Ten Fragrance Garden Memorial Hall: A Poetic Courtyard Through Lingnan Culture
Exploring the Cultural Treasure of Lingnan Scholars
Located in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, the Ten Fragrance Garden Memorial Hall is one of the representative landmarks of Lingnan culture. This place is not only the former residence of Chen Shuren, a talented scholar of late Qing Dynasty Lingnan, but also a tranquil courtyard that carries the art and cultural heritage of Lingnan gardens. Stepping into the Ten Fragrance Garden feels like entering a world intertwined with poetry and painting, where every plant and building tells a story of history.
A Garden Integrated with Culture
The Ten Fragrance Garden was built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty and was personally designed by the famous Lingnan painter Chen Shuren. The garden skillfully incorporates characteristic elements of Lingnan architecture, with pavilions, terraces, bridges, and flowing water, all harmoniously blending with the surrounding greenery to create a poetic and picturesque scene. It is said that the name 'Ten Fragrance' comes from the ten fragrant plants planted in the garden, such as osmanthus, jasmine, and orchids, adding a rich aroma and elegance to the garden.
Walking through the garden, one can see exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings. These decorations not only showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Lingnan arts but also reflect the owner's pursuit of aesthetic life.
Chen Shuren: A Talented Master of the Lingnan Painting School
The Ten Fragrance Garden is not only a beautiful garden but also the former residence and creative place of Chen Shuren, one of the founders of the Lingnan Painting School. As an important cultural figure in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, he was renowned for his excellent Chinese painting skills, with works mainly focusing on landscapes and flowers and birds, emphasizing the combination of nature and artistic conception.
The hall displays Chen Shuren's calligraphy and painting works and daily items, allowing visitors to closely experience the life trajectory and creative inspiration of this art master. Additionally, the exhibition hall provides a detailed introduction to the development history of the Lingnan Painting School, offering visitors rich artistic and historical knowledge.
Cultural Atmosphere and Modern Inheritance
Today, the Ten Fragrance Garden is not only a cultural relic protection unit but also a place for cultural exchange and artistic creation. The hall regularly holds calligraphy and painting exhibitions and art activities, attracting many art enthusiasts and students to learn and communicate. Visitors can also participate in on-site painting experiences to personally feel the unique charm of the Lingnan Painting School.
Practical Travel Tips
• Opening Hours: Daily 9:00-17:00 (check in advance on holidays)
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 or a bus to the nearby station, and walk about 10 minutes to reach.
• Ticket Information: Free admission, but some activities may require reservations or fees.
• Best Visiting Time: Spring and autumn when the flowers and plants are lush, and the garden scenery is most pleasant.
Conclusion: Cultural Imprints in a Poetic Courtyard
Strolling through the Ten Fragrance Garden Memorial Hall, every plant and carved window exudes the charm of Lingnan culture. Here, you can not only appreciate the essence of Lingnan architecture and art but also reminisce about Chen Shuren's artistic style and feel the blend of history and modernity. Whether you are an art lover or a traveler seeking tranquility, the Ten Fragrance Garden is a cultural oasis worth staying in.