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Explore the beautiful landscapes of Liyuan, known for its scenic gardens, traditional Chinese architecture, and serene environment. Take a leisurely boat ride on the nearby lake, walk through the lush gardens, and enjoy the tranquility of the area. It’s also an excellent spot for photography, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Liyuan Garden is located on the shore of the beautiful Li Lake in Wuxi City and is one of the main attractions of the "Taihu Lake" national key scenic spot.
Covering 123 mu (approximately two-fifths of its total area is water), Li Lake is renowned for its waterscapes. Originally known as Qi Lake and Wuli Lake, it is said that during the Spring and Autumn Period, Fan Li, a minister of the State of Yue, and his concubine Xi Shi went boating here. The lake is named after the man, and the park after the lake. In the early years of the Republic of China, Yu Xunzhen, a native of Qingqi Village, created the "Eight Scenic Spots of Qingqi" on the lakeside, earning it the nickname "Area of Beautiful Mountains and Waters."
From 1927 to 1936, fellow villagers Wang Yuqing and his son, with the help of Yu, used the original foundation to build Liyuan.
In 1930, Wang's relative Chen Meifang built "Fishing Village" on its west side, also known as "Sai Li Garden".
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Liyuan Corridor was expanded in 1952 and connected to the fishing village;
Around 1980, the "Layered Waves and Shadows" new area was expanded and built. It is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a key cultural relic protection unit in Jiangsu Province.
Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
Best travel time: March to May, September to November
hall
This is a typical Jiangnan style "Shikumen" building. Originally the main gate to a fishing village, it was rebuilt several times and became the main entrance to Liyuan Garden. It is three bays wide and nine bays deep, with a double-sloped green tile roof, square brick cladding, and a Jinshan stone skirting. The door lintel is inscribed in gold: "Liyuan." An octagonal doorway opens into a hidden corridor at the back wall, with a moon-shaped opening at the end, providing entry to the garden.
Four Seasons Pavilion
The Four Seasons Pavilions were built in 1954. They all have identical designs, with yellow roofs and red columns. They have seating areas and backrests on three sides, and colorful paintings of seasonal flowers between the beams. Plum blossoms are planted next to the Spring Pavilion, oleanders next to the Summer Pavilion, osmanthus flowers next to the Autumn Pavilion, and wintersweet flowers next to the Winter Pavilion.
Thousand Steps Corridor
Located in the eastern part of Liyuan, this 289-meter-long corridor faces the lake. Construction began in 1927 and was completed in 1952 as a link between the old Liyuan and the fishing village. The long corridor curves along the waterfront, with one side leaning against the wall, creating a semi-enclosed structure. The walls are covered with lattice windows, constructed with uniform Chinese grey tiles. Each of the 89 windows (80 remaining) features a unique pattern, imbued with the unique characteristics of Chinese architectural craftsmanship.
Spring and Autumn Pavilion
Standing in the center, it derives its name from the story of Fan Li and Xi Shi during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. The three-story pavilion, with its soaring eaves and pointed corners, is the tallest structure in Liyuan. A plaque inscribed by Liu Haisu hangs in front of the pavilion, flanked by couplets: "Falling flowers and flowing water, an eternal dream; heavy makeup and lightly applied, a stunning beauty." Bronze statues adorn the ground floor: Fan Li contemplating the lake and mountains, Xi Shi carrying a basket to wash her silk. Teahouses are located on the middle and upper floors. From the vantage point, one can admire the vast lake, the serene clouds and mountains, the swaying greenery, the looming pavilions, and a dazzling display of beauty.
Recommended play time: 3-4 hours
Scenic spot ticket: 20 yuan
35 yuan combined ticket (includes a 30-minute cruise on Taili Lake on an antique boat)
35 yuan combined ticket (including a four-minute boat tour)
Annual ticket: 50 yuan/year
07:00-17:30 (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Lihu Lake Night Cruise: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July to September from 18:00 to 21:30
Liyuan is a historical garden in Wuxi, Jiangsu, known for its blend of natural beauty and classical Chinese architecture. It has been a place of cultural importance and leisure for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse of traditional Chinese garden design.
Liyuan is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. You can reach it by taxi or bus from Wuxi city center. The nearest metro station is Wuxi East Station, followed by a short bus ride or walk to the garden.
Liyuan is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom.
The entrance fee is around 40 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via local ticket platforms.
It is advisable to book tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons or weekends to avoid long lines. Booking 1-2 days ahead is generally sufficient.
You’ll need about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore Liyuan fully, depending on how much time you spend enjoying the gardens and scenic spots.
Key highlights include the tranquil lakes, the classical architecture of pavilions, and the beautiful pathways lined with traditional Chinese trees and plants. Don’t miss the bridges and scenic spots offering excellent views of the surrounding nature.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides in both Chinese and English are offered for an additional fee.
The best viewpoints for photography include the bridges over the lake, the reflection of the pavilions in the water, and panoramic views from the top of the hill in the garden.
Start at the main entrance and take a leisurely stroll through the gardens. Visit the central pavilion for the best views, then explore the smaller pavilions and bridges. End with a boat ride on the lake to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows. Special tours may be available for group bookings or educational purposes, but they need to be arranged in advance.
The garden can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the morning when it opens.
The garden has clean toilets, rest areas, and a small shop selling souvenirs. There are no full-service restaurants, but small food stalls offer snacks and refreshments.
The attraction is wheelchair accessible and suitable for elderly and children. There are ramps and paved paths throughout the garden, making it easy to navigate.
Mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted. Credit cards may also be accepted in some areas, but it’s a good idea to have cash as a backup.
There are a few small local restaurants and cafes near Liyuan offering traditional Chinese meals and snacks. For more options, visit Wuxi city center, just a short distance away.
Some nearby restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. Halal food may be more limited, but it’s available at certain local eateries in Wuxi city center.
There are several hotels near Liyuan, including mid-range options like Wuxi Grand Hotel and budget-friendly choices in the Wuxi city center, about 10–15 minutes away by car.
Nearby attractions include the Wuxi Grand Canal, Taihu Lake, and the famous Nanchang Temple. These sites can easily be combined for a day trip around Wuxi.
Yes, there is a small souvenir shop selling traditional Chinese crafts, including tea sets, silk products, and miniature versions of the garden’s architecture.
Public transportation options, such as buses and taxis, are the easiest ways to continue your trip. If you’re planning to explore further, consider using the metro or renting a car for more flexibility.
