Guyi Garden

Guyi Garden was first built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566 AD). It was a private residence, originally named "Yi Garden," a name derived from the phrase "green bamboo swaying gracefully" in the Book of Songs. In the eleventh year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1746 AD), it was renamed "Guyi Garden." Its architectural style is similar to Suzhou gardens, with pavilions and towers nestled among small bridges and flowing water, offering changing views with every step, exuding an ancient and elegant charm.

The scenic area has two main gates. Entering through the South Gate leads to the Nanxiang Wall (screen wall), and entering through the North Gate leads to Yiye Hall. You can enter through the South Gate and exit through the North Gate, or vice versa, without retracing your steps. Yiye Hall is the main hall of the garden, with nanmu pillars and roads connecting all four sides, allowing you to see the surrounding scenery from within the hall. To the east of Yiye Hall is the Goose Pond, and to the south of the Goose Pond is a rather unique building in Guyi Garden – the Corner-Missing Pavilion, which is missing its northeast corner. Walking further east, past Mandarin Duck Lake, Guyi Garden-Songhe Garden, you reach Qingqing Garden, where you can see the truly "green bamboo swaying gracefully" scenery. The ancient buildings with their flying eaves and upturned corners appear fresh and elegant amidst the bamboo forest.

"Water" is an eternal theme of Jiangnan gardens. You can observe the leisurely red carp in the waters of Guyi Garden. On the south bank of Guishan Lake, located in the eastern part of the garden, there is also a boat dock where you can take a boat to admire the pavilions and towers from the lake. Both electric boats and rowboats are available.

Different flowers bloom in different seasons, and the garden hosts various flower exhibitions throughout the year. In spring (February-March), there are crabapples; in summer, lotuses; and in winter, winter sweet and narcissus. The summer lotuses are particularly famous, attracting countless photographers equipped with "long guns and short cannons," whether it's the vast expanse of lotuses on the lake or a small pond in a secluded spot. Additionally, the lantern festival held during the Lantern Festival also has a unique atmosphere and is worth visiting.

The Shanghai Guyi Garden Restaurant, located south of the garden, is the leading Nanxiang xiaolongbao (steamed bun) establishment and is extremely popular. There are also many xiaolongbao shops on Nanxiang Old Street outside the scenic area, all with good flavors. You can also go there to eat and explore Nanxiang Old Street to experience the charm of a Jiangnan water town.