He Garden
He Garden, a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty garden design in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, blends architectural ingenuity with natural beauty. Built in 1883 for He Zhidao, a high-ranking official, the garden is celebrated for its "four seasons in one garden" concept, merging Northern and Southern Chinese garden styles. Spanning 14,000 square meters, it features intricate rockeries, winding corridors, and pavilions that reflect the elegance of 19th-century scholarly life. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014, He Garden offers a journey through China’s horticultural and philosophical heritage.
Historical Overview
1883: Commissioned by He Zhidao, the garden merges Northern grandeur (e.g., the "Ship-Shaped" Hall) with Southern elegance (e.g., the "Moon-Watching" Pavilion).
1949: After decades of private ownership, it becomes a public cultural site.
2000s: Restoration projects revive its original splendor, including the 2007 reopening of the "Fragmented Rockery" and 2015’s digital archives project.
2014: Recognized by UNESCO as part of the "Classical Gardens of Yangzhou."
Structural Layout
He Garden’s design harmonizes water, stone, and architecture:
Western Zone: The "Ship-Shaped" Hall, a wooden pavilion resembling a luxury vessel, symbolizes wealth and travel.
Eastern Zone: The "Moon-Watching" Pavilion and "Fragmented Rockery" (a labyrinth of Taihu stones) evoke scholarly retreats.
Central Courtyard: The "Pavilion of Four Seasons" features seasonal floral displays and bamboo groves.
Residential Quarters: Original bedrooms, studies, and a theater hall showcase Qing Dynasty domestic life.
Major Attractions
Ship-Shaped Hall: A iconic structure with curved eaves and carved beams, offering panoramic garden views.
Fragmented Rockery: A 1,200-ton Taihu stone masterpiece, praised for its "porous, wrinkled, leaking, and transparent" textures.
Pavilion of Four Seasons: Rotating floral exhibits (e.g., plum blossoms in winter, lotus in summer) and calligraphy scrolls.
Underground Passages: Secret corridors connecting halls, once used for servant access.
Bamboo Forest: A serene grove near the "Moon-Watching" Pavilion, ideal for meditation.
Cultural Highlights
Scholar’s Studio: Replicas of ancient books, inkstones, and zithers evoke Qing Dynasty literary circles.
Traditional Opera Stage: Seasonal performances of Kunqu and Yangzhou Opera.
Bonsai Collection: Miniature trees shaped over decades, reflecting Chinese penjing artistry.
Seasonal Festivals:Spring: Peony and cherry blossom viewings.
Autumn: Chrysanthemum exhibitions and moon-gazing parties.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (1.5–2 Hours)
Start at the Ship-Shaped Hall → Explore the Fragmented Rockery → Stroll to the Pavilion of Four Seasons → Visit the Moon-Watching Pavilion.
Highlights: Iconic architecture and rockery.
Cultural Depth Route (3–4 Hours)
Begin at the Scholar’s Studio → Tour the Residential Quarters → Attend a 30-minute Kunqu Opera snippet → Wander the Bamboo Forest → End at the Underground Passages.
Highlights: Domestic life insights and performing arts.
All-Day Exploration (Full Day)
Morning: Ship-Shaped Hall → Fragmented Rockery → Scholar’s Studio.
Afternoon: Residential Quarters → Bonsai Garden → Underground Passages → Tea Ceremony (if available).
Evening: Dinner at a nearby Yangzhou-style restaurant (try Wen Si Tou Tang Bao).
Highlights: Comprehensive cultural immersion.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the "Yangzhou Tourism" official website or WeChat (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: ¥45/adult; ¥22.5/student/senior; free for children under 1.2m.
Guided Tours: ¥100/group (1–5 people) for 1-hour English/Chinese tours.
Free Admission: First Tuesday of each month (excluding holidays).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to "Wenchangge Station" (Exit 5), 10-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 8, 17, 37, or 62 to "He Yuan Stop."
By Taxi: Direct to "Hé Yuán"
Parking: Limited on-site spots (¥5/hour); nearby public lots available.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays before 10 AM or after 3 PM.
Quietest Days: Mondays–Wednesdays (Thursdays–Sundays busier).
Weather: Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) for mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Essentials:Wear comfortable shoes (20,000+ steps possible).
Bring a hat/umbrella for sun/rain (limited shaded areas).
Photography allowed (no flash); tripods prohibited.
Prohibited: Drones, loudspeakers, and commercial filming without permission.
