Xi Yuan: A Jiangnan Garden with Cultural Depths
Xi Yuan, nestled on Tangcun Street in WuYuan County, leans to the left on Jinping Mountain and to the right by the Xingjiang River, is an exquisite Jiangnan garden. It integrates human history and natural scenery, offering a harmonious blend of culture and nature.
Scenic Spots
- Que Li Archway
- Yin Gui Bridge
- Zun Jing Pavilion
- Zhu Family Village
- Zi Yang Academy
- Thatched Cottage
- Zhu Fei Pond
Garden Experience
Within the garden, mountains and waters encircle, flowers and trees are lush, corridors wind, and pavilions reflect in the water, creating a changing view with every step. ‘A spoonful of water represents the river, a fistful of soil represents the mountain,’ in Xi Yuan you can enjoy the ‘pleasures of mountains, forests, and springs.’ It is possible to ‘obtain the tranquility of the mountains and forests without leaving the city, and have the joy of forests and springs while living in a bustling market.’
Cultural Significance
Xi Yuan is a ‘literati freehand landscape garden’ with profound cultural connotations. It was the home of Zhu Xi’s second ancestor, Zhu Tingjun, and third ancestor, Zhu Zhaoyuan. Zhu Xi visited twice and paid respects to his ancestors here, leaving behind many old sites of the Zhu family and traces of Zhu Xi.
Vegetation and Buildings
Ancient trees and famous woods such as camphor, sweet osmanthus, and bitter chestnut, which have lasted for hundreds of years, are still lush and full of vitality. These buildings filled with the scent of books, landscapes, and plants blend harmoniously, making every mountain, water, grass, and tree in the garden evoke a profound artistic conception.
Visiting Hours and Admission
The garden is open all year round from 08:30 to 17:30.
Preferential Policies
- Children under 1.2 meters (not including) or under 6 years old (not including) are exempt from the main entrance ticket.
- Children between 1.2 meters (including) and 1.5 meters (not including) enjoy a student discount.
- Full-time university undergraduates and below with a valid student ID enjoy a discount.
- Teenagers under 18 years old (including) with a household registration book or ID card enjoy a discount.
- The elderly aged 60 (including) to 65 (not including) with valid documents enjoy a discount.
- Those aged 65 and above (including) with valid documents are exempt from the main entrance ticket.
- Journalists with a press card issued by the State Press and Publication Administration or the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television are exempt from the main entrance ticket.
- Tour guides with a team leader’s certificate, WuYuan County tour guide certificate (interpretation certificate), or a valid national tour guide IC card certificate (national guide certificate) with a group are exempt from the main entrance ticket.
- Drivers with a Class A1 driver’s license for passenger transport (with a group) are exempt from the main entrance ticket.
- Travel agency general managers with a qualification certificate issued by the state are exempt from the main entrance ticket.
- Members of photography associations at the provincial level and above with a membership card are exempt from the main entrance ticket.
- Active-duty military personnel (including armed police officers and soldiers) are exempt from the main entrance ticket.
- People with disabilities, disabled retired personnel, and preferential treatment recipients with valid documents.
- One accompanying person for double-lower-limb disabled people and other severely disabled people (i.e., those who cannot walk or are unable to take care of themselves) are exempt from the main entrance ticket.
- WuYuan County residents with valid documents are exempt from the main entrance ticket.
Service Facilities
Mobile Phone Charging
Visitors can rent power banks at the visitor center.
