Shenyuan Garden (沈园), located in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, lies to the east of the hometown of Lu Xun, a renowned Chinese writer. Originally the private garden of a wealthy merchant surnamed Shen during the Southern Song Dynasty, it covers a total area of 4.5 hectares. Shenyuan serves as a witness to the political, economic, and cultural developments of the Southern Song Dynasty. The garden mainly consists of three parts: the Ancient Relices Area, Dongyuan (East Garden), and Nanyuan (Luyou Memorial Hall and Lianli Garden).
The architectural artistry of Shenyuan Garden is distinctive, blending the delicacy of Jiangnan gardens with the grandeur of northern architecture. Elements such as artificial hills, ponds, pavilions, and towers are arranged in a harmonious and picturesque manner, showcasing the exquisite architectural artistry of the region. Visitors can admire the fine architectural craftsmanship and experience the unique charm of Jiangnan gardens in Shenyuan.
The cultural significance of Shenyuan Garden is rich, with the most famous being the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan. Inscribed on the Chaitou Feng Stele in the garden are two poems titled “Chaitou Feng,” one by the famous patriotic poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, Lu You, and the other, legend has it, by the talented woman of the Song Dynasty, Tang Wan. These poems recount the love story between the two and have become classics in Chinese literary history. Visitors to Shenyuan can delve into this deeply moving love story and appreciate the profound cultural heritage.
Additionally, Shenyuan Garden features various attractions such as the Wenmei Pavilion, Guhe Pavilion, Liuchao Jingting, Songjing Pavilion, and Shuanggui Hall, each with its own unique historical and cultural significance. Adjacent to Guhe Pavilion is Mingchi (Ming Dynasty Pool), where archaeological exploration in 1985 unearthed Ming Dynasty relics and ceramics, demonstrating the garden’s profound historical heritage. Shuanggui Hall derives its name from the two osmanthus trees in the courtyard, one golden osmanthus and one silver osmanthus, emitting a fragrant aroma and providing visitors with a tranquil and comfortable resting place.
What sets Shenyuan Garden apart is its night tour, which adds a touch of romance and mystery to the garden’s ambiance. A must-see during the night tour is the performance at Shuanggui Hall, where actors use modern forms to depict the stories of Lu You, and Tang Wan. Additionally, visitors can enjoy various local operas of Shaoxing, including Yingge Ban and Lianhua Luo, making the night tour an exciting and immersive experience.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Daytime: 40 RMB Nighttime Performance: 98 RMB |
| Opening Hours | Daytime: 8.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.40 Nighttime: 18.30 – 21.00; Last admission: 20.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0575-85132080 0086-0575-88330562 |
Location and Transportation
Shenyuan Garden is located at 318 Luxun Middle Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 52A or 52, and get off at Shenyuan Stop (沈园站).
