Geyuan Garden

Updated: Nov 29, 2017 Print

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Boasting a high aesthetic value and the longest history among all the classical gardens in China, the Geyuan Garden is a well-preserved traditional garden that was renovated and expanded by salt merchant Huang Zhiyun in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Huang based his work on "Shouzhi Garden", built by a wealthy Yangzhou resident during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Its design features a delicate arrangement of bamboo and stones.

Attractions of the garden include:

1. Nanmu Hall

Beams and columns in the hall consist of precious nanmu, which is a type of lumber rarely used in construction. There are three round tables with marble inlay and short stools in the center. All the frameworks and furniture in the hall have a round shape, which means reunion and perfection in Chinese culture.

2. Xilu Residence

The Xilu residence was the main daily venue for the Huang family's female members.

3. Chun (Spring) Hill

The artificial hill consists of two flower terraces on both sides. The hill is decorated with bamboo and stalagmites, which cast a shadow on the wall on sunny days.

4. Xia (Summer) Hill

The hill was built with grey Taihu Lake stone, which features pores and holes and is widely used in landscaping.

5. Qiu (Autumn) Hill

The Qiu Hill is composed of Huangshi stones, a unique kind of stone in Anhui province. With their various shapes and colors of ochre, yellow, and red, they create a majestic scene with the trees and the pavilion at the top of the hill.

6. Dong (Winter) Hill

This hill was created by Xuancheng stones from Anhui province. The stones contain quartz, which enables them to shine in sunlight and become snowy white in shadow.