Upon entering the courtyard, one is greeted by a square lotus pond in front of the Jingxiang Study, with a half-submerged stone boat, a painting boat that is only half, a small pavilion that is half a pavilion, and the moon gate’s beauty rest is also half. This unique design exudes a strong sense of personality.
The Jingxiang Study was built in memory of Jin Nong, one of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou. The four characters ‘Jingxiang Study’ under the eaves are collected from Jin Nong’s calligraphy, characterized by their slender and elongated form, thick horizontal strokes, thin vertical strokes, and the elegant and free-spirited style of the hooks and tails. The ink color is jet black, resembling lacquer, hence the name ‘lacquer script’. The couplet on both sides of the main door is written by Zheng Banqiao: ‘Flying tower halfway into the clouds; study in the midst of bamboo and trees’. Looking northward, one can see the towering Qiling Pagoda on Shugang; looking back towards the study, the pavilion and the house are framed by well-maintained bamboo and tall trees. ‘Flying tower’ conveys a sense of motion, ‘halfway into the clouds’ praises the height of the tower; ‘study’ presents tranquility, ‘in the midst of bamboo and trees’ shows the elegance of the study. Opening hours are from 7:30 to 17:30 (occasionally closed a bit earlier in winter).Jingxiang Study
Upon entering the courtyard, one is greeted by a square lotus pond in front of the Jingxiang Study, [...]
