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Visit the beautiful Plum Garden, especially during the plum blossom season in early spring. You can enjoy walking along the garden’s paths, taking in the views of the blossoms and surrounding scenery, and experiencing the traditional Chinese garden design.
The Plum Garden is located on the southern slopes of Dongshan and Hushan Mountains in the western suburbs of Wuxi, 7 kilometers from the city center and 1.5 kilometers from Taihu Lake. The garden, covered in plum trees, is a renowned destination for plum blossom viewing in Jiangnan. It is a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, and a National Key Park. The garden's designers, taking into account the terrain and the unique characteristics of the garden, used plum trees to decorate the mountain, planting plum trees against the mountain. The plum trees are beautiful because of the mountain, and the mountain is secluded because of the plum trees, creating a unique and picturesque setting. The garden boasts over 5,500 plum trees of various varieties. Other scenic spots within the garden include Tianxin Terrace, Xixin Spring, Qingfen Pavilion, and Zhaohe Pavilion, offering breathtaking views from the top.
Wuxi Plum Garden was founded by renowned industrialists Rong Zongjing and Rong Desheng, brothers, with the mission of "spreading fragrance throughout the world." Overlooking the misty waters of Taihu Lake and nestled against the lush green screen of Mount Long, the garden is nestled against the mountain, adorned with plum blossoms. The interplay of near and far mountains and distant water creates a natural landscape. In early spring, the plum blossoms bloom, creating a "sea of fragrant snow," a rich, intoxicating fragrance that is truly captivating.
The Plum Garden is 7 kilometers from downtown Wuxi, nestled between Dongshan, Hushan, and Hengshan in the western suburbs. The garden faces the vast expanse of Taihu Lake and is backed by the nine peaks of Longshan Mountain. Winding flower paths frame delicate lakeside rocks. Elegant pavilions and towers dot the fragrant sea, each graceful and charming. Every early spring, the plum blossoms on the hillside burst into bloom, defying the cold. The vibrant green of the mountains creates a breathtaking spectacle, making it a renowned destination for plum blossom viewing in the south of the Yangtze River.
Climate: Subtropical monsoon season
Best travel time: February to March
Recommended places to visit:
Nianqu Tower
The Nianqu Pagoda is the centerpiece and landmark of the Plum Garden. Built in 1930 by brothers Rong Zongjing and Rong Desheng in memory of their mother, Madam Shi, the octagonal, three-story pagoda stands 18 meters tall.
This pagoda was built to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the death of Shi, the mother of Rong Zongjing and Rong Desheng. Initially, it was proposed to be named "Nianci Pagoda." Coincidentally, Mr. Qian Zhenxun was visiting the Plum Garden to admire the plum blossoms, and Mr. Rong asked him to write a tribute to the pagoda. Mr. Qian suggested to Mr. Rong Desheng that the pagoda be renamed "Nianqu." He suggested that the name be changed to "Nianqu," citing the line "Alas, my mother's heart ached, bearing me with painstaking care" from the Book of Songs' Xiaoya (Book of Songs), as a nod to his parents' remembrance. He also cited the line "My heart ached, bearing me with painstaking care, bearing me with painstaking care" from the Book of Songs' Kaifeng (Book of Songs), as a nod to his mother's memory.
Huaxi Scenic Area
Huaxi Scenic Area features over 100 varieties of exotic flowers and plants, and boasts a magnificent rock formation. Shaded by trees, the area intersperses with towering boulders, while gurgling water reflects the blue sky and white clouds, blending seamlessly with the surrounding mountains. This scenic area skillfully blends Eastern and Western environmental art, opening its heart like the earth, captivating countless travelers. It invites visitors to experience the joy and happiness of returning to nature, to savor the timeless and unwavering spirit of the mountains and rocks, and to experience the inspiration that a connection between the human heart and the rocks, and ultimately, between the human heart and all things, is a connection that resonates with the designer's ingenuity.
Tianxin Terrace
Tianxin Terrace, built in 1914, is named after the idea that "plum blossoms are the heart of heaven." Three peaks of Taihu Lake rock stand in front of the terrace, resembling the Chinese characters for "happiness, wealth, and longevity," earning it the name "Three Stars Rock." South of Tianxin Terrace lies a peak of Taihu Lake rock known as the "Mi Xiangyang Worship Stone." Legend has it that this rock was part of the garden of the renowned Song Dynasty calligrapher Mi Fu while he was working in Dantu. Mi Fu, known for his love of stones, developed a fetish for them, leading to the name "Mi Xiangyang Worship Stone."
Recommended playing time: 5 hours
70 yuan
6:00~18:00
Plum Garden in Wuxi is famous for its plum trees, which bloom in early spring, attracting visitors to witness the beautiful display of flowers. The garden holds cultural significance in Chinese tradition, symbolizing purity, perseverance, and renewal.
The Plum Garden is located in the southeastern part of Wuxi, Jiangsu. It can be easily accessed by taxi from the city center or by public bus. The closest metro station is Wuxi East Railway Station, which is about 20 minutes away by taxi.
The garden is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the plum blossom season, typically in late February to early March, when the flowers are in full bloom.
The entrance fee is around 40-50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and some online platforms also offer tickets for advance purchase.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak bloom season to avoid long lines. Booking 1-2 days in advance is typically sufficient.
It takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore the Plum Garden, especially if you take time to admire the flowers, walk through the garden paths, and relax in the tranquil environment.
The main highlight is the plum blossoms, which cover the garden in spring. There are also traditional pavilions and beautiful ponds that add to the serenity of the garden.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English may be available on request, though it’s best to check in advance.
The best photography spots are near the plum trees during the bloom, especially near the ponds and traditional pavilions. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photos.
Start at the main entrance, then follow the paths to the plum blossom areas. Take a leisurely stroll around the ponds and visit the pavilions along the way. Finish with a relaxing stop at one of the tea houses inside the garden.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Plum Garden. However, special cultural events or exhibitions may be held during peak bloom season, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance.
The garden can be crowded during weekends, holidays, and plum blossom season. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays or during non-peak times in early spring.
The garden has rest areas, toilets, and small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. There are also tea houses where visitors can relax and enjoy local refreshments.
The garden is generally accessible for elderly and children, with paved paths and rest areas. However, some areas may be challenging for wheelchair users due to the garden's natural layout.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Cash is also accepted, but it’s better to use mobile payments for convenience.
There are small tea houses inside the Plum Garden offering snacks and drinks. Nearby, you’ll find a variety of local restaurants serving Wuxi’s famous dishes, like Wuxi-style spareribs.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available inside the garden at the tea houses. Halal food is limited, but some restaurants in Wuxi may offer halal options.
Nearby accommodations include the Grand Park Wuxi, a luxury hotel near the garden, as well as budget-friendly options in Wuxi city center.
Nearby attractions include the Wuxi Museum, Taihu Lake, and Nanchan Temple. These can be easily combined in a day trip from the Plum Garden.
Yes, there are small souvenir shops inside the garden selling items like plum blossom-themed crafts, local tea, and traditional Chinese trinkets.
From the Plum Garden, taxis or public buses can take you to nearby attractions like Taihu Lake or the city center. Wuxi Railway Station is about 20 minutes away by car.
