Yu Yin Shan Fang

Yu Yin Shan Fang

Yu Yin Shan Fang is a cultural relic protection unit of Guangdong Province and a patriotic education base.

Yu Yin Shan Fang is located in Nancun, Panyu District, Guangzhou. It is the private garden of Wu Bin, a successful candidate in the imperial examinations during the Qing Dynasty. Construction began in the sixth year of the Tongzhi reign (1867) and was completed in the tenth year of Tongzhi. Facing south and situated to the north, it covers an area of 1,598 square meters. Known for its exquisite and delicate design, it is one of the four famous gardens of central Guangdong from the Qing Dynasty. Upon entering through a small courtyard, you arrive at the gate of Yu Yin Garden, where a hanging wooden couplet reads: “A modest plot fed by rain’s red blush, a shaded nook veiled in deep green clouds.” To the right of the garden gate, there is a distinctive row of bamboo planted along a wall. The garden structures lack a central axis and are laid out freely. Divided into eastern and western sections by a stone arched covered bridge, the eastern part includes the Exquisite Water Pavilion, Reclining Gourd Cottage, Willow Tower Terrace, Peacock Pavilion, and Fragrance Pavilion; the western part houses the Deep Willow Hall and Poolside Retreat. The garden is richly planted with flowers and trees throughout the seasons, embodying the refined and elegant characteristics of Lingnan garden design. The Deep Willow Hall and Exquisite Water Pavilion are the highlights of the garden.

The Deep Willow Hall is located on the north bank by the pool in the garden. It features a hip-and-gable roof, is 12.55 meters wide, and 9.55 meters deep. There is a corridor embracing the hall by the pool, with lattice windows inset into the window sills and partitioned doors in the center. The central part of the hall has a carved caisson ceiling decorated with dragons and bats. The main room features a floor screen with the motif “Pine and Crane for Longevity,” and in the center hangs a wooden plaque inscribed with “Deep Willow Hall.” The west side room has a floor screen with the motif “Grapes and Scented Civets,” and on both sides are four double-sided wooden plaques engraved with calligraphy by renowned Qing Dynasty figures such as Liu Yong, Chen Gongyin, and Weng Fanggang—masterpieces of woodblock art.

The Exquisite Water Pavilion is located to the east of the covered bridge, surrounded by water, with entrances on the east and northwest sides, connected to the shore by bridges. The pavilion is octagonal in shape and is also known as the Octagonal Pavilion. It has a rolled-brim hip-and-gable roof, measuring 8.5 meters in both width and depth. Inside, there are four golden columns with drum-shaped bases. Partitioned windows are set between the eaves columns. The rear golden columns are adorned with a flower screen depicting “Birds Returning to the Nest.” A plaque inscribed with “Exquisite Water Pavilion” hangs inside the pavilion.

Wu Bin was a successful candidate in the imperial examinations in the sixth year of the Tongzhi reign (1867). He donated grain and served in Beijing for four years before resigning and returning to his hometown. In his later years, he often gathered with notable scholars from the province for refined gatherings in the garden.

In 1990, it was jointly reviewed and announced as a national outstanding modern architectural site by the Ministry of Construction, the National Cultural Heritage Administration, and the Architectural Society of China.

In June 1989, it was designated as a cultural relic protection unit by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province.

Address: Beida Street, Nancun Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou City

Type: Garden / Historic Garden / Ancient Site / Historical Architecture

Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours

Phone: 020-84768536

Official website: http://www.yuyinshanfang.com/

Opening hours: 8:00–17:30

Transportation

1. Metro: Take Line 4 to Xin Zao Station, then transfer to bus routes P51, P51B, or P53 (2 RMB fare) to Nanshan Park Station. Walk about 1,000 meters forward to reach the site.

2. Bus: From Guangzhou Railway Station, take the Guangzhou–Panyu special line buses 288 or 282 to Dashiqiao Station, then transfer to a tourist minibus or taxi.

3. Self-driving: From the North Ring Expressway, pass through the Cen Village Overpass, get on the Huazhan Expressway via the Panyu Bridge, or from the North Ring Expressway, pass through the Sanjiao Interchange, get on National Highway 105 via the Luoxi Bridge in Panyu, then continue on Panyu Yingbin Road—a total distance of about 25 kilometers.

4. Bus terminal: From Guangzhou, take a bus to Panyu Bus Terminal of Shiqiao Panyu Automobile Transport Company, then transfer to the “Shiqiao–Nancun,” “Shiqiao–Hualong, Xin Zao” direction bus or minibus (about 3 RMB fare), and get off at Nancun Town Station, where you will see the directional sign for “Yu Yin Shan Fang.”

Ticket price: 18 RMB

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Further reading:

· Fifth batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites