Shunde Qinghui Garden Guide: All You Need to Know!

Qinghui Garden, one of the four famous gardens in Lingnan, features an exquisite layout that blends the elegance of Jiangnan gardens with the characteristics of Lingnan water towns. The garden is centered around waterscapes and is divided into the southern waterscape area, the central garden building complex, and the northern living area. The recommended visiting time is about 2 hours. Follow this route to fully experience its essence: 1️⃣. Entrance → Chengyi Pavilion (Southern Waterscape Area)** Enter through the main entrance and arrive at Chengyi Pavilion. Built by the water, this pavilion offers the best view of the southern square pond, where schools of koi swim among the decorative rockeries. From the pavilion, you can see the Hexagonal Pavilion and Bixi Thatched Cottage in the distance, and appreciate the Lingnan architectural features of the waterside pavilions and corridors. 2️⃣. Bixi Thatched Cottage → Boat Hall (Central Core Area)** Walk along the corridor to Bixi Thatched Cottage, one of the earliest buildings in Qinghui Garden. Its doors and windows are carved with the "Hundred Longevity Picture," showcasing exquisite woodcarving craftsmanship. Then, head to the iconic Boat Hall, shaped like a painting boat. Its interior is decorated with stained glass and gray sculptures, representing the unique style of Lingnan gardens. A small path next to the Boat Hall leads to a rockery waterfall, a perfect spot for photos. 3️⃣. Xiying Study → Zhenyan Studio → Flower Pavilion (Central Cultural Landscape)** From the Boat Hall, walk north, passing through the shaded Xiying Study and Zhenyan Studio, and experience the scholarly atmosphere of ancient times. Continue to the Flower Pavilion, surrounded by ancient trees, where the pavilion and Lion Rock complement each other, creating the most tranquil resting spot in the garden. 4️⃣. Guiji Residence → Bamboo Garden (Northern Living Area)** Enter the northern area and visit Guiji Residence, connected to "Little Penglai." This area features densely packed buildings and interconnected courtyards. Then, stroll to the Bamboo Garden, where paths are lined with bamboo and rockeries stand tall. This was the former living quarters of the garden's owner, offering a serene environment perfect for experiencing a secluded atmosphere. 5️⃣. Bisheng Flower Hall → Muying Stream (Northern Cultural Landscape)** Walk through the Bamboo Garden to Bisheng Flower Hall, named after the "Dream of the Brush Blooming into Flowers" allusion. Inside, you'll find elegant mahogany furniture. Continue to Muying Stream, composed of corridors, small bridges, and a lotus pond. The interspersed rockeries and waterside pavilions make it one of the most dynamic landscapes in the garden. 6️⃣. Fenglai Peak → Red Lotus Study Finally, ascend Fenglai Peak, the highest artificial rockery in the garden. A waterfall cascades down, creating a magnificent scene of "wind and clouds meeting." After descending, visit the Red Lotus Study, featuring a transparent colonnade design, especially charming during the summer lotus blooming season. --- **Visiting Tips** - **Opening Hours**: Front Garden: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm; Inner Garden (Museum): 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm). - **Featured Experiences**: The brick carvings, stained glass windows, and wood carvings (such as the "Hundred Longevity Peaches") are highlights of the garden's craftsmanship. Take your time to appreciate them. - **Photo Suggestions**: The waterscape at Chengyi Pavilion, the stained glass of the Boat Hall, and the waterfall at Fenglai Peak are popular photo spots. Wearing Hanfu or light-colored clothing will enhance your photos.