Ge Garden
Ge Garden, a UNESCO-recognized gem in Yangzhou, China, blends natural beauty with scholarly refinement, renowned for its bamboo groves, intricate rockeries, and Ming-Qing architectural heritage. Built in the 18th century for salt merchant Huang Zhiyun, the garden’s name honors its "Four Seasons Bamboo" collection, where each courtyard represents a distinct season through unique bamboo varieties. Explore the Taihu Stone rockeries—masterpieces of karst formations symbolizing mountains and clouds—or relax in the Moon-Watching Pavilion, a serene spot for poetry and tea. With its harmonious balance of water, stone, and greenery, Ge Garden offers a glimpse into China’s classical garden artistry, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Historical Overview
18th Century: Established by Huang Zhiyun, a wealthy salt merchant, as a private retreat blending Confucian aesthetics with natural landscapes.
Qing Dynasty: Renowned for its "Four Seasons Bamboo" concept, with distinct bamboo varieties planted to evoke spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
20th Century: Designated a national cultural relic site in 1988 and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List for China’s classical gardens.
Modern Era: Restored in the 21st century to preserve its Ming-Qing architectural style, including the Residence Hall, Study Pavilion, and Inner Courtyard.
Structural Layout
Ge Garden’s design mirrors traditional Chinese scholarly gardens, featuring:
Residence Hall: A grand entrance hall with carved wooden beams and ancestral portraits, showcasing Huang family heritage.
Four Seasons Bamboo Courtyards:Spring: Golden-stemmed bamboo symbolizing renewal.
Summer: Green-leaved bamboo paired with lotus ponds.
Autumn: Purple-stemmed bamboo amidst chrysanthemums.
Winter: Yellow-bamboo groves near plum blossoms.
Rockery Complex: A labyrinth of Taihu stones (limestone formations) from Lake Tai, including the iconic Summer Mountain with its cascading waterfalls.
Moon-Watching Pavilion: A hexagonal pavilion overlooking the garden, ideal for poetry recitals and moonlit gatherings.
Major Attractions
Four Seasons Bamboo: Over 20 species of bamboo, including rare "tortoise-shell" and "black-stemmed" varieties.
Taihu Stone Rockeries: UNESCO-recognized masterpieces of stone artistry, with formations resembling clouds, dragons, and ancient beasts.
Summer Mountain: A 12-meter-tall rockery with grottoes, pavilions, and a hidden "spring cave."
Moon-Watching Pavilion: A tranquil spot for traditional tea ceremonies and calligraphy demonstrations.
Scholar’s Study: A recreated Ming-style library with antique books, inkstones, and zither instruments.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (1–2 Hours)
Residence Hall → Four Seasons Bamboo Courtyards → Summer Mountain Rockery → Moon-Watching Pavilion.
Highlights: Bamboo symbolism, rockery photography, and pavilion views.
Cultural Depth Route (3–4 Hours)
Residence Hall → Scholar’s Study → Bamboo Groves → Taihu Stone Exhibition → Tea Ceremony at Moon-Watching Pavilion.
Highlights: Historical context, traditional arts, and immersive cultural experiences.
Family-Friendly Route (2 Hours)
Residence Hall → Bamboo Maze (children’s play area) → Summer Mountain Rockery → Souvenir Shop.
Highlights: Interactive bamboo games, rockery exploration, and local crafts.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via WeChat mini-program or official website (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: ¥30–45 (discounts for students/seniors); free for children under 1.2m.
Guided Tours: ¥100–150 (1.5-hour English/Chinese tours with rockery history focus).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Wenchang Pavilion Station (Exit 5), 10-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 8, 17, 26, 32, or 66 to Ge Garden Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to "Gè Yuán".
Parking: Limited street spots; nearby public garages (¥5/hour).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit early morning (8:30 AM) or weekdays; weekends peak between 10 AM–3 PM.
Quietest Seasons: Spring (March–April) for bamboo blooms; autumn (October–November) for mild weather.
Essentials:Wear comfortable shoes (20,000+ steps possible).
Bring a camera for rockery and bamboo photography (no drones).
Try local snacks at Dongguan Street nearby after your visit.
