Hongyin Shanfang, a private garden of the early Qing Dynasty literati Xu Shiyuan, is famous for being the landing place of Emperor Qianlong whenever he visited Mudu. As a result, it is commonly referred to as Emperor Qianlong’s folk palace. Ministers such as Ji Xiaolan, He Shen, and Liu Yong also stayed here multiple times, leaving behind many fine stories. Hongyin Shanfang is composed of two Ming Dynasty gardens, Xiuye Garden and Xiaoyin Garden, whose beauty and charm surpass other gardens with its ‘beauty of streams and mountains, and the excellence of ponds and flowers’.
At the end of the Qing Dynasty, part of Xiaoyin Garden became the former residence of the ‘Empress of Embroidery’, Shen Shou. The exhibition halls within Hongyin Shanfang feature four major series: First, the Qing Dynasty Imperial Edict Hall, displaying twenty original imperial edicts from ten emperors of the Qing Dynasty. Second, the Imperial Examination System Hall, presenting detailed materials on the imperial examination, including examination papers and answers for the scholar and provincial levels, as well as palace examination papers for the Jinshi and Zhuangyuan degrees, along with silk woven straps and miniature ‘Four Books and Five Classics’ used by cheating candidates. Third, the Imperial Supplies Hall, exhibiting hundreds of Ming and Qing Dynasty dragon robes and various court, official, and folk supplies. Fourth, the Qing Dynasty Plaque Hall, showcasing nearly a hundred finely carved plaques with calligraphy inscriptions from Jinshi, manors, and other sources. The garden is open all year round from 08:30 to 17:00.Preferential policies include: Children under 6 years old or under 1. 4 meters in height enter for free with valid identification. Elderly over 70 years old also enter for free with valid identification. Children/Elderly/Students aged between 6 and 18, full-time university undergraduates and below, and elderly between 60 and 70 years old enjoy half-price tickets with valid identification. Active military personnel and retired military officers enter for free with valid identification. Disabled individuals and one accompanying caregiver enter for free with valid identification. Medical staff nationwide, including from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, enter for free with a valid medical practice certificate or nursing practice certificate and a personal ID.
Additional information: For the ‘Encounter Suzhou·Mudu Past’ performance in Mudu Ancient Town, children under 1.4 meters enter for free, while those over 1. 4 meters need to purchase an adult ticket. Elderly, disabled, military personnel, retired officers, and students do not enjoy project discounts. The above information is for reference only, and specific details are subject to the announcement at the scenic spot.
Service facilities include a parking lot: Mudu Ancient Town Tourist Center Parking Lot, with a reference price of ¥6 per hour, located at 188 Shantang Street, with 420 spots available.
