Jichang Garden

Jichang Garden, located at the eastern foot of Huishan Mountain in Wuxi, is a classical garden in Wuxi. Jichang Garden uses spring water from Huishan Mountain as its water feature, cleverly employing the technique of borrowed scenery. From within the garden, one can see the reflection of the Longguang Pagoda on Xishan Mountain in the pond, creating a unique and picturesque scene. Jichang Garden was once the private garden of a Ming Dynasty official returning to his hometown. It is considered one of the "Four Great Gardens of Jiangnan," along with Zhan Garden in Nanjing, Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, and Lingering Garden. The garden centers around an artificial hill and pond, surrounded by structures such as the Yupan Pavilion, the Zhiyu Pavilion, the Seven Star Bridge, the Hanbi Pavilion, and the Qingyu Corridor. Water from the "Second Spring" (Huishan Spring) is also channeled into a ravine, which, due to its murmuring sound, is called "Eight-Tone Ravine." The garden also includes the "Bingli Hall," a garden within a garden, and the "Hanzhen Studio," the former study of the garden's owner. Jichang Garden in Wuxi was a favorite of Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, who visited the garden during their numerous southern tours. Today, one can still see two imperial stone plaques inscribed with Kangxi's "Mountain Colors and Stream Light" and Qianlong's "Jade-Clad Golden Fir Trees." Even the Xiequ Garden in the Summer Palace in Beijing and the Kuoran Dagong Garden in the Old Summer Palace (destroyed by war) were modeled after Jichang Garden in Wuxi. Furthermore, the garden boasts towering trees, making it a perfect place for summer relaxation, while autumn offers stunning views of vibrant red maple and ginkgo leaves.