Xiao Lian Zhuang, also known as ‘Liu Garden’, was the private garden of the wealthy merchant Liu Peng from the Qing Dynasty in Nanxun, and it is also a scenic spot in the ancient town of Nanxun. It took three generations of the Liu family over 40 years to build Xiao Lian Zhuang, which is characterized by its dignified layout and exquisite garden design, embodying the beauty of secluded paths and tranquility.
In summer, the lotus flowers bloom, with green leaves and red flowers complementing the pavilions by the pond, creating a particularly pleasing sight. Xiao Lian Zhuang can be roughly divided into two parts: the garden area centered around the lotus pond and the adjacent Liu family temple. While appreciating the architecture that reflects the grandeur of the Jiangnan region, one can also explore the subtleties of traditional etiquette in the details. Xiao Lian Zhuang is a scenic spot within the Nanxun ancient town joint ticket that offers excellent photography opportunities; if you love photography, be sure to spend more time here.Upon entering Xiao Lian Zhuang through the stele corridor, the first area to visit is the temple building area. The first point of interest is the stele corridor, where there are more than forty steles on the wall, inscribed with poems and writings exchanged among literati of the Qing Dynasty. Interestingly, one of them is a calligraphic work by ‘Prime Minister Liu Luoguo’; it’s worth searching for.
To the left of the corridor is the ‘Jingxiang Poetry Cave’, a place where the owner of the time received literati and engaged in poetry and couplet creation. Another noteworthy sight is the two-story Western-style building next to it, Dongsheng Pavilion, which, although not open for interior visits, stands out with its fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles in this Chinese garden setting.
Continuing the tour inside, the core building of Xiao Lian Zhuang is the Liu family temple. The two well-preserved imperially granted archways in front of the temple can be considered symbols of the Liu family’s status. One is the ‘Jishan Archway’ granted by Emperor Guangxu, inscribed with ‘Imperial Decree’ and ‘Generosity and Good Deeds’, and the other is the ‘Qinzhen Jie Xiao’ archway, erected in honor of Liu Peng’s daughter-in-law for her chastity. Between the two archways lies the temple, with an unusually high threshold, reflecting the old concept of ‘door-to-door’ and strict feudal etiquette. The courtyard architecture is imposing, and the layout of the furnishings is also quite particular, allowing one to feel the authority of a wealthy family.
Exiting the archway area and entering the garden within the temple, there are several pavilions around the lotus pond for appreciating the lotus, each with a unique design. There is also a gracefully shaped Five-Turn Bridge over the water. After crossing the Five-Turn Bridge, one arrives at the backyard garden. Here, there are many rockeries and small pieces enclosed by Taihu stones. Exiting the backyard garden, you will see a century-old wisteria tree, which, symbolizing ‘auspicious purple air from the east’, is considered a sign of great wealth and honor.
Opening hours: 08:00-17:30 all year round; 08:00-17:00 all year round; 17:00-21:00 all year round. During the summer season, night sessions are open, with specific arrangements subject to the scenic area.
