Gaozhuang, originally known as Xixi Mountain Villa, was the residence of Gao Shiqi, a prominent official in the early Qing Dynasty, a favored minister of Emperor Kangxi, and a talented individual from Hangzhou.
This grand estate features the architectural style of official residences in the late Ming and mid-Qing Dynasties, incorporating elements of literati gardens. It has a distinct spatial layout of ‘front mansion, rear garden’, highlighting the prominence and authority of the official’s residence.
The garden’s scenery is ancient and serene. It is regarded as a paragon among gardens in the Jiangnan region and one of the famous gardens in Hangzhou. Key attractions within the estate include ‘Bamboo Window’, ‘Zhuxi Thatched Cottage’, and ‘Jiaoyuan Poetry Society’, reflecting the unique history of officialdom, hermit culture, and women’s literary activities during the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Xixi.
The estate is open to the public all year round from 08:00 to 17:30, with specific business hours subject to the day’s opening status.
