Also known as "Liu Garden", it is the private garden of Liu Yong, the leader of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun in the late Qing Dynasty, and is also one of the five famous gardens in Nanxun.
Xiaolianzhuang, built by three generations of the Liu family over 40 years, is a masterpiece of both architecture and gardens. It consists of a family temple, a charity hall, and gardens.
The garden is divided into the outer garden and the inner garden, surrounded by long corridors, curved bridges, pavilions and terraces, and is comparable to the gardens of Suzhou.
Attractions Location: No. 129, Nanxi Street, Nanxun Ancient Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
Tickets: free
Opening hours:
08:00-17:30 (Monday-Sunday, January 1-December 31)
Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
0572-3016999
Transportation:
Take bus No. 162/165 and get off at Xiaolianzhuang (bus stop). It is within walking distance.
Time reference: 1-3 hours
Start your journey at Nanxun Xiaolianzhuang, a beautiful water town showcasing traditional Jiangnan architecture and historic gardens. Stroll along canals, admire ancient buildings, and immerse yourself in local culture.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in local guesthouses or boutique hotels near Xiaolianzhuang. Dinner: Jiangnan local cuisine, freshwater fish, and traditional snacks.
Souvenirs: Local handicrafts, silk products, miniature water town models, and local tea.
Combine Xiaolianzhuang with a visit to Nanxun Old Town, famous for ancient architecture, historic lanes, and traditional commerce streets.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near Xiaolianzhuang or Nanxun Old Town. Dinner: local freshwater dishes and Jiangnan desserts.
Souvenirs: Hand-painted fans, silk scarves, local teas, small decorative models of water town buildings.
Explore surrounding water towns and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of the Jiangnan region.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near Xiaolianzhuang. Dinner: local specialties such as braised pork, river shrimp, and freshwater vegetables.
Souvenirs: Silk textiles, handmade fans, traditional snacks, local arts and crafts.
Enjoy a day of natural scenery near Nanxun and relax in serene landscapes.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near Xiaolianzhuang. Dinner: Jiangnan cuisine, local freshwater specialties, light street snacks.
Souvenirs: Tea leaves, handmade ceramics, lotus-themed crafts, and local snacks.
Combine historical learning with scenic visits for a well-rounded cultural experience.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near Xiaolianzhuang. Dinner: local specialties and Jiangnan-style snacks.
Souvenirs: Cultural artifacts, calligraphy, traditional handicrafts, silk products.
Take a full-day tour of multiple water towns to immerse yourself in Jiangnan’s traditional culture.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near Xiaolianzhuang. Dinner: local Jiangnan dishes or riverside seafood.
Souvenirs: Water town souvenirs, handmade fans, silk crafts, traditional artworks.
Spend the last morning in Xiaolianzhuang for relaxed exploration and last-minute shopping before departure.
Accommodation/Food: Breakfast at hotel. Light lunch or street snacks before departure.
Souvenirs: Silk products, water town crafts, tea, miniature models, local snacks.
Xiaolianzhuang, also known as "Liu Garden," was a private garden and ancestral temple built by Liu Yong, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty. Located west of Wangu Bridge in Nanzha, Nanxun Town, Xiaolianzhuang was built in the 11th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty and spanned over 40 years for three generations of the Liu family. The name "Xiaolianzhuang" was inspired by the Lotus Manor built by Zhao Mengfu, a renowned calligrapher and painter from Huzhou during the late Yuan Dynasty. Xiaolianzhuang is divided into an inner garden and an outer garden. The inner garden is dominated by a rockery complex constructed with Taihu rocks, while the outer garden is centered around a ten-acre lotus pond.
After entering the town, cross the small bridge and turn left to visit Xiaolianzhuang first. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a lotus pond stretching over ten acres. Though the pond is covered in withered lotus leaves, vibrant fish frolic and forage within, creating a unique charm even more captivating than a lake overflowing with blooming lotuses. This scene is truly captivating! The Liu Clan Ancestral Hall within the village is solemn and majestic, flanked by imperial memorial archways, symbolizing its nobility and distinction. The path outside the ancestral hall is paved with stone slabs and lined with mature trees.
Xiaolianzhuang, also known as Liu Garden, was the private garden of Liu Yong, a wealthy businessman and one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty. It is also a major attraction in Nanxun Ancient Town. Three generations of the Liu family spent over 40 years to build Xiaolianzhuang, boasting a stately yet sophisticated garden design with winding paths leading to secluded beauty. In summer, the lotus blossoms, embellished with verdant leaves and red flowers, create a breathtaking backdrop for the pavilions surrounding the pond.
Xiaolianzhuang can be roughly divided into two parts: one is the garden area centered on the lotus pond, and the other is the building of the Liu family temple.
Xiaolianzhuang is the private garden of Liu Yong, the leader of the "Four Elephants". It was built in 1885 and was managed by the Liu family for 40 years. It was completed by his grandson Liu Chenggan in 1924.
Xiaolianzhuang, also known as "Liu Garden", is the private garden and ancestral temple of Liu Yong, a doctor of Guanglu in the late Qing Dynasty. It is located west of Wangu Bridge in Nanzha, Nanxun Town. It is mainly divided into the outer garden and the inner garden. The outer garden is centered on a ten-acre lotus pond. The main part of the inner garden is a group of rockery made of Taihu stones.
Xiaolianzhuang, the private garden of Liu Yong, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty, was first constructed in 1885 and subsequently managed by the Liu family for 40 years before being completed in 1924 by his grandson, Liu Chenggan. Spanning 27 mu (approximately 16 acres), Xiaolianzhuang boasts a remarkable mix of architecture and gardens, earning it the title of "a grand structure of Jiangnan gardens." Designed along the original 10-mu lotus pond known as "Yuchijing" (also known as Gua Piao Pond), Xiaolianzhuang boasts the Dongsheng Pavilion (Miss's Building) beside the pond, a magnificent blend of Chinese and Western styles. Classic features can be found throughout the garden, including the Long Corridor with Inscriptions, the Jingxiang Poetry Grotto (also known as "Shengdou Hall"), an imperially bestowed memorial archway, a screen wall for the ancestral temple, pavilions, and towers. The renowned Xiaolianzhuang was designed and laid out along this lotus pond's "Yuchijing" (also known as Gua Piao Pond). A veranda in the south and a willow embankment in the north create an enclosed path for visitors to enjoy the scenery around the pond, creating a bright and spacious experience.
Seeing this lotus pond brings back memories of a trip to Nanxun organized by my employer over 20 years ago, probably in 1996. It was early summer, and the pond was blanketed in emerald green lotus leaves, shrouded in delicate pink blossoms, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Besides the lotus pond, Nanxun also left a lasting impression on me: the "Hundred Houses." We lived near the buildings, and I still vividly remember the sight of women washing clothes, rice, and vegetables by the river early in the morning. Many attractions have been developed now, and I remember visiting the "Zhang Jingjiang Former Residence." It was just a two-story building, unlike the modern-day residences with their numerous entrances and exits (laughing and crying) (laughing and crying), trees, exotic flowers, curved bridges, and rockery. Everywhere was filled with a rich and elegant cultural atmosphere, offering a sense of "man-made, yet as if created by nature."
Xiaolianzhuang is the private garden, ancestral temple, and almshouse of Liu Yong, a Qing Dynasty official and one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun. Construction began in 1885, during the 11th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. From the outset, he planted flowers and willows around the pond, replanted lotus flowers, arranged terraces and pavilions, and built the ancestral temple. The project took over 40 years, and was finally completed in 1924. Liu Yong named his garden "Xiaolianzhuang" because he admired the Lotus Garden in Huzhou by the Yuan Dynasty calligrapher and painter Zhao Mengfu.
Nanxun's most classic paid scenic spot is worth a visit
In winter, without lotus, the flowers look a bit bleak, but after spring and into summer, they should be very delicate and lovely.
The little lotus has just shown its pointed tip, and a dragonfly has already landed on it.
There was a Calabash Brothers exhibition outside Xiaolianzhuang. My baby had never seen this well-known cartoon, a childhood memory for many mothers. But because he loves snakes, he loved the snake sculpture and kept taking pictures with it.
Xiaolianzhuang is a garden within a garden.
The beauty of Xiaolianzhuang embodies the poetic and picturesque courtyards typical of Jiangnan. Its ten-acre lotus pond and fields of lotus leaves are graceful and varied. At the entrance to Xiaolianzhuang, a long, leaf-free avenue of greenery evokes a gentle fragrance, offering a refreshing soothing touch of coolness during the sweltering summer heat.
The dead vines and old trees are like dried-up oil paints that add a thick stroke to this ancient painting. Without branches and leaves and without vibrant green, it is more like the traces of time left in the thousand-year-old town, quietly and silently staying in an unattended corner.
Jiangnan water towns' garden architecture and Han and Tang dynasty decorative styles dominate the landscape. Nearly every Jiangnan water town in my country features Suzhou garden designs and the whitewashed walls and black tiles of the Hui style, creating a sense of uniformity. However, in Nanxun Ancient Town, one can find a unique garden: Xiaolianzhuang.
Some people may ask what architectural style Xiaolianzhuang is. Is it Huizhou architecture? It doesn't look completely Huizhou. Is it Suzhou garden architecture? It doesn't look completely. Xiaolianzhuang also features elements of European art. So, what architectural style does Xiaolianzhuang belong to? Actually, it's a little bit of all. It combines Huizhou architecture, Suzhou gardens, and European design concepts into a private garden. Such a garden is probably rare in the Jiangnan water towns, or even in the entire country. Upon arriving at Xiaolianzhuang, many people forget about Suzhou gardens, only knowing that Nanxun Xiaolianzhuang combines the unique folk style of Suzhou and Lake Tai with the fashionable trends of Western Europe.
Some might wonder why Xiaolianzhuang features a blend of three styles. Actually, there's a story behind this. The influence of the Huizhou merchants extended beyond southern Anhui, extending throughout Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and even Asia. The majority of Nanxun's wealthy families are descendants of these merchants, hence the influence of Huizhou architecture. The Suzhou garden design stems from the fact that Suzhou and Lake Tai have been connected since ancient times. Convenient and developed water transportation facilitated close economic, trade, and personnel exchanges between the two regions, as evidenced by the saying "Suzhou and Lake Tai are familiar, and the world is satisfied." Therefore, it's no surprise that Nanxun, Huzhou, maintains the Suzhou garden design style.
So why are there European design elements? This is because during the Republic of China period, silk reeling production and trade had become the most important foreign trade product in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. As trade with Europe increased, Nanxun absorbed European architectural features.
The functional area layout and design of Xiaolianzhuang in Nanxun Ancient Town are very scientific and rational. Entering through a seemingly inconspicuous small doorway gives you the feeling of entering a vast world. While seemingly unremarkable from the outside, the interior reveals a whole new world. This design likely reflects the fundamental philosophy of Nanxun's wealthy families: "Wealth is not displayed, and magnanimity is not flaunted."
Xiaolianzhuang is a tourist attraction in Nanxun that requires a ticket. It has a large lotus pond and is a must-see attraction in Nanxun.
Among the ancient buildings in Nanxun, Zhang Shiming is the most magnificent and Xiaolianzhuang is the most beautiful.
At the entrance to Xiaolianzhuang, there's a sign that says it's Liu Yong's private garden. It wasn't until writing this travelogue that I realized Liu Yong, Nanxun's richest man, was completely different from Liu Yong, the "Luogou" of the Qianlong era. The latter also shares a name with the American writer Liu Yong.
It’s terrible to be uneducated, it’s a joke!
Liu Yong, the residence of Liu Luoguo, is worth a visit just for its reputation, but it’s a pity that I didn’t see the lotus flowers in full bloom.
There is a lotus pond in the garden, but unfortunately there are no lotus leaves to be seen in winter.
The most beautiful classical building in Nanxun Ancient Town, this is the former residence of Liu Yong, and it has been well preserved to this day. You can admire the classical architecture or visit the pond to see the lotus flowers.
The biggest feature is the large lotus pond, and it is best to come in midsummer.
Xiaolianzhuang must be more beautiful in summer than in winter. It was winter when I got here. Although there were only broken branches left in the ten-acre lotus pond, it was still charming. I would come again in summer if I have the chance.
It was winter when I went there, the lotus flowers were not in bloom, so there was nothing much to see.
Xiaolianzhuang, a private garden built by Liu Yong, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty, was constructed in 1885. It covers an area of 27 mu (approximately 1,000 mu). It was named Xiaolianzhuang after the Lotus Manor built by Zhao Mengfu, a renowned calligrapher and painter from Huzhou during the late Yuan Dynasty. Xiaolianzhuang is adjacent to the Jiaye Library, and beyond the garden lies Partridge Creek.
The garden, centered around a lotus pond, features mountains and water arranged according to the terrain, forming two inner and outer gardens. The inner garden, a garden within a garden, lies in the southeast corner of the outer garden, with the mountain as its main feature. The outer garden, centered around the lotus pond, spans approximately ten acres and is dotted with pavilions and towers, creating a unique and ingenious experience. The Liu Family Temple, the main building complex in Xiaolianzhuang, is separated from the garden's long corridor by a wall. Construction began in 1888 and was completed in 1897, serving as a place for the Liu family to worship their ancestors. To the west of the temple is the Liu Family Charity Hall, built in 1922. Two ancient osmanthus trees are planted in the courtyard of the Charity Hall, giving it the name "Osmanthus Hall."
My travel notes: http://www.mafengwo.cn/i/8332346.html
Xiaolianzhuang is the private garden of Liu Yong, the leader of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun in the late Qing Dynasty. It was built in 1885. After forty years of operation, it was fully completed by his grandson Liu Chenggan in 1924. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit.
The lotus flowers are especially beautiful when they bloom in the summer, but they wither in the winter, so why not catch up?
Steal a picture from the Internet to give you a feel~
An exquisite private garden with a nice name.
Located west of Wangu Bridge in southwest Nanxun Town, Xiaolianzhuang was a private garden built by Liu Yong, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty. Construction began in 1885, the 11th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, and spans 27 mu. It was named Xiaolianzhuang in homage to the Lotus Manor built by Zhao Mengfu, a renowned calligrapher and painter from Huzhou during the late Yuan Dynasty. Xiaolianzhuang is adjacent to the Jiaye Library, and beyond the garden lies Partridge Creek. Xiaolianzhuang boasts lush greenery and unique buildings, creating distinct interior and exterior gardens. The outer garden features a lotus pond spanning over ten mu, nicknamed the "Gua Gourd Pond" for its resemblance to a hanging gourd. Strolling along the pond, the swaying lotus leaves create a sense of tranquility and refreshment. Along the pond, a winding corridor of inscriptions houses numerous masterpieces by renowned figures. The Western-style "Dongsheng Pavilion," nestled against the lakeside, offers a touch of exotic charm. The "Jingxiang Poetry Cave" boasts a unique design, with its roof shaped like a rising and a bucket. It's said this "Shengdou Hall" is the only such example in China. Later, visitors visited the Fan Pavilion, the Retreat Pavilion, the Drunken Pavilion, and the Yangxingde Pavilion, each revealing unique architectural designs and distinct historical sources. The Liu Family Temple, with its three halls, is imposing. Two stone memorial archways, facing east and west, erected during the Xuantong reign and gifted by the Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, stand before it, each intricately carved. To the west, the "Osmanthus Hall" at the Yizhuang is now the "Shuping Scholarship Achievement Exhibition Hall," showcasing its contributions to contemporary causes. In the inner garden, a rockery constructed of Taihu rocks, inspired by Du Mu's poem "Mountain Travel," features delicately carved rocks and towering ancient trees, creating a seemingly separate yet intertwined scene. Resting in the garden brings a sense of tranquility.
It is quite pleasant to walk around the Liu Family Temple, sit by the lotus pond and appreciate the calligraphy.
In October, although there are fewer lotus flowers in the pond, it still makes people feel the beauty of a hundred years ago.
Summer is the best time, the pond is full of lotus flowers, and it is great to be a rich scholar.
This is a famous attraction in Nanxun, included in the package. As the name suggests, it's a prime spot for lotus viewing. Nanxun isn't crowded, so you can relax and admire the lotus blossoms, emulating the leisurely elegance of the ancients. Highly recommended. The architecture is quite unique, with lotus motifs throughout. Next time, I'll visit during lotus season.
This is the private garden, ancestral temple, and cemetery of Liu Yong, the richest man in Nanxun. I went there at a strange time; the lotus flowers had already bloomed, so I missed the peak beauty. Also, it was very crowded during the National Day holiday, so I didn't have much fun. I'll definitely come back next time.
The entire pond is covered with lotus leaves, which remain almost all year round, creating a layered atmosphere. Several willow trees dot the edge of the pond. From the pavilion at the Lotus Villa, you can see the small pavilion across the way.
Although I have been to various ancient towns in Jiangnan, Nanxun is still worth a visit.
1. The scenic area has a large number of tourists. 2. The scenery is OK, with a combination of Chinese and Western architectural features and a high green coverage, which is quite pleasing to the eye.
After entering the scenic area, we first came to Xiaolianzhuang.
Located west of Wangu Bridge in the southwest of Nanxun Town, Xiaolianzhuang was a private garden built by Liu Yong, one of Nanxun's "Four Elephants" during the late Qing Dynasty. Construction began in 1885, during the 11th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, and covers an area of 27 mu. The name Xiaolianzhuang arose from the admiration for the Lotus Manor built by Zhao Mengfu, a renowned calligrapher and painter from Huzhou during the late Yuan Dynasty. Xiaolianzhuang is adjacent to the Jiaye Library, and beyond the garden lies Partridge Creek.
What catches the eye is a garden full of lotus flowers and flocks of goldfish. I imagine that the young ladies of wealthy families in ancient times might sit in the pavilion nearby to enjoy the cool air, appreciate the flowers, and occasionally feed the fish. What an enviable life!
It is said that although the scenery of Xiaolianzhuang was modeled after the Lotus Manor by Zhao Mengfu in Huzhou, it is indeed better than the original. I have reservations about this. After all, the Lotus Manor we see today is a free park that was just rebuilt in the last few decades, and we can't see the scene back then. Moreover, we were in a hurry and it happened to be the peak time for tour groups to enter the ancient town from the south gate. I was shocked by the crowds of people in Xiaolianzhuang. I hope to see it again.
Xiaolianzhuang is nothing more than old houses, trees, a small river, and stone roads.
Located west of Wangu Bridge in the southwest of Nanxun Town, Xiaolianzhuang was a private garden built by Liu Yong, one of Nanxun's "Four Elephants" during the late Qing Dynasty. Construction began in 1885, during the 11th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, and covers an area of 27 mu. The name Xiaolianzhuang arose from the admiration for the Lotus Manor built by Zhao Mengfu, a renowned calligrapher and painter from Huzhou during the late Yuan Dynasty. Xiaolianzhuang is adjacent to the Jiaye Library, and beyond the garden lies Partridge Creek.
Xiaolianzhuang, also known as "Liu Garden," was the private garden of Liu Yong, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty. It is also one of Nanxun's five renowned gardens. Three generations of the Liu family spent over 40 years building Xiaolianzhuang, a remarkable blend of architecture and gardens. It comprises a family temple, a charity hall, and a garden. The gardens, divided into outer and inner gardens, are surrounded by long corridors, curved bridges, pavilions, and terraces, rivaling those of Suzhou gardens. Unfortunately, we visited outside the lotus season, and only saw a pool of withered leaves. Summer is definitely the best time to see the scenery.
Xiaolianzhuang, Liu Yong's private garden, ancestral temple, and almshouse, is located west of Wangu Bridge in Nanzha, Nanxun Town. It faces Queqiao Creek to the north and faces the Jiayetang Library across the river to the west. Its pink walls and black tiles, lotus pond, winding bridge, and unusual peaks and rocks create a sense of "man-made, yet seemingly created by nature," as described in its brochure.
Compared with other ancient houses in Nanxun, the characteristics are not very distinct
It should be the main attraction of Nanxun. It has gardens, ancient buildings, etc. It is quite recommended. If you have time, it is very pleasant to sit in it for an afternoon!
Also known as "Liu Garden," it was the private garden of Liu Yong, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun in the late Qing Dynasty. Three generations of the Liu family spent over 40 years building the Little Lotus Garden. Comprising a family temple, a charity hall, and gardens, it is one of the five famous gardens in Nanxun. The courtyard's most iconic feature is the lotus pond, surrounded by corridors, pavilions, and a pond filled with lotus flowers, which are particularly beautiful in the summer. When we visited, only the withered lotus stems remained, which perfectly captures my favorite aesthetic: "Leave the withered lotus leaves to listen to the sound of rain."
The scenery is nice. Although I went there in early spring and only saw a pond of withered lotus, it still has a unique charm.
It is a private garden built by Liu Yong, the richest man in Nanxun, commonly known as one of the "Four Elephants" in the late Qing Dynasty.
Carp playing in the lotus pond is a wonderful scene in the garden.
Xiaolianzhuang is located near Wangu Bridge in the southwest of the ancient town. It was built in the 11th year of the Guangxu reign. The garden is centered on a lotus pond and is divided into two parts: the inner and outer gardens.
The inner garden is dominated by mountains, inspired by Du Mu's poem "Mountain Travels," where ponds are carved, reeds are planted, and rocks are piled to create a mountain. The outer circle, centered around a lotus pond, measures approximately ten acres, earning it the nickname "Jiangnan Little Lotus Village" and the "Ten-Acre Lotus Pond." When the lotus flowers bloom, the ten acres of blossoms are truly spectacular.
Xiaolianzhuang is a classical Han Chinese garden built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. It was the private garden, ancestral temple, and almshouse of Liu Yong (Zhi Guanjing), the richest man in Nanxun. Located west of Wangu Bridge in Nanzha, Nanxun Town, it faces Queqiao Creek to the north and faces the Jiayetang Library across the river to the west. This is also known as Liu Luoguo's residence. We arrived late, so we didn't go inside.
The most beautiful time of Xiaolianzhuang is of course the summer when the lotus flowers are in full bloom, so friends who want to visit should seize the opportunity~~~
I took two tour guides when I went there, but because of the season, I didn't feel its charm.
Xiaolianzhuang is a classical Han Chinese garden built during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. It was the private garden, ancestral temple, and almshouse of Liu Yong (Zhi Guanjing), the richest man in Nanxun. It is located west of Wangu Bridge in Nanzha, Nanxun Town, facing Queqiao Creek to the north and across the river from the Jiayetang Library to the west.
Overall it's pretty good, an ancient city with a lot of history, the story of the Four Elephants of Jiangnan
Xiaolianzhuang, as its name suggests, must be a place where lotus flowers bloom. Even in early spring, the lotus leaves are still withered, a bit disappointing. But I can still imagine the beauty of a pond filled with emerald lotuses reflecting the sky in midsummer. Xiaolianzhuang was considered the Liu family's back garden and the site of their ancestral temple, which gives you an idea of the Liu family's prominent status at the time.
If you go in summer, it will be more beautiful, the lotus will wither.
Since the name contains "Lotus", a lotus pond is a natural necessity. The actual garden of Xiaolianzhuang is also centered around the lotus pond, surrounded by winding paths, corridors, pavilions, terraces, gardens and rockery. From the travelogue "Lu Zai Tu - Dreaming of Nanxun"
Xiaolianzhuang. Also known as "Liu Garden", it is a private garden built by Liu Yong (not the prime minister Liu Luoguo), the richest man among the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun in the late Qing Dynasty. It was named Xiaolianzhuang because of its admiration for the Lotus Manor built by Zhao Mengfu, a great calligrapher and painter from Huzhou in the late Yuan Dynasty.
Midsummer is the best season to see lotus. The lotus in Jiangnan has its own unique charm, elegant and refined, gentle and humble.
It's quite big and it takes some time to walk around. The lotus has passed its blooming period, but there are still a few scattered plants. It would be great if they were all in bloom.
This is the place built by Liu Yong in admiration of Zhao Mengfu's Lotus Villa in Huzhou. The water in the pond is rippling gently, and it feels very comfortable to wander in it; but when you see the two words "retreat and cultivate", you get a different feeling. Even if it is "retreat", it is "cultivation" rather than "rest".
It's not the best among Jiangnan gardens, but it's good enough to be here.
It's very beautiful. The lotus pond is very big and there are many lotus flowers.
Xiaolianzhuang, also known as "Liu Garden," was the private garden of Liu Yong, the richest man among the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun. It's well worth a visit.
What a big private house, what a big garden. If the lotus blooms, it will be very beautiful.
This private garden and ancestral temple was built over 40 years by three generations of Liu Yong, the wealthy man in Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty. Construction began in 1885 and was completed in 1924. This Liu Yong—not Liu Luoguo (Liu Yong), the Prime Minister—was named Xiaolianzhuang after his admiration for the Lotus Manor built by the Yuan and Song Dynasty calligrapher and painter Zhao Mengfu.
Located west of Wangu Bridge in the southwest of Nanxun Town, Xiaolianzhuang was a private garden built by Liu Yong, one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty. Construction began in 1885, the 11th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. After 40 years of management by three generations of the Liu family, it was completed in 1924 by Liu Yong's eldest grandson, Liu Chenggan. Spanning 27 mu (approximately 16 acres), it was named Xiaolianzhuang after the Lotus Manor built by Zhao Mengfu, a renowned calligrapher and painter from Huzhou during the late Yuan Dynasty. The garden covers an area of 17,399 square meters. Originally intended as a temporary burial site for Liu's family, construction began in 1885, with the planting of flowers and willows around the pond, the replanting of lotus flowers, the arrangement of terraces and pavilions, and the construction of a family temple. This took 40 years, and was completed in 1924.
The largest scenic area is suitable for visiting in all seasons. Every season is sure to be beautiful.
Because I just went there in the cold winter, I only saw the remaining lotus leaves, but I still think it is beautiful! The private garden is compact and low-key and luxurious.
You need to buy a ticket to enter, the lotus flowers in February are all withered...
I think this is the back garden of the Liu family. The back garden of the wealthy family is quite grand, with the archway bestowed by the emperor and so on.
Very nice water garden, a combination of Chinese and Western styles, very beautiful
The private garden of Liu Yong, the leader of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun, is antique and well-arranged. Unfortunately, it is the wrong season and all the lotus flowers in the pond have withered. It should be more charming in summer.
One regret is that I didn't see the lotus pond full of flowers, but I imagine it would be beautiful. I will definitely go and see it next time when the lotus flowers bloom.
This attraction left a deep impression on me. The scenery was beautiful. Unfortunately, I came at the wrong season and didn't see the lotus flowers in the pond.
Liu Yong's private residence is indeed very large and has a great environment. If he had such a garden now, he would definitely be a wealthy man among the wealthy.
The lotus flowers are in bloom, and it will probably be more beautiful. The door of the lotus in Xiaolianzhuang is beautiful.
Xiaolianzhuang, located not far from the entrance, is a great place to start your visit. It's the private garden of Liu Yong, one of the Four Elephants of Nanxun. As its name suggests, Xiaolianzhuang's most beautiful feature is its lotus flowers. This classic Chinese garden boasts an elegant layout, with its composition and framing being the hallmarks. Admission is 100 yuan, but booking online costs 80 yuan. While the area can be quite noisy due to the relatively high number of tour groups, it's generally considered a decent garden. Four stars.
Hush, in the secluded path, how about we compose a couplet of poetry and show some elegance?^_-
Xiaolianzhuang is a classical garden complex built during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. It was the private garden, ancestral temple, and almshouse of Liu Yong (Zhi Guanjing), the richest man in Nanxun. Located west of Wangu Bridge in Nanzha, Nanxun Town, it faces Partridge Creek to the north and faces the Jiayetang Library across the river to the west.
Covering an area of 17,399 square meters, it was originally the temporary burial grounds for the Liu family. Beginning in 1885, during the 11th year of the Guangxu reign, the area was replanted with willows and lotus flowers, terraces and pavilions were laid out, and the construction of a family temple began. This took forty years and was completed in 1924. The area was named "Xiao Lian Zhuang" after Zhao Mengfu, a calligrapher and painter from the Yuan Dynasty, who visited Lian Hua Zhuang in Huzhou.