Xingzhi Garden

Introducing Xingzhi Park

Xingzhi Garden was built to commemorate Tao Xingzhi, a renowned modern Chinese educator and patriotic scholar. The garden's main structure is the Tao Xingzhi Memorial Hall, a complex of buildings that evokes the characteristics of Huizhou folk residences and Suzhou gardens. Xingzhi Garden is located at the foot of Lao Mountain in Xiaozhuang, a suburb of Nanjing, on the site of the Xiaozhuang Normal School, founded by Tao Xingzhi. The garden was built to commemorate Tao Xingzhi, a renowned modern Chinese educator and patriotic scholar. Key attractions within the garden include the Tao Xingzhi Memorial Hall, Tao Xingzhi's Tomb, the Xiaozhuang Martyrs' Monument, the Xingzhi Pavilion, the Martyrs' Pavilion, and the Adult Memorial Forest.

The Tao Xingzhi Memorial Hall, the main building in Xingzhi Park, is located at No. 20, Jixiang'an, Xiaozhuang Village, outside the Central Gate. This memorial museum hosts year-round exhibitions on Tao Xingzhi's life and deeds and is managed by Xiaozhuang Normal School. Originally built in 1951 upon the reopening of Xiaozhuang Normal School, the Tao Xingzhi Memorial Hall was attached to the school campus. It houses a collection of Tao's photographs, manuscripts, posthumous writings, and personal belongings.

Climate and best time to travel

The subtropical humid climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The cement roof, imitating thatch, exudes a simple and elegant elegance. The 25-meter-tall gatehouse is topped by two bronze plaques: "Li Palace" inscribed by Zhang Jinfu and "Tao Xingzhi Memorial Hall" inscribed by Lu Dingyi. In the entrance hall stands a full-length bronze statue of Tao Xingzhi, with Mao Zedong's 13 golden characters in the background: "Mr. Tao Xingzhi, the Great People's Educator." The museum houses two exhibition halls, each divided into eight sections: the adolescence period, the period of promoting educational reform, the rural education period, the universal education period, the period from national crisis education to wartime education, the comprehensive education period, the democratic education period, and the commemoration and learning from Tao Xingzhi.

It is recommended to play for 3 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Xingzhi Garden

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Xingzhi Garden is a traditional Chinese garden known for its classical design, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. It showcases the elements of Chinese landscaping, including rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and carefully curated plants, offering insight into the cultural significance of gardens in Chinese history.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Xingzhi Garden is located in the Nanjing city center. It can be reached by taking a taxi or public transport such as buses or the metro. The nearest metro station is Xuanwu Gate Station, from which it's about a 15-minute walk.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The garden is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, as the garden is quieter and the lighting is perfect for photography. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for a visit, as the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is approximately 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via the Nanjing tourism website or local tourism apps.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for most visits, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays. Booking a few days in advance can save time, especially if you’re visiting with a group.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore the garden at a relaxed pace, taking time to enjoy the landscape, take photographs, and admire the architecture.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The main highlights include the central pond with lotus flowers, the rockeries, the various pavilions, and the ancient trees. The classic Chinese architecture and the peaceful surroundings are key attractions.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours in Mandarin are available, and audio guides in Chinese and English can be rented at the entrance for a self-guided experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are around the central pond, near the pavilions with the backdrop of traditional Chinese architecture, and at the rockeries with views of the whole garden. Sunrise or sunset offers beautiful lighting for photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start from the main entrance and explore the pavilions near the central pond. Then, move to the rockeries and follow the winding paths around the garden. Conclude with a peaceful walk around the lotus pond.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Xingzhi Garden. The garden is best enjoyed during daylight hours to fully appreciate the landscape and architecture.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The garden can get busy during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays or in the early morning hours on weekends.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are no food stalls inside the garden, so it’s a good idea to bring water or snacks. Souvenir shops are located near the entrance for small gifts and local crafts.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The garden has some areas that may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility due to the uneven terrain. It’s accessible for children and elderly visitors, though some pathways may be steeper than others.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted at the garden. It’s also advisable to carry some cash, as not all smaller vendors may accept cards.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no restaurants inside the garden, but there are several cafes and restaurants in the nearby Xuanwu district, offering local cuisine and tea houses.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some of the nearby restaurants. Halal food options are limited but can be found in some local eateries within Nanjing city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near Xingzhi Garden, ranging from budget to mid-range. Some options include Nanjing Xuanwu Hotel and the Jinling Hotel, which are a short distance away.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include Xuanwu Lake, Nanjing Museum, and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge. All of these can easily be combined into a day trip, making it a great area for sightseeing.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops near the garden entrance offering traditional Chinese crafts, artwork, postcards, and local snacks. Popular souvenirs include Chinese silk products and handcrafted tea sets.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the garden, you can take a taxi or public transport back to Nanjing city center. The metro and buses are the most convenient options for further exploring the city.