Shuzhuang Garden is meticulously arranged with a unique blend of Fujian and Western architectural styles, built by the sea and […]
Shuzhuang Garden is meticulously arranged with a unique blend of Fujian and Western architectural styles, built by the sea and stunningly beautiful. It is primarily divided into two parts: Canghai Garden and Bushan Garden. The main attractions include the Piano Museum, Shi’er Dongtian (Twelve Caves), and Sishisi Qiao (Forty-Four Bridges). Sishisi Qiao is an excellent spot to view the sea, offering a panoramic view of the ocean.
The garden was constructed in 1913 in the southern part of Gulangyu Island and was originally the private villa of the famous gentleman Lin Erjia. In 1956, the garden was donated to the state by the owner’s relatives.
Bushan Garden’s main feature is the artificial mountain, also known as Shi’er Dongtian, which consists of 12 caves, each named after the Earthly Branches. The owner adopted the term ‘dongtian’ from the phrase ‘dongtian fudi’ (cave heaven and blessed land), hence the name ‘Shi’er Dongtian’. Later, twelve zodiac animal statues were embedded at the entrances of each cave, and visitors with interest can search for the stone statues of each zodiac animal.
Canghai Garden is mainly known for the Sishisi Qiao, which is why it is called ‘Canghai’ and not ‘Guanhai’. This is because when you arrive at the garden’s entrance or even after entering, you cannot see the sea due to a high wall blocking the view. However, once you pass through the moon gate, the ocean suddenly appears before you. You can then walk to Sishisi Qiao, which is a great place to view the sea. The bridge is named after the owner’s age when it was built, forty-four.
Underneath the bridge, there is a sluice gate that channels seawater into the garden, creating three distinct areas: the sea, the outer pond, and the inner pond, effectively ‘hiding’ the sea within the garden. The Piano Museum is located within the Tingtao Pavilion of Shuzhuang Garden. Every half hour, impromptu performances are held on specialized performance pianos. Around 11:00 AM, there is an automatic piano performance in the first hall, and at 11:20 AM, a staff member performs live on the piano in the second hall, which is worth listening to.
Opening hours are from June 1st to September 30th, 08:00 to 18:00; and from October 1st to May 31st, 08:00 to 17:30.
Concessions: Children/Students: Half-price tickets for young people (including Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, etc.) are offered to minors aged 6 (inclusive) to 18 (exclusive) and full-time university undergraduate students and below. Young people must present valid ID and student certificates when purchasing tickets. Visitors from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan must present valid travel permits and student certificates.
Half-price for seniors: Ages 60 (inclusive) to 65 (exclusive) with valid ID; free for ages 65 (inclusive) and above.
Free for the disabled: Those with a Disability Certificate or Disabled Soldier’s Certificate enter for free.
Free for military personnel and martyrs’ families: Active and retired Chinese military personnel enter with valid ID. Martyrs’ families, families of soldiers who died in service, and families of deceased soldiers enter with the ‘People’s Republic of China Martyrs, Servicemen, and Deceased Soldiers’ Dependents Preferential Certificate’. Free for children: Under 6 years old (exclusive) or under 1.2 meters in height.
Children under 2 meters (inclusive) enter for free.
Family members of active-duty military personnel are eligible for half-price tickets upon presenting valid identification.
