Jiangnan Classical Garden Model｜Half-Day Tour of Guyi Garden

👍Attraction Introduction: Guyi Garden is one of Shanghai's five major classical gardens, originally built during the Ming Dynasty Jiajing period (1522-1566). It was initially named "Yi Garden," inspired by the imagery of "lush green bamboo" from the Classic of Poetry · Wei Feng · Qi Ao, featuring bamboo scenery and designed by the famous bamboo carving artist Zhu Sansong from Jiading. In the 11th year of the Qing Qianlong reign (1746), Ye Jin purchased the garden and renamed it "Guyi Garden," meaning "Ancient Garden of a Different Generation," and carried out large-scale renovations. The garden has experienced multiple destructions and restorations due to wars, such as the collapse of buildings during the Japanese occupation in 1932. In 1933, patriotic citizens rebuilt it and deliberately constructed the "Missing Corner Pavilion" symbolizing national humiliation (the northeast corner is missing, commemorating the loss of Northeast China). In 2006, it was rated as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. Precious cultural relics such as the Tang Dynasty Jingtuo and the Song Dynasty Putong Pagoda still exist. 📍Recommended Attractions: Recommended Spots 1. Yiye Hall: The main hall of the garden, built in Ming Dynasty architectural style, once a gathering place for literati. Inside hangs a plaque inscribed by Dong Qichang reading "Hua Yan Mo Hai." The strange peaks and lotus pond in front create a poetic scene, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival when appreciating osmanthus flowers. 2. Playful Goose Pond and Untied Boat: White geese play in the pond, and by the pond stands the Ming Dynasty stone boat "Untied Boat," surrounded by water on three sides with exquisite carvings, symbolizing the Jiangnan water town charm. 3. Missing Corner Pavilion (Buque Pavilion): Built in 1933, the pavilion’s roof is missing the northeast corner, symbolizing the pain of Northeast China’s occupation. The other three corners are sculpted as raised fists, showing national spirit. It is an important symbol of patriotic education. 4. Qingqing Garden and Bamboo Culture: "Qingqing Garden" features bamboo landscaping, planting over 20 rare bamboo species such as Buddha’s Belly Bamboo and Golden Jade Bamboo. Buildings like the Lotus Breeze Bamboo Dew Pavilion and Emerald Mist Tower are nestled among bamboo shadows, fully displaying the classical imagery of "lush green bamboo." 5. Nanxiang Wall and White Crane Legend: The relief mural tells the legend of the "White Crane Flying South": a Tang Dynasty farmer dug up a stone with a crane, and after a monk built a temple, the immortal crane flew south, giving Nanxiang Town its name. The White Crane Pavilion echoes the Playful Goose Pond, adding a mythical touch. Half-Day Tour Route: Enter from South Gate → Nanxiang Wall → Yiye Hall → Playful Goose Pond → Missing Corner Pavilion → Qingqing Garden → Mandarin Duck Lake, approximately 2-3 hours in total; 🚗Transportation: - Subway: Line 11 to Nanxiang Station, exit from Exit 1 or 2, then a 15-minute walk, or transfer to Nanxiang Bus Routes 1 or 2 for direct access; - Bus: Routes 62, 821, and Shanghai-Tang Special Line to "Guyi Garden Station"; - Driving: From Central Ring Road - S5 Hujia Expressway Nanxiang Exit, drive along Huyi Road to reach the garden. 🎟Opening Hours and Tickets: Tickets: Full price 12 RMB, student ticket 6 RMB, free for seniors over 65. Opening Hours: -South Gate: May 1 - October 31, 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM; November 1 - April 30, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM; -North Gate: Summer 5:30 AM - 7:30 PM, Winter 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 💗Other Tips: Plum Blossom Viewing: Plum blossoms are currently in bloom. The garden’s plum viewing spots include a few trees near the entrance of Weiyin Pavilion and along the Plum Blossom Stele Corridor leading to Plum Blossom Hall, where there are large batches of various plum blossoms with bees collecting nectar. Please be careful when taking photos. Photography: Wearing Hanfu or Qipao, the bamboo path, stone boat, and lotus pond are great photo spots; Food: Try authentic Nanxiang soup dumplings at the "Guyi Garden Restaurant" on the left side of the South Gate.