Yuanyuan Garden

　　Yuanyuan Garden is situated within the Second People's Hospital of Changzhou on Xinglong Lane, covering an area of nearly 0.67 hectares. Commonly known as the Zhao Family Garden, it was originally a deer farm during the Ming Dynasty. In the early years of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, it became the private estate of Xie ___, then known as Xie Garden. Later, it was purchased by Zhao Qi, the grandson of Zhao Yi—a Qing Dynasty historian and poet—who renovated and refurbished it in the 26th year of the Daoguang reign (1846), renaming it Yuanyuan Garden, which means "roughly made into a garden." It flourished during the Daoguang and Xianfeng periods, boasting the finest collection of strange rocks and peaks in the entire region. In its heyday, the garden featured lush flowers and trees, winding clear streams, and a pond surrounded by uniquely shaped rocks, each inscribed with a peak name. These included “Spiritual Crag,” “Wrinkled Jade,” “Jade Lotus,” “Lone Beauty Peak,” “Witch Gorge,” “Immortal’s Palm,” “Kunshan Fragment,” “Jade Screen,” “Puffy Cloud,” “Dancing Sleeves,” “Camel Hump,” and “Flying Corner,” collectively known as the Twelve Peaks of Yuanyuan Garden. The garden was broadly divided into three scenic areas: the western section, a verdant oasis surrounded by water on all sides, formerly called “West Garden Autumn Harvest”; the eastern section, which held the essence of Yuanyuan Garden, occupying about two-thirds of the area, centered around the pond with stone embankments connecting various attractions into a stunning chain of beauty, known as “East Pond Spring Splendor”; and between the West Garden and East Pond stood a man-made hill built from yellow stones, surrounded by streams on three sides and shaded by ancient towering trees, which Zhao Qi named “South Hill Gushing Green.”

　　The pond features rockeries built to resemble a fairy island, connected by a winding arched bridge. Amid the jagged rocks, a wisteria vine twists upward from a crevice in a huge boulder, resembling an emerald canopy when viewed from afar, adding a unique charm. Zhao Qi created twenty-four scenic spots such as “Plum Grove Charm,” “Crabapple Spring Pavilion,” “Moon Viewing Pavilion,” and “City Corner Sails,” composing a poem for each and compiling them into the *Yuanyuan Garden Poetry Collection*. The corridor walls are inlaid with stone carvings of calligraphy by renowned artists like Yun Nantian.

　　In the 10th year of the Xianfeng reign (1860), the Taiping Army captured Changzhou, and Yuanyuan Garden was destroyed—its pavilions and towers reduced to nothing. By the end of the Guangxu reign, Zhao Yi’s great-great-grandson and his daughter-in-law, Xu Xiaoqian, borrowed extensively to restore the garden. After years of effort, the reconstruction was finally completed, though it was far from its former glory. By the early Republican era, only three or five of the original twelve famous rocks remained, lying scattered in the grass by the stream. In the early 1930s, the site was repurposed as the Wujin County Hospital. During the 1950s and 1960s, railings were added around the pond, trees and flowers planted, and embankments repaired to beautify the garden. In 1983, a traditional arched pavilion with fish-dragon ridge decoration was built on a small island in the pond, and a fountain was installed in the water. Goldfish and carp were added for ornamental purposes, turning Yuanyuan Garden into a pleasant leisure spot for visitors. The garden is well known for its serene forests and secluded valleys, enjoying fame across southern Jiangsu. In December 1987, it was designated as a municipal cultural heritage site. Though it no longer boasts the grandeur of its past prime, today’s Yuanyuan Garden still enchants with willows trailing over the water, gentle ripples on the pond, curved bridges connecting sights, and the fragrance of bamboo and flowers—truly living up to its name as a roughly made yet beautiful garden. Upon entering the garden, one is greeted by a pool of clear water. Rocks are piled up in the pond to form a hill, atop which stands a pavilion surrounded by uniquely shaped stones connected by a stone bridge. The roof of the small pavilion is adorned with two vividly sculpted large carp, seemingly leaping toward the dragon gate. The upturned eaves feature numerous small lucky animals like antelopes, each with distinct and lively expressions. Among the rocks by the hill and water, some are stacked naturally, displaying the qualities of leanness, perforation, hollowness, and transparency—resembling cavernous mountain cliffs. Some resemble a mischievous monkey perched atop an old tree root, others a frog crouching by the water, or even a coiled dragon, a majestic lion, or a giant brush pointing to the sky. Amidst the rugged rocks, a wisteria vine twists up from a crack, draping over the top of a boulder like a huge crown atop a head—quite amusing. The pond is connected to a meandering stream, with several arched bridges spanning it. Along the stream banks stand ancient, graceful trees, and at the head of the stream, a few white rocks lie nestled in the wild growth. In the northwest corner, a massive solitary mound stands alone, encircled by a small stream and shaded by towering ancient trees. In summer and autumn, the garden is shaded by lush greenery, exuding a serene and elegant atmosphere, remaining a tranquil and picturesque destination.