Guyi Garden (古漪园), initially named Yiyuan, draws its inspiration from the line “lively bamboo” in the Book of Songs. It was built during the Ming Wanli era by Min Shiji, a judge from Henan. The renowned Ming bamboo carving artist Zhu Sansong designed and arranged the garden. The structures, including pavilions, terraces, towers, and pavilions, are adorned with intricate bamboo-themed patterns on pillars, beams, and long corridors. In the 11th year of the Qing Qianlong era (1746), it was renamed “Guyi Garden” and is one of Shanghai‘s five classical gardens.
The garden layout consists of two islands surrounded by water on all sides, connected by five flat bridges and linked to the shores by a winding bridge. It is divided into six scenic areas: Yiye Hall, Xi’e Pool, Songhe Garden, Qingqing Garden, Mandarin Duck Lake, and Nanxiang Wall.
Guyi Garden boasts a diverse array of flowers that bloom in different seasons. In spring (March-April), visitors can enjoy the blossoming magnolias. Summer (June-August) brings the enchanting lotus flowers, creating picturesque scenes on the lake and in secluded corners. Winter (December-February) showcases fragrant plum blossoms and narcissus. The summer lotus flowers, whether in the expansive lake or intimate corners, are particularly renowned and attract numerous photography enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Guyi Garden
- Map of Guyi Garden
- Vlog about Guyi Garden
- Spots for Photographing Lotus Flowers
- History of Guyi Garden
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Classical Gardens in Shanghai
Basic Information
| Website | https://www.guyigarden.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 12 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 1st March to 31st November: South Gate: 7.00 – 18.30; Last admission: 18.00 North Gate: 5.30 – 19.30; Last admission: 19.00 1st December – 28th February the next year: South Gate: 7.00 – 19.00; Last admission: 18.30 North Gate: 6.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-021-59122225-4 0086-021-59127883-4 |
Location and Transportation
Guyi Garden is located in the Nanxiang Town of Jiading District in Shanghai, China. The exact address is No.218 Huyi Highway, Nanxiang Town, Jiading District, Shanghai, China.
Visitors can navigate to Guyi Garden by taking public transportation, such as the Shanghai Metro Line 11, which connects to Nanxiang Station (南翔站). From there, it is a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk to reach the garden.
Highlights of Guyi Garden
Yiye Hall Area (逸野堂区域)
The Yiye Hall area, located in the northwest corner of Guyi Garden, is the oldest section of the garden. The hall, originally known as “Nanmu Hall” due to its construction from camphor wood, was the main reception area for guests and a place of rest for the garden owner. It is also referred to as the “Four-Sided Hall” because of its location at the intersection of four roads, offering a panoramic view of the entire garden. The hall was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution but was rebuilt in the 1980s using concrete and steel. The hall’s name plaque, written by calligrapher Tang Yun, and the inscription “华岩墨海” by Ming dynasty calligrapher Dong Qichang, reflect the literary gatherings that once took place here.
Surrounding the Yiye Hall are various scenic elements: to the north, you’ll find the Curved Corridor and the Quiet Viewing Pavilion; to the south, there are the Kites Flying and Fish Leaping Pavilion, Little Pine Hill, and the South Hall. The area integrates halls, pavilions, corridors, and water features. Nearby, you’ll see the Five Elder Peaks, Ancient Camphor Tree, Little Cloud Pocket, and Osmanthus Forest. A notable feature is a 470-year-old Ancient Camphor Tree, a level-one protected tree in Shanghai.
Xi’e Pool Area (戏鹅池区域)
Located in the center of Guyi Garden, Xi’e Pool is named for the flocks of white geese that inhabit it. To the west is the “White Crane Pavilion,” built during the Ming dynasty to commemorate the “White Crane of Nanxiang.” Walking east along the pool, you’ll encounter the Three-Sided Stone Boat, also known as the “Unmoored Boat,” built in the Ming dynasty. Originally a painting and calligraphy boat for the garden owner, it features intricate flower windows and a towering cabin, with an inscription by Zhu Yunming. On the east side of the pool stands the Plum Blossom Hall, a typical Qing dynasty structure with wooden construction, elegant plum blossom decorations, and simple eaves. The hall is surrounded by plum trees.
Across from the Plum Blossom Hall on the southeast bank is the Floating Bamboo Pavilion, originally a bamboo structure, known as the “Bamboo Joint Pavilion.” It sits partially in the water and features a distinctive design. Behind it is a small hill called “Bamboo Branch Hill,” topped with a unique pavilion. This pavilion, different from traditional pavilions with upturned eaves, has three corners protruding, with a missing northeast corner, symbolizing the “broken corner pavilion” built after the fall of Northeast China during the 1931 Mukden Incident.
Songhe Garden Area (松鹤园区域)
Songhe Garden is situated in the northern part of Guyi Garden and features a harmonious blend of pavilions, towers, halls, and pavilions surrounded by pine trees, lotus ponds, bamboo, and plum trees, symbolizing longevity and prosperity. The garden’s most notable feature is the Wei Yin Pavilion (微音阁), standing at 10 meters tall. With its three-sided open design, it offers an ideal vantage point for observing the moon’s various phases. The pavilion’s design, including the Moon Viewing Corridor, was meticulously planned to align with the moon’s seasonal movements and the surrounding terrain.
In front of the pavilion is a Tang Dynasty Stele, a 10-meter high stone pillar with a lotus base and statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. Constructed in the 8th year of the Tang Xiantong era (867 AD) and completed in the 2nd year of Tang Qianfu (875 AD), this stele was moved to Guyi Garden in 1959 and is a fine example of Tang Dynasty sculptural style.
The lotus pond houses the Putong Pagoda (普同塔), a six-sided, seven-story stone pagoda dating back to the 15th year of the Song Jia Ding era (1222 AD). This pagoda is one of the oldest and most treasured artifacts in Guyi Garden. Standing about 3.3 meters high, it features delicate carvings of lotus petals and Buddha figures.
Qingqing Garden Area (青清园区域)
Qingqing Garden, established in 1985 and located at the easternmost part of Guyi Garden, is the largest section, covering over 30 acres. The garden is renowned for its lush bamboo groves, reflecting the ancient garden’s characteristic “Green Bamboo.” It features over 30 varieties of bamboo and includes attractions like Turtle Mountain, Turtle Mountain Lake, Junzi Hall, Yiyuan, Moon Viewing Platform, and Cui Ai Pavilion, all set amidst a serene bamboo landscape.
Turtle Mountain is a 7-meter-high hill located between Qingqing Garden and the Mandarin Duck Lake. It spans 5 acres and is surrounded by water, connected by small bridges. The hill resembles a giant turtle, with a small round island to the east known as “Turtle Head Island.”
Near the river, the Lotus Breeze Bamboo Dew Pavilion sits among scattered rocks, with water flowing in front of it, creating a scene reminiscent of lotus flowers in June. The Cui Ai Pavilion is a 13-meter high, two-story wooden structure, featuring intricate carvings of dragons playing with pearls on the eaves. Its spacious windows and finely detailed latticework showcase exceptional craftsmanship. Inside the pavilion are over a hundred pieces of unique stones and bonsai plants.
Junzi Hall is named after the “Four Gentlemen” of Chinese culture: plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. The hall displays artworks and plants representing these four elements, reflecting their esteemed place in traditional Chinese culture.
Mandarin Duck Lake Area (鸳鸯湖区域)
The Mandarin Duck Lake Scenic Area covers approximately 15 acres. It is divided into two sections by the Nine-Bend Bridge, which is 18 meters long and 4 meters wide. This elegant bridge floats across the lake and faces the Willow Shade Bridge to the east. In the center of the Nine-Bend Bridge is the Pavilion in the Lake, also known as the “Snake-Banishing Pavilion,” which stands out for its delicate and translucent design.
On the southern side of the lake lies the Curved Fragrance Corridor, also known as the Five-Bend Long Corridor. This corridor, designed to follow the irregular shoreline of the lake, winds and meanders, creating a tranquil atmosphere. It features a pavilion at the base of the corridor, with winding paths that lead to serene and secluded spots.
At the end of the Five-Bend Corridor on the left bank of the lake is the Mingxuan Pavilion, an elevated structure offering a panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings. This pavilion, with its higher elevation and ornate design, enhances the overall scenic beauty of the Mandarin Duck Lake area.
Map of Guyi Garden
Vlog about Guyi Garden
Spots for Photographing Lotus Flowers
Lotus Flower Corridor at the Entrance: This area features a corridor where the lotus flowers are close enough to gently brush against your face. It’s ideal for capturing intimate and detailed shots of the flowers.
Stones by the Orchid Pavilion: Sit on the stones or spin around to create a dreamy, artistic effect. The natural setting complements the lotus flowers beautifully.
Mist Spray Areas: The garden releases a fine mist every three minutes, creating a magical, misty atmosphere that adds a dreamy quality to your photos.
New Chinese-Style Tables and Chairs by the Lake: These traditional-style furnishings by the water offer a serene setting that evokes the tranquility of a tea house.
Ancient-style Architecture in the Garden: The garden features traditional architectural elements like windows and round doors, which provide a picturesque backdrop with a touch of classic elegance.
History of Guyi Garden
Origins and Early Development
Guyi Garden, originally named Yiyuan, was established during the Ming Dynasty by Min Shiji, the prefect of Henan. Designed and laid out by the renowned bamboo carver Zhu Sansong from the Jia Ding period, it featured intricate bamboo motifs on its columns, beams, and long corridors, capturing the essence of Ming Dynasty architectural style. The garden, covering approximately “ten mu of garden and five mu of residence,” was characterized by its elegant pavilions, terraces, towers, and corridors, all adorned with bamboo-themed carvings.
Ownership Changes and Qing Dynasty Renovations
Following Min Shiji’s death, Yiyuan was transferred to Li Yizhi, the son of Hanlin Academician Li Mingfang, towards the end of the Ming Dynasty. In the transition from the Ming to the Qing Dynasty, the garden changed hands several times, eventually coming under the ownership of Ye Jin from Dongting Mountain in the eleventh year of Qianlong (1746). Ye Jin undertook extensive renovations and rebuilding, and by the thirteenth year of Qianlong (1748), the garden was renamed Guyi Garden to reflect its new era. According to Shen Yuanlu’s “Record of Guyi Garden,” the garden was located west of Guangfu Zen Temple, with its entrance facing Caojia Brook and its southern side bordering vast farmland. The garden retained the architectural elegance of the Ming Dynasty, featuring unique structures such as the Lonely Mountain, fragrant pavilions, stone boats, and artificial rock formations.
Late Qing Dynasty to Early Republican Period
In 1788, local residents of Jiading pooled resources to purchase Guyi Garden for use as a temple garden, allowing visitors to tour the grounds. By 1806, further fundraising and renovations took place. During the Taiping Rebellion (1860-1862), the garden suffered significant damage from battles between Taiping troops and Qing forces, as well as “foreign gun teams.” Many of the buildings were destroyed, and the garden fell into disrepair.
Republican Era and War Impacts
The garden faced further destruction during the “January 28 Incident” in 1932 when Japanese forces occupied South Xiang. For over two months, Guyi Garden was under Japanese control, resulting in severe damage to the structures, rock formations, and vegetation. In 1933, local patriots, including Zhu Shoupeng and Chen Shaoyun, formed a restoration committee, raising 6,000 silver dollars for partial repairs and constructing the “Missing Corner Pavilion” to commemorate national humiliation.
During the “August 13 Incident” in 1937, South Xiang was again engulfed in conflict. Except for a few rock formations and structures like the Missing Corner Pavilion and Small Cloud Dome, most of the garden was destroyed. The Yi Ye Tang became a stable for Japanese troops, and the garden’s plants and historical artifacts were lost.
Post-War Restoration and Expansion
After the victory in the Anti-Japanese War, the local government opened the garden to the public and initiated repairs. Significant restoration work was carried out, including the reconstruction of key structures such as the Missing Corner Pavilion and the addition of new features like the Weiyin Pavilion, South Hall, and White Crane Pavilion. The garden also saw new plantings of trees and flowers.
In 1957, a fund of 5,807 yuan was raised for further repairs, with the garden reopening on October 1 of the same year. In 1958, the Shanghai Municipal Garden Management Office allocated 130,000 yuan for substantial renovations and expansions, increasing the park’s area to 58,400 square meters.
Modern Era Developments
By October 1, 1959, the park was reopened with expanded boundaries. During this period, artifacts from the former Yunxiang Temple, such as Tang Dynasty stone steles and a Song Dynasty stone pagoda, were relocated to the garden. Donations included items like a hundred-year-old double-petal red peony and cultural relics such as a Warring States sword and Zhuge drum, which were displayed in the South Hall.
In 1962, the Mei Hua Hall was rebuilt, and by 1963, the park’s area had grown to 78,000 square meters. The Cultural Revolution caused further damage, including the destruction of Buddhist statues and Ming Dynasty inscriptions, leading to a renaming of the garden to South Xiang Park in 1967.
From 1973 onwards, restoration work continued, including the rebuilding of various pavilions and rock formations. In 1977, the garden’s original name was restored, with an investment of 280,000 yuan to refurbish walls, rebuild pavilions, and enhance flower displays. Subsequent investments in 1979 and 1981 saw further expansions and renovations, increasing the park’s area to 92 mu (61,300 square meters) and enhancing features like the pine and crane garden and the new pavilion constructions.
Recent Developments and Recognition
In the 1980s, the garden saw extensive development, including the reconstruction of Qingqing Garden and the transformation of Xiongshan into Turtle Mountain. By 2006, Guyi Garden was recognized as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. In October 2022, the garden hosted a Kunqu Opera event, combining classical garden aesthetics with traditional performance art.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Enjoy the Night View: Guyi Garden is highly recommended for its beautiful night scenery, and compared to Yu Garden, it tends to be less crowded. Take advantage of the serene atmosphere and capture stunning photos, especially of the lanterns available in the souvenir shops.
Explore the Traditional Market: Near the South Gate, there’s a traditional market with a Chinese-style atmosphere. Note that it’s only open on weekends. Explore the market for local crafts, snacks, and cultural experiences.
Tea Houses: Guyi Garden boasts two tea houses offering different experiences. “Mingxuan Tea House (茗轩茶室),” located in the southeast corner of Yuanyang Lake, provides a picturesque setting along with snacks, albeit at a slightly higher price point (around 40 yuan per person). Alternatively, “Shouying Suiyue Tea House (瘦影岁月轩)” offers more affordable options and a cozy ambiance for reading or photography.
Dining Options: If you’re looking for authentic cuisine, consider dining at the Xiaolong Restaurant located outside the South Gate. You can either eat before entering the garden or after exploring. The food is known for its authenticity and delicious flavors.
Ticketing Information: Currently, tickets are not available for purchase online, so you’ll need to buy them on-site. Expect queues at the ticket counters, but since multiple windows are open, you can choose the one with the shortest line.
