Yanshan Garden

Yanshan Garden

　Yanshan Garden was originally the residence of Wang Shizhen, a literary scholar and minister in the Ming Dynasty. Initially named “Xiao Qi Yuan” (Little Sacred Garden), it was later renamed “Yanshan Garden” and “Yanzhou Garden” after the mythical realms “Yanzhou” and “Yanshan” mentioned in the “Zhuangzi,” “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” and “Biographies of Emperor Mu.” Wang Shizhen, who styled himself the “Hermit of Yanzhou,” also renamed the garden accordingly. He felt that “a residence might be comfortable for the body, but not for the eyes and ears,” and thus concluded that a garden must come first. Teaming up with Zhang Nanyang, a master landscape architect of the time, he constructed what was acclaimed as the “Foremost Garden in the Southeast”—Yanshan Garden—becoming the first of its kind in Taicang.

The garden originally featured three artificial hills (West Yanzhan, East Yanzhan, and Central Yanzhan), one ridge, three Buddhist pavilions, five towers, three halls, four studies, one veranda, ten pavilions, one long corridor, two stone bridges, six wooden bridges, five stone beams, four caves, four beaches, and two flowing-cup streams. Covering an area of over 70 acres, the garden consisted of 40% earth and stone, 30% water features, 20% buildings, and 10% bamboo and trees. Unfortunately, this historically significant garden was destroyed in the early Qing Dynasty.

To inherit and promote the long-standing tradition of garden design, in 2003, the garden was reconstructed at the site of the Southern Song Dynasty's “Haining Temple” based on the original plans by Ming Dynasty landscape architect Zhang Nanyang. Over the years, efforts have been made to shape hills, manage water features, plant large trees, and restore historic structures. More than 20 scenic spots have been revived, including the “Yanshan Hall,” “Jiashu Pavilion,” “Nodding Stone,” “Fen Sheng Pavilion,” “Little Flying Rainbow,” and “Nine-Bend Bridge.” The garden’s area has expanded from the original 66 acres to its current 110 acres, transforming its old appearance and restoring its picturesque scenery of shimmering waters, pavilions, towers, and lush greenery. It has become an important tourist destination for exploring the historic charm of Taicang.

Stepping into Yanshan Garden captivates visitors with its enchanting ambiance, refreshing spirit, and unforgettable charm…

Phone: 53103747

Opening Hours: 7:30 – 17:30

Ticket Price: 20 RMB

Address: No. 40, Xianfu West Street, Chengxiang Town, Taicang City

Transportation: Take a bus to Taicang City

Chengxiang Town: Chengxiang Town is the seat of the Taicang municipal government and serves as the city’s political, economic, and cultural hub. The town covers an area of 126 square kilometers, with a permanent population of 150,000. It administers four subdistrict offices, 23 community committees, and six administrative villages. Chengxiang features flat terrain and a pleasant climate, making it a fertile land of fish and rice, a place rich in deep cultural heritage, and an emerging industrial town in the Yangtze River Delta. In recent years, it has earned honors such as Jiangsu Province Civilized Town, National Sanitary Town, and Jiangsu Province Model Community.

Chengxiang Town boasts uniquely superior geographical advantages, being just... Chengxiang Town detailed information++