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Visit Plum Garden Hengshan during the spring to witness the stunning plum blossoms in full bloom. Enjoy the serene environment for walking and photography. Explore the traditional architecture within the garden and take a boat ride on the nearby lake.
Wuxi Meiyuan Hengshan Scenic Area is located on the southern slopes of Dongshan and Hushan in the western suburbs of Wuxi. It faces Taihu Lake to the south and Longshan Mountain to the north. Five kilometers from the city center, it enjoys convenient transportation and integrates natural landscapes, cultural relics, rare flowers, garden architecture, and leisure and fitness facilities. Famous for its plum blossoms, the area is planted with plum trees throughout.
It is an important part of the Taihu Lake Scenic Area, a national key scenic spot, a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a national key cultural relic protection unit, and one of the famous plum blossom viewing spots in Jiangnan.
The garden's designers, taking into account the terrain and the unique characteristics of the plum 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. The garden also boasts scenic views, such as Tianxin Terrace, Xixin Spring, Qingfen Pavilion, and Zhaohe Pavilion.
Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
Travel time: All seasons are suitable for travel
Attractions:
1. Xixin Spring
The spring was dug in 1916 and named "Xixin Spring" by Rong Desheng, meaning "cleansing things makes them clean; washing the mind makes them pure." It was dredged again in 1983, and a stone was added to the spring's edge. Professor Chen Junyu, a renowned plum blossom expert, re-inscribed the spring's name. A new inscription, "Xixin Spring Notes," written by Rong Yiren in his youth, is also inscribed on the stone wall.
2. Kaiyuan Temple
It was built in 1930 with funds provided by Mr. Rong Desheng and donations agreed upon by Monk Liangru. It is a very famous temple in Wuxi and is known as the "Little Lingyin" of Wuxi.
3. Nianqu Pagoda
The tower is the highlight of the Plum Garden and its landmark building. Built in 1930, it is a three-story, 18-meter-high tower built by brothers Rong Zongjing and Rong Desheng for their mother, Madam Shi, to commemorate their parents' upbringing.
4. Jixuetang
Built in 1986, this complex features Jiangnan waterside courtyards, with the main building being the Jixue Hall. The stele corridor begins at the pavilion, winds around it, and ends at the terrace. Embedded within the corridor walls are 112 ancient steles, including those inscribed with the Yuhonglou and Zhenshangzhai titles. These steles were purchased by the Rong family in Shandong before the Liberation War.
5. Tianxin Terrace
Built in 1914, the name "Tianxintai" (Three-Star Stone) originates from the idea that "plum blossoms are the heart of heaven." Three peaks of Taihu rock stand in front of the platform, resembling the Chinese characters for "happiness, wealth, and longevity," earning it the name "Three Stars Stone." South of Tianxintai is a peak of Taihu rock known as the "Mi Xiangyang Worship Stone." Legend has it that this stone was part of the garden of the renowned Song Dynasty calligrapher Mi Fu while he was working in Dantu. He was particularly fond of stones, developing a fetish for them, leading to the name "Mi Xiangyang Worship Stone."
6. Huaxi Scenic Area
The stream follows the mountain's terrain, with stone stacking, water management, and landscaping, combining nature with man-made elements to create an ecological landscape in harmony between man and nature. It was completed in 2000.
Play time: 3-5 hours
Plum Garden Hengshan Ticket Price:
Adult ticket: 80 yuan/person
Free Ticket Policy
a. Children under 1.4 meters (inclusive) are free of charge. (Personal residence booklet)
b. Senior citizens aged 60 and above are free of charge (with ID card). (Within Jiangsu Province)
c. Those aged 70 and above are free of charge (with ID card). (Outside Jiangsu Province)
Preferential policies
a. Minors aged 18 to 18 years old (including 18 years old) can enjoy a discount price by presenting their household registration, ID card, or student ID card. (For the above preferential policies and other preferential policies, please refer to the ticket office of the scenic spot for specific policies. You need to purchase them at the scenic spot yourself.)
Opening hours: 6:00-18:00
Plum Garden Hengshan is famous for its historical significance as a traditional Chinese garden. It is known for its centuries-old plum trees, especially the ones that bloom in early spring, symbolizing the beauty and resilience of nature. The garden also showcases the cultural and architectural heritage of the region.
Plum Garden Hengshan is located in the Hengshan area of Wuxi, Jiangsu. You can reach the garden by taking a bus or taxi from the Wuxi city center. Alternatively, if you're already in the Hengshan area, it's accessible by walking.
The garden is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring (March to April) when the plum blossoms are in full bloom. Autumn also offers pleasant weather for a visit.
The entrance fee to Plum Garden Hengshan is around 30-50 RMB, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local ticketing platforms.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, though it is recommended during peak seasons like the plum blossom festival (March-April). You can book tickets a few days ahead if you're visiting during these busy times.
It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the garden thoroughly. If you want to enjoy a more relaxed visit, plan to stay around 3 hours to take in the atmosphere, enjoy photography, and relax by the lake.
The plum blossoms in spring are the main highlight, along with the peaceful lake and traditional Chinese architecture scattered throughout the garden. The garden’s walking paths and quiet corners are perfect for reflection and nature walks.
Guided tours are available, and can be arranged at the entrance. Audio guides are also available in Chinese and English to provide a more in-depth experience of the garden’s history and significance.
The best photography spots are around the plum trees during bloom season, near the lake, and by the traditional Chinese pavilions. The reflection of the trees in the water makes for stunning photos.
Start by walking through the main entrance, explore the plum tree groves, then head towards the lakeside area. Continue to the traditional pavilions and bridges, ending your visit by the main gardens where you can relax.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no light shows. The garden’s natural beauty is best appreciated during daylight hours, especially during the day when the plum trees are in bloom.
The garden can get crowded during the plum blossom season (March-April) and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays during the off-season.
There are basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. A few local food stalls and shops are available near the entrance, offering snacks and souvenirs. Bring your own water, as options inside the garden are limited.
The garden has accessible paths, but some areas with steep terrain might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It's best to stick to the main paths for easier access.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted throughout the area. Cash is not needed but may be useful for small purchases at food stalls.
There are no large restaurants inside the garden, but there are small food stalls near the entrance offering snacks. For more dining options, you can explore the nearby Hengshan area.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants in the Hengshan area. Halal food is more limited but can be found in Wuxi city center.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses near the Hengshan area. For more luxury accommodations, you can look in the Wuxi city center.
Nearby attractions include the famous Taihu Lake, Nanchang Temple, and the Wuxi Museum. These sites can easily be combined into a day trip from Plum Garden Hengshan.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance selling local crafts, plum blossom-themed items, and postcards. Typical souvenirs include tea, local handicrafts, and traditional Chinese decor.
After your visit, taxis, buses, and the metro are convenient options for continuing your trip to other attractions in Wuxi or nearby cities.
