Also known as ‘Jinshanlin’ and ‘Leyuan’, Keyu Garden is located at Sanyuanfang in the south of Suzhou City (No. 48 Renmin Road), just a lane away from the Canglang Pavilion. The garden gate faces south, overlooking the Canglang Pavilion across the water. In 1963, it was listed as a cultural relic protection unit in Suzhou City. The existing area of Keyu Garden is 5,000 square meters, with a central pond, sparsely arranged buildings, winding corridors, clear waters and lush woods, and a spacious and open courtyard.
Over the decades, the garden has undergone several renovations. The site of Keyu Garden was part of the villa of Sun Chengyou, a military governor of Wu Yue in the Five Dynasties period, and was part of the Canglang Pavilion during the Northern Song Dynasty. In the Southern Song Dynasty, it was known as ‘Hanyuan’ residence, and during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, the land was incorporated into the Dayun Temple. In the 32nd year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign in the Qing Dynasty (1767), the garden was constructed here, named ‘Leyuan’ after Confucius’ saying ‘Benevolent people enjoy mountains, wise people enjoy water’. Later, the name was changed to ‘Keyu Garden’ due to the saying ‘Pleasure should not be taught’. In the seventh year of the Daoguang Emperor’s reign in the late Qing Dynasty (1827), the garden was extensively renovated by Liang Zhangju, the governor of Jiangsu, and named as a preservation of ancient learning institution. In 1914, the Jiangsu Provincial Library (initially named the Second Library) was established here. In 1963, it was listed as a cultural relic protection unit in Suzhou City. Opening hours are from November 1st to February 28th, 07:30-17:00; and from March 1st to October 31st, 07:30-17:30.Concessions: Children: Children aged 6 (inclusive) or under 1.4 meters (inclusive) in height can enter for free with valid identification. Children aged 6 (exclusive) to 18 (inclusive) can enter at half price. Elderly: Elderly aged 70 (inclusive) and above can enter for free with valid identification. Elderly aged 60 (inclusive) to 70 (exclusive) can enter at half price. Students: Full-time university undergraduate and below students can enter at half price with valid identification.
Military personnel: Active military personnel of the People’s Republic of China and retired military cadres can enter for free with military ID and retired cadre ID respectively. Disabled: Disabled persons and one accompanying caregiver for severely disabled persons can enter for free with valid identification. Concessions for special groups: With ‘People’s Republic of China Veterans’ Concessions Card’ and ‘People’s Republic of China Martyrs, Military Personnel Died in Service, and Deceased Military Personnel Dependents Concessions Card’, special groups can enter for free (excluding garden within the garden, charges within the garden, and night tour projects).
Medical staff in Suzhou City: On International Nurses’ Day (May 12th) and Chinese Doctor’s Day (August 19th), medical staff in Suzhou City can visit the scenic area for free within seven days following the respective dates (May 12th to 18th, August 19th to 25th). When visiting the scenic area, medical staff in Suzhou City should present their ‘personal ID’ and ‘Suzhou Medical Staff Free Garden Card (electronic card)’, and they can enter the garden without appointment and free of the first entrance fee.
Keyuan Garden, a must-visit attraction in Nantong, Jiangsu, offers free admission to visitors. This historical and cultural site is a perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance.
Keyuan Garden is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the serenity and tranquility of traditional Chinese garden design.
