Fengcheng River Qiaoyuan (Rishige Garden)

　　Time Period: Ming Dynasty to Republic of China

　　Address: No. 436 Hailing South Road, Taizhou, Jiangsu, within Qiaoyuan Hotel

　　This garden was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty as a private residence and garden for Chen Yingfang, an official of the Court of Imperial Stables. The name "Rishige" comes from a line in Tao Yuanming’s “Ode to Returning Home”: “I stroll in my garden daily and find joy therein.” Locals in modern-day Taizhou often refer to it as “Qiaoyuan” (Bridge Garden), because the site was once occupied by Qiao Songnian, the Salt Transport Commissioner of Lianghuai, hence the alternative name.

　　Rishige Garden is the oldest surviving classical garden in northern Jiangsu and is a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit. Covering an area of 1,500 square meters, it currently features structures such as Shanxiang Caotang Hall, Yinchaoting Pavilion, Gengjuting Hall, and Songchui Pavilion. The garden is divided into front and rear sections, with a compact, exquisitely arranged layout and distinct spatial layers. In ancient times, one could gaze into the distance from elevated spots with views stretching for miles. The garden was renovated in 1990 based on the “Three Peaks Garden Landscape Map” by Zhou Xiang of the Qing Dynasty, preserving the architectural style of the Ming era.

　　Rishige Garden features a refined and delicate layout that captures the essence of classical gardens in southern China. The entire garden centers around Shanxiang Caotang Hall, with a pond and rockery created in the southern section forming the main scenic area, while the northern part is arranged as a courtyard garden. In front of the hall, the pond winds around, embraced by rocks, and atop the main peak stand three stone stalagmites resembling three long swords pointing to the sky. No wonder one of the hotel buildings is named “Sanfeng Building” (Three Peaks Building)—presumably inspired by this very scene. A circular arched bridge spans the pond; walking across and through the arch offers a taste of the quaint charm of winding paths leading to secluded spots.

　　Among the peaks in front of the former site of the Flower Goddess Pavilion stands an ancient juniper tree, its gnarled form full of antiquity. Such a striking appearance can only come from having weathered countless storms and witnessed the vicissitudes of life. To the east of the hilltop is a half pavilion, while on the western ravine sits the Yushuying Pavilion (Fish-Counting Pavilion). Behind the hall are other structures including Gengjuting Hall and Songchui Pavilion. The entire garden is highlighted by verdant cypresses and pines, interspersed with lush bamboo and banana plants, with seasonal flowers blooming year-round, creating a rich green atmosphere. Especially after a busy day, strolling through the garden is a feast for the eyes with all the greenery, while the faint fragrance lingering in the air refreshes the soul and invigorates the spirit.

　　Qiaoyuan, also known as Rishige Garden, was first built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty and is one of the oldest surviving gardens in northern Jiangsu. During Emperor Shenzong’s reign in the Wanli period, Chen Yingfang, Minister of the Court of Imperial Stables, built the garden next to his residence. Drawing inspiration from a line in Tao Yuanming’s “Ode to Returning Home,” he named it “Rishige” (“Daily Stroll Garden”). As a scenic attraction in Taizhou, Qiaoyuan was once used for a short rest by Liu Shaoqi during his inspection tour of northern Jiangsu, and in 1956, Mei Lanfang stayed here during his hometown visit.

　　Qiaoyuan features a refined and delicate layout that captures the essence of classical gardens in southern China. The entire garden centers around Shanxiang Caotang Hall, with a pond and rockery created in the southern section forming the main scenic area, while the northern part is arranged as a courtyard garden. In front of the hall, the pond winds around, embraced by rocks, and atop the main peak stand three stone stalagmites resembling three long swords pointing to the sky.

　　The most distinctive feature of the garden is its emphasis on the arrangement of flowers and trees, which is also often reflected in the naming of various structures, such as ErFen Zhu Wu (Two-Part Bamboo House), Jie Lü Shan Fang (All-Green Mountain Room), Song Chui Ge (Pine-Wind Pavilion), Yin Chao Ting (Nest Pavilion), Jiao Yu Xuan (Banana-Rain Veranda), and Wen Gui Fang (Literary Osmanthus Boat). The core scenic area is dominated by tall trees, with ancient cypresses on the rockery as focal points; near high pavilions like Songchui Pavilion and Yinchaoting, tall pines and plum groves are often planted. Hidden behind the mountain hollows are bamboo groves and small houses, while wintersweet and osmanthus clusters are planted in front of the courtyards, and peonies and banana plants surround the verandas. The seasonal arrangement also accommodates the changing scenery throughout the year.

　　Address: No. 68 Beihai Road, Taizhou City

　　Type: Urban Park

　　Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

　　Phone: 0523-86221988

　　Opening Hours:

　　8:00–18:00