Yi Garden, constructed during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty by the wealthy merchant Gu Wenbin, is a private garden that, despite being built later than other Suzhou gardens, has managed to incorporate the best features of its predecessors, creating a characteristic style that is a collection of the finest elements. Its compact layout and appropriate design techniques give it high aesthetic value.
The garden covers an area of approximately nine acres and is elongated from east to west. The scenery is divided into two parts according to the terrain, separated by a corridor with flower windows that connect the eastern and western views, enhancing the sense of depth. The eastern part is dominated by courtyard architecture, with winding corridors surrounding pavilions and courtyards, adorned with flowers, trees, and stone peaks. Through the empty windows of the winding corridors, one can see scenes that are rich in meaning, akin to traditional Chinese paintings.
The western part is the main scenic area of the garden, with a central pond surrounded by rockeries, flowers, trees, and buildings. The central water surface is gathered, with narrow ends to the east and west, and a curved bridge and water gate are built to convey the idea of flowing water that never ends. The northern rockery is made entirely of beautiful lake stones, creating a mountain that, though not high, has peaks, caves, and valleys, complementing the trees and pavilions.
The main hall, Ou Xiang Xie, is a four-sided hall in the style of a Mandarin Duck Hall. It faces the pond to the north, the courtyard to the south, with a small bridge and flowing water to the right, and pavilions, bridges, and caves to the left and right, leading to various scenic spots in the western part.
Both the eastern and western parts also house dozens of stone inscriptions of calligraphy and paintings from famous figures throughout the ages, known as the ‘Yi Garden Law Posts,’ which are available for appreciation.
Opening Hours: From March 1st to October 31st, 07:30 to 17:30; from November 1st to February 28th, 07:30 to 17:00.
Preferential Policies: Children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.4 meters (inclusive) with valid identification, free of charge; minors aged 6 to 18 years old (inclusive) with valid identification, half price; seniors aged 70 and above with valid identification, free of charge; those aged 60 to 70 (not inclusive) with valid identification, half price; full-time university undergraduate and below students, half price; active Chinese military personnel and retired military officers with valid identification, free of charge; disabled persons and one accompanying person for severely disabled individuals with valid identification, free of charge; preferential treatment objects with ‘People’s Republic of China Veterans’ Preference Certificate’ or ‘People’s Republic of China Martyrs, Military Personnel牺牲 for Public Service, Deceased Military Personnel Dependents Preference Certificate’ (excluding garden within the garden, garden charges, and night tour projects), free of charge; medical staff in Suzhou City: free to visit the scenic area within 7 days from International Nurses Day on May 12th and Chinese Doctors’ Day on August 19th each year (May 12th to 18th, August 19th to 25th).
Medical staff in Suzhou City, please show ‘Personal ID’ + ‘Suzhou Medical Staff Free Garden Card (electronic card)’ when visiting the scenic area, and you can enter the garden without appointment, exempt from the first ticket fee.Yi Garden is a must-visit attraction in Nantong, Jiangsu. For additional information, please refer to the notices posted at the scenic area.
A noteworthy tip is that there is a place called Qu Garden located in the alleyway to the north of the street, which can be reached on foot.
