Qi Garden, Suzhou – "The Finest Lakeside Garden of Taihu Lake"

Qi Garden, also known as the Xi Family Garden, is located at No. 39 Qiyuan Road, Dongshan Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. It is the only garden in Suzhou built against a hill and beside the water. Composed of a courtyard, a garden, and the Liu Yi Courtyard, it covers an area of over 50 mu. The garden was built in 1933 by Dongshan businessman Xi Qisun to commemorate his ancestors' glorious history of welcoming Emperor Kangxi here. 🌟Highlights: - Unique landscape layout: Built against a hill and beside the water, Qi Garden combines the delicate and intricate artistry of Suzhou gardens with the grandeur of the 72 peaks and the vast expanse of Taihu Lake. - Exquisite garden design: Halls, pavilions, corridors, galleries, lotus ponds, winding shores, flower paths, and stone bridges blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. A multi-level corridor runs through the garden, adding depth and variety to the scenery. - Rich cultural heritage: Qi Garden boasts a rich history and cultural significance. Its architecture, inscriptions, and other features hold high artistic and historical value, making it an outstanding representative of Chinese garden art. ✅Must-sees: - The Imperial Wharf: Where Emperor Kangxi landed, extending into the water with majestic and poetic charm. - The Kangxi Emperor's Hand-Planted Red Bayberry Tree: Legend has it that Emperor Kangxi rested under this tree, witnessing the garden's passage through time. - Liu Yi Well: Said to be a relic of the mythical story "Liu Yi Delivers a Letter," with a stone tablet inscribed by Wang Ao, a Grand Scholar of the Ming Dynasty, in 1520. - The Four-Sided Mirror Lake Hall: A brick and wood structure with upturned eaves, simple yet elegant. To the east, it features the Five Old Men Peak and artificial bamboo shoots, surrounded by lush flowers and trees. - Mirror Lake: The pool surrounding Mirror Lake Hall, where fish dart playfully. Exquisite Taihu rocks are piled around the edge of the pool. 🗓Suggested Itinerary: Upon entering, start with the courtyard, admiring the ancient and elegant architecture and the intricate brick carvings on the gatehouse. Then, proceed to the garden and stroll along Mirror Lake, taking in the scenery of Mirror Lake Hall and the Five Old Men Peak. Cross the multi-level corridor to reach Rongchun Hall. Continue to the rockery, entering through the cave and winding upwards to enjoy views of the fruit trees on the hill and Taihu Lake. Finally, visit the Liu Yi Courtyard and discover the story of Liu Yi Well. 💰Tickets: CNY 45 for adults, free for seniors over 70. Wuzhong Taihu Tourist Annual Pass is accepted.