Xiangzhang Garden in Shiqiao Town

　　   The Xiangzhang Garden project in Shiqiao Town has a total investment of 15 million yuan, with a planned area of 300 mu. Construction began in October 2008 and is now taking initial shape, with development to be completed within two years. At present, the main structures for dining, entertainment, and accommodation have been largely completed, with a construction area of 4,000 square meters. The landscaping and lighting projects featuring ornamental trees such as camphor trees are steadily progressing.

　　   Walking into the garden, you’ll see two rows of tall roadside trees — camphor trees. These fragrant trees can be used to make aromatic products and are also premium materials for furniture. In ancient times, families in the Jiangnan region would plant a camphor tree when a daughter was born. When she grew up and got married, they would make her dowry furniture from the camphor wood. Some clever matchmakers, seeing that the camphor tree at the gate had grown tall but not been cut down, would know the family’s daughter was still unmarried and might even come knocking to propose a match.

　　   In folklore, people often regard camphor trees as landscape or feng shui trees, symbolizing protection against evil, longevity, and good fortune. Camphor trees are highly favored by urban and rural residents alike. Cities such as Hangzhou, Yiwu, and Ma'anshan have all designated them as their “city tree.”

　　   Camphor trees are quite distinctive. Their bark is rough, yet the texture is even — never mottled like poplar nor knotty like willow. Their branches and trunks split neatly into twos and fours as they grow, neither cutting corners nor overdoing it. The canopy takes on a spherical shape, drawing elegant curves in the sky. As a result, art students love using camphor trees as subjects for sketching. Even more uniquely, camphor trees emit a special fragrance that repels insects, meaning they rarely need pesticide spraying by gardeners.

　　   In recent years, with comprehensive social and economic development, and once basic survival needs have been met, people’s mindsets have undergone tremendous changes. There is now a widespread consensus on the impact of the ecological environment on humanity and the importance of protecting it. The pursuit of improved quality of life and richer lifestyles continues to be a new goal. Against this backdrop, an emphasis on leisure, entertainment, and eco-tourism has become a leading trend among the well-off population. Xiangzhang Garden in Shiqiao Town has been included in Jining City’s key tourism project database and was rated as a Shandong Provincial Agricultural Tourism Demonstration Site in 2012. Conveniently located, Xiangzhang Garden in Shiqiao Town welcomes your visit.

　　   Address: 1,200 meters west of Qianli Village, Shiqiao Town, Rencheng District, Jining City, Shandong Province

　　   Business Hours: 24 hours

　　   Recommended Visiting Time: About 3 hours

　　   Featured Attractions: Ornamental trees such as camphor trees

　　   Suggested Tour Route: Visitors may explore freely.

　　   Supporting Facilities:

　　   The garden offers dining, accommodation, and entertainment facilities.

　　   Transportation Guide

　　   Self-Driving Directions:

　　   Rilan Expressway — exit at Jining West — S327 — G105 — G327 — Ji’anqiao Road — G327 — head toward Beihu Ecological Wetland — after passing ??? transportation hub, you’ll arrive at the scenic area.