancestor of Cao Yu, Wan Zheng, once wrote: “My family has lived by Machang Lake for generations, our home nestled deep among the lotuses. Lush green leaves delight the eye, stretching boundlessly blue, while tens of thousands of red and white blossoms bloom in splendor.” Tracing back to the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era, Cao Yu’s forebear Wan Bang came to this region while serving as an official from Jiangxi. He built a cottage by Machang Lake, and over thirteen generations, the Wan family flourished until the birth of Cao Yu, who would rise to lasting fame in history. The Wan family endured centuries of hardship here, creating a legacy of glory and achievement.