Liyuan Garden (Wuxi)

Introducing Liyuan Garden (Wuxi) (from China.org.cn)
Located by the side of Wuli Lake in the southwest of Wuxi, Liyuan Garden is one of the most well-known lakeside gardens in China. The Wuli Lake used to be part of Taihu Lake. The garden got its name from Fan Li, a senior official of the state of Yue who retired to his hometown after defeating the state of Wu during the Warring States Period (475BC - 221BC). One day after he went boating with one of the most beautiful women in ancient China named Xi Shi, he decided to name the lake Li Lake and the garden was later called Liyuan Garden. Liyuan Garden is exquisitely designed, and its pavilions, causeways, and corridors, are harmonious in color.

Liyuan Garden (Wuxi) Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Li Yuan 蠡园
• Best Time to Visit: Mar to Apr, Jun to Sept
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Boating
• Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY 45 (Mar to May & Jul to Oct); CNY 30 (Jun & Nov to Feb)
• Address: No. 18 Hunhu Road, Binhu District, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Liyuan Garden (Wuxi)

Surrounded by Li Lake on three sides, Liyuan Garden covers an area of 5.4 hectares and features artificial bridges and pavilions dotted around small fishponds. The corridor and the dyke are all built along the lakeside with exquisite workmanship. When spring comes, the lakeside road is studded with peach-blossoms in red and willow in green. Walking along the corridors, you’ll enjoy the famous calligraphic works by Su Shi, Mi Fu and Wang Yangming carved on brick-pieces on the wall. Besides, there are man-made hills on the north which are featured with various sizes and shapes.

 <

Four Seasons Pavilions
There are four pavilions in the Liyuan Garden which are featured in the same shape and style with red pillars and yellow tiles. They are known as Four Seasons Pavilions. Painted with different flowers and plants, the four pavilions represents four seasons. By each pavilion, a special kind of flower was planted. Plum blossoms are planted around the Spring Pavilion, and Oleanders are planted beside the Summer Pavilion. Sweet-scented osmanthus can be found by the Autumn Pavilion and Calyx canthus by the Winter Pavilion.

How to get to Liyuan Garden (Wuxi)
• Take bus 1, 9, 20, 82, 211 or 315 and get off at Liyuan Station.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Wuxi to Liyuan Garden.

Additional travel advice on Liyuan Garden (Wuxi)
• Prepare mosquito repellent or long-sleeved clothes to prevent mosquito bites in Summer and Autumn.
• From June to September, the lotus fair is held in the garden.
• Night cruise tour is available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (July to Sept, 18:00-21:30).