
Yefang Garden, named after the line "wild flowers bloom and emit a subtle fragrance" from the renowned "The Drunken Pavilion" by the great Northern Song Dynasty writer Ouyang Xiu, was constructed in 1985. The garden, covering approximately 4,200 square meters, is the first attraction upon entering the north gate of the Langya Mountain Scenic Area. Because its architecture and vegetation, both reminiscent of Suzhou gardens, are arranged in a unique pattern, the locals of Chuzhou often refer to it as the "Bonsai Garden," later renamed the "Langya Ink Garden." Key buildings include the Shangxin Studio, the Bonsai Corridor, the Glass Greenhouse, the Yongxia Pavilion, and the Chenxi Hall. Integrating the architectural layout, the scenic area also features ponds, bridges, pavilions, and rockery, along with plantings of osmanthus, maple, redbud, and hydrangea. The overall layout is characterized by a balanced arrangement of dense and dense plantings, creating a fragrant and pleasant landscape year-round.
With the vigorous development of tourism in Langya Mountain, Yefang Garden, which has been in operation for 26 years, has become outdated with its original buildings and furnishings, its vegetation themes degraded and complex, and its tourism supporting infrastructure such as park roads in disrepair. These conditions can no longer meet the development of the scenic area and the needs of tourists. To this end, under the unified leadership of the municipal party committee, municipal government and Langya Mountain Tourist Area Construction Command, and in accordance with the overall requirements of the "Five Cities Joint Creation" to strive to create a "provincial civilized city", "provincial garden city", "provincial sanitary city", "China's excellent tourist city" and "national environmental protection model city" for the construction of "Greater Chucheng", and in combination with the "Green Chuzhou Action" initiated by the Chuzhou City Garden Creation Office, the Langya Mountain Management Committee decided to implement a comprehensive improvement and renovation project for the old area of the Langya Mountain Tourist Area while building and developing the new Langya Mountain Tourist Area, focusing on the greening of vacant land and greening of mountains in the core scenic area, improving the level of garden greening and the forest coverage rate of the scenic area, recreating the characteristics of Langya Mountain's "different scenery in four seasons", and realizing green, flowers, fragrance and fruit in all seasons, and comprehensively improving the image and taste of the old scenic area.
The subtropical monsoon climate makes it a perfect place for a trip all year round. Yefang Garden boasts osmanthus, maple, redbud, hydrangea, and other trees, offering greenery, flowers, fragrance, and fruit year-round. It's a great summer escape.
Shangxinzhai, Bonsai Corridor, Glass Greenhouse, Yongxiaxuan and Chenxitang, etc.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
No tickets required, included in the Langya Mountain ticket
8:00-18:00
Yefang Garden is a traditional Chinese garden known for its rich history and beautiful landscaping. It was originally built as a private residence during the Qing Dynasty and later opened to the public. The garden is significant for showcasing traditional Chinese garden design, with its picturesque settings, pavilions, and waterways.
Yefang Garden is located in Chuzhou, Anhui Province. It can be easily accessed by taxi or bus from the city center. There are no direct metro lines, but buses to the garden are frequent. Visitors can also walk to the garden if staying nearby.
Yefang Garden is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the gardens are most colorful.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥40-¥60. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through various ticket platforms. It's advisable to buy tickets online during peak seasons to avoid long lines.
While it's not mandatory to book tickets in advance, it's recommended to do so during weekends or public holidays, at least 1-2 days before your visit to ensure availability.
It takes approximately 1-2 hours to explore the main areas of the garden, depending on your pace. If you want to enjoy the surroundings and relax, consider spending more time, especially by the lakeside.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be offered in English and Chinese, depending on availability at the entrance. It's advisable to check when you arrive.
Start by entering through the main gate and explore the central pavilion. Then, walk towards the lakeside, taking time to enjoy the floral displays. Finish your visit by exploring the pavilions and bridges in the eastern part of the garden.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not regularly available. However, special cultural events or exhibitions may be held occasionally, especially during Chinese festivals.
The garden can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or on weekdays, particularly Tuesday through Thursday.
Basic facilities are available, including clean toilets and water fountains. There are small food stalls selling snacks and drinks near the entrance. Rest areas are scattered throughout the garden for visitors to relax.
The garden is mostly accessible for elderly and children, with paved paths and seating areas. However, some areas may have stairs or uneven ground. It is recommended to inquire at the entrance about specific accessibility needs for disabled visitors.
Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted for purchases. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it's best to use mobile payment apps or carry cash.
Vegetarian options are available in most local restaurants, but vegan and halal food options may be limited. It's advisable to check with restaurants beforehand if you have dietary preferences.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance where visitors can buy traditional Chinese crafts, such as tea sets, calligraphy brushes, and silk products.
After visiting, taxis or local buses can take you to other nearby attractions or the city center. For more flexibility, renting a car is also a good option.