Qianyuan Garden

　　On the east side of the garden’s main gate, a plaque with the two large characters “Qianyuan” written by Professor Chen Congzhou from Tongji University is mounted on the blue-tiled white-washed wall. Upon entering the gate, you’ll see a rockery made of over a thousand tons of Taihu Lake stones. On the southern side of the rockery stands a small pavilion with wooden pillars and a brown tile roof, inside which are three Chinese characters “Xiao Penglai” (Little Penglai) written by Tan Jiancheng, a renowned calligrapher from Huzhou. On the eastern side of the rockery lies the Lu Family Donation Stele, commemorating the achievements of Lu Xinyuan in donating books.

　　The garden also features the Baixuan Corridor, adorned with plants such as stone bamboos, flowers, banana trees, and camphor trees. There is also a pond, along the edge of which stand five Taihu Lake stones, one of which is known as “Lotus Peak,” now listed as a municipal cultural relic. Overall, the garden is exquisitely beautiful, filled with fine sights, making it an ideal place for sightseeing and relaxation.

　　Background: Originally built in the early years of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty, it was a private garden constructed by book collector Lu Xinyuan, hence originally named “Lu Family Garden.” Later, since Lu Xinyuan referred to himself as the “Old Man of Qianyuan,” the name was changed to “Qianyuan Garden.” After the February Revolution, political theorist Dai Jitao once lived here, enjoying a period of reclusive life akin to a paradise on earth.

　　When first built, Qianyuan Garden had 16 scenic spots, including “Shouxian Pavilion,” “Sihai Jingshe,” and “Wushi Caotang.” Most of the structures were destroyed during the Anti-Japanese War.