Yuyin Garden, Guangzhou – One of the Four Famous Classical Gardens

Huanhong Kualv Corridor Bridge (浣红跨绿廊桥) is one of the most iconic structures of Lingnan garden architecture. This bridge, which spans 20 meters, is elevated above a dike corridor and features a hip-and-gable design. It elegantly integrates a bridge, corridor, pavilion, and railing into a seamless whole, representing precision and artistry. The bridge divides Yuyin Garden into two parts, with the west side referred to as “Red Rain” and the east as “Green Clouds,” hence its name “Huanhong Kualv” (literally, “Washing Red, Crossing Green”). The bridge is adorned with intricately carved wooden panels under the eaves and along the corridor columns. The railings feature backrests, providing both a place to rest and a vantage point for viewing the surrounding landscape. Through the arch of the corridor, one can catch glimpses of the waterside pavilion, rocks, and trees, creating a layered visual effect that enhances the garden’s tranquil and mysterious ambiance.

Yuyuan Garden (瑜园) was an addition made in 1922 by Wu Zhongyu, the great-grandson of Yuyin Garden’s original owner, Wu Bin. This annex was designed as a place for hosting guests and relaxation, and some family members lived there as well. Located next to Yuyin Garden, Yuyuan Garden complements the main garden. The layout of Yuyuan Garden is divided into three parts: the main entrance is on the southern side, leading to a foyer and the main hall. At the center is a two-story structure known as the “Boat Hall,” with the first floor serving as a guest lounge divided into front and rear chambers by an intricately carved wooden door. The Boat Hall serves as the core of Yuyuan Garden’s design, surrounded by pavilions, bridges, ponds, and halls such as Guanyin Hall and Luohan Hall. A small square pool outside the Boat Hall adds to the charm, with the Fish Viewing Bridge and the hall creating a picturesque scene that captivates visitors. The second floor features study rooms and living quarters, offering a panoramic view of Yuyin Garden’s pavilions, terraces, rock formations, and water features from its platform.

Yuyin Mountain Villa is not only a masterpiece of Lingnan garden culture but also represents the rich heritage of Lingnan ancestral hall and academy culture. The Shanyan Wugong Ancestral Hall (善言邬公祠), dedicated to the ancestor Wu Baiyang, the father of the garden’s owner Wu Bin, features a solemn and dignified architectural style. The hall is arranged with three bays in width and three bays in depth, reflecting a strong emphasis on clan culture through its scale, components, couplets, and inscriptions. Inside the hall, there is a rare wooden plaque inscribed with imperial edicts, which were conferred by Emperor Xianfeng of the Qing Dynasty. These edicts granted Wu Bin and his father and grandfather the title of Tongfeng Dafu (Second Rank) and conferred the title of “Lady” to his grandmother, mother, and wife. Besides the carefully arranged layout inside the hall, the roof is adorned with elaborate gray sculptures featuring intricate designs rich in symbolism.

Shenliu Hall (深柳堂) serves as the reception area for the garden owner and takes its name from the Tang dynasty poem, “The idle door faces the mountain road, deep willows read books in the hall.” As the main building of Yuyin Mountain Villa, it features a hip-and-gable roof design. The hall’s expansive eaves and terrace extend directly to the pool surface, creating a luxurious exterior and a finely decorated interior, characteristic of Lingnan architectural style.

The front of Shenliu Hall is adorned with an iron flower trellis entwined with blooming firecracker vines, creating a lush and vibrant atmosphere. Inside, the hall is rich with the scent of books and filled with numerous treasures, including exquisite wood carvings and celebrated works of art. Among the treasured pieces is a carved screen made of precious sandalwood featuring calligraphy from renowned Qing Dynasty artists. This includes poetry from the late Qing dynasty’s “Three Talents” Liu Shanzhou, Zhang Chuanshan, and Weng Fanggang, as well as the calligraphy of the prominent scholar Liu Yong. Other highlights include two remarkable large wooden carvings of “Pine and Crane Longevity” and “Squirrel and Grapes,” along with thirty-two peach wood fan paintings that enhance the opulence of Shenliu Hall.

Wopiao Lodge (卧瓢庐) is a traditional gable-roofed building designed specifically for the garden owner’s guests to relax and rest. The interior is simply furnished, while the window design is particularly distinctive. On the north side, a row of louvered windows provides ventilation and natural light. The south side features a series of blue-and-white stained glass windows that create a beautiful interplay of colors, allowing guests to enjoy the rare southern views of “a thousand miles of ice” and the vibrant red leaves of Xiangshan. When the windows are fully opened, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the spring and summer seasons.

Originally a study, Linchi Cottage (临池别馆) is a gable-roofed building located in front of a square lotus pond. In ancient times, scholars referred to their inkstone as a “pond,” and the act of dipping the brush in ink was known as “临池” (linchi), making the name of this cottage a clever play on words. The interior is characterized by a simple and unadorned aesthetic, providing a sharp contrast to the more ornate Shenliu Hall. The exterior features a unique design with intricate ice-patterned flower screens and gilded false windows. To withstand the frequent typhoons in the Lingnan region, the roof is designed with a gentle slope and a flat line, minimizing wind exposure. This results in a building that, while simple, exudes elegance and grace.

The Linglong Water Pavilion (玲珑水榭) features an octagonal, gabled roof design, with windows that open on all eight sides, creating a transparent and delicate atmosphere. Situated amid the water, it serves as a gathering place for the garden owner to invite poets and scholars for artistic discussions and literary activities. Due to its functional requirements, the pavilion is relatively spacious, reflecting the practical characteristics of Lingnan garden culture. Inside, eight eave columns and four golden pillars made from kunlun wood add to its aesthetic appeal and research value. Guests can enjoy a clear view of the surrounding scenery through the open windows. On moonlit nights, the interior remains dim while the exterior shines brightly, with the long shadows of bamboo creating a scene reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings, captivating all who behold it.

Wenchang Pavilion (文昌阁) stands 15.4 meters tall and is octagonally shaped, featuring a design that appears to have four floors but actually consists of three levels. This unique configuration enhances the aesthetic of the facade while adhering to auspicious numerology. The entire structure towers majestically into the sky, with elegant flying eaves and upward-curving corners, exuding grandeur and dignity. When the wind blows, the sound of the temple bells creates a refreshing ambiance. The ceiling inside is adorned with intricate murals depicting figures, flowers, animals, and landscapes, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and vibrant life that draw the viewer’s attention.