Fuyuan Garden is located on the former site of Xiefuchun, a century-old fragrance and powder shop that moved to its current location in the 16th year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1867 AD), with the existing flower hall and two sections of the old residence. Visitors can enjoy the traditional performance of ‘Qianqiu Fendai’ within Fuyuan Garden, featuring traditional Chinese music and arts performed by the beautiful women of Yangzhou, which is both pleasant to the ears and pleasing to the eyes.
Upon passing the archway inscribed with ‘Xiefuchun,’ you will arrive at the ticket office. Visiting Fuyuan Garden is free of charge if you do not wish to watch the performance. After the ticket office, turn left to enter the round doorway inscribed with ‘Fuyuan,’ and you will find yourself inside the garden.
The garden is not large, and it is not crowded with tourists. The garden’s design, with its combination of green bricks and gray tiles, represents the typical ancient architecture of Yangzhou. Inside the garden, there are three ancient peony plants, all planted by the garden’s owner during the Tongzhi era. The Fendai Building houses wax figures of the ‘Twelve Beauties of Yangzhou.’
The performance of ‘Qianqiu Fendai’ in Fuyuan Garden includes Yangzhou Ping Opera, storytelling, ballad singing, and Yangzhou puppet shows. Although the stage is not large, the stage effects are impressive, and the performers are dedicated. Tea is complimentary, and the show lasts approximately one hour. Performances for individual visitors are available in the evening, but sometimes there are daytime shows for tour groups. If individual visitors happen to be in the garden at that time, they might hear the melodious tunes of Jiangnan and even encounter the performers.
Right outside the entrance of Fuyuan Garden is the historical Dongguan Street. After visiting the former site of Xiefuchun, it is worth visiting the Xiefuchun shop to purchase souvenirs. Xiefuchun’s duck egg powder is often referred to as a ‘must-buy souvenir in Yangzhou’ in many travel guides and is particularly popular among young women. Note that the duck egg powder priced at a few hundred yuan is for facial use, while the one priced at around twenty yuan is used as a solid perfume, which can be placed in wardrobes to make clothes smell pleasant.
Fuyuan Garden
Fuyuan Garden is located on the former site of Xiefuchun, a century-old fragrance and powder shop th[...]
