Yiyuan

Introducing Yiyuan

Yi Garden, located on the south bank of Tuanxi Lake, connects to the Jiunan Scenic Belt to the east and faces the ancient city of Yangxian across the lake. It is a relaxing retreat with a unique ecological environment and beautiful natural scenery. Planning began in early 2003 and was completed in October 2004. With "water" and "greenery" as its primary design elements, and the characteristic "bridge" of Jiangnan water towns as its central theme, Yi Garden embodies the local characteristics of Yixing. It is a modern Jiangnan garden in the classical style, with small bridges and flowing water as its keynote. The two rivers connecting Tuanxi Lake naturally divide the garden into three scenic areas: East, Central, and West. The garden features 18 bridges, 24 pavilions, and a total of 32 scenic spots. Each bridge has its own style, each pavilion has its own shape, creating a rich and diverse landscape with ever-changing views. Through the meticulous design and layout of the garden designers, the garden's natural and cultural landscapes intertwine, blending ancient culture with modern civilization, showcasing its unique cultural charm. It can be said to embody the essence of Jiangnan gardens and capture the beauty of waterside scenery.

Climate and best time to travel

Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate

Best time to travel: All seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended places to visit:

Heshun Bridge

Heshun Bridge is a nine-arch bridge and Hemei Bridge is a covered bridge. Strolling on the embankment connected by Hechun Bridge and Hexu Bridge, you can see nearly 10,000 square meters of red lotus. The double pavilion platform consisting of Shangxin Pavilion and Yuemu Pavilion is one of the best places for viewing.

Hechang Bridge

Hechang Bridge is a single-arch Zhaozhou Bridge, with key attractions including the Yongquan Stone Rock, Feihong Cascading Springs, Zhiyu Pavilion, and Yule Square. Hele Bridge in the Pebble Garden features a nine-arch bridge with a jade belt locking spring, while Heyue Bridge boasts a double-eaved pavilion. Other attractions include Cuihu Boating, Yunxi Tower, the Lakeside View Corridor, Songshan Encouragement Corridor, Zhushan Poetry Stele, and the Eight Diagrams Zodiac Square.

Yunxi Tower

"Yunxi Tower" is 30 meters high and has three floors. On the ground floor, there is a 162-character couplet written by Hu Jue, the magistrate of Yixing County in the Qing Dynasty. The upper couplet praises Yixing's scenic spots and specialties, and the lower couplet praises Yixing's cultural achievements; Songshan Encouragement to Study Corridor collects 18 stories of diligence in learning in China and 4 local stories of Yixing, which showcase Yixing's excellent cultural traditions and simple and down-to-earth style of study since ancient times. It is another patriotic education base for young people in our city; Binhujing Corridor has 8 pavilions of different shapes, which are based on stories of Yixing celebrities, namely Su Pavilion, Zhongsu Pavilion, Wumu Pavilion, Xiaohou Pavilion, Liang Zhu Pavilion, Yuan Gong Pavilion, Lishi Pavilion, and Xudu Pavilion.

Recommended play time: 1 day

Tickets

Children's ticket: 25 yuan per person for children between 1.1m and 1.4m; free of charge for children under 1.1m

Those aged 60-69 with senior citizen ID can enjoy RMB 25 per person, and those aged 70 and above can enjoy free admission.

Attraction opening hours

7:30-21:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Yiyuan

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

Yiyuan is a classical Chinese garden known for its elegant layout, ponds, and traditional architecture. It reflects the traditional garden style of Jiangsu, which combines natural beauty with man-made structures. The garden is an example of how Chinese gardens were used for relaxation, contemplation, and social gatherings.

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

Yiyuan is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu. You can reach the garden by taxi or public transport, including buses that connect major spots in Wuxi. The nearest metro station is a short taxi ride away, and walking from nearby hotels is also convenient.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The garden is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays to avoid crowds. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for a walk around the garden.

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

The entrance fee is typically around 30-50 RMB, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the garden entrance or online through local ticketing websites.

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

Booking in advance is not necessary unless visiting during peak tourist seasons or holidays. It's recommended to book a few days ahead during busy times.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Allow around 1-2 hours to explore the entire garden, depending on how much time you want to spend in each area. If attending a cultural performance or tea ceremony, plan for additional time.

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

Must-see areas include the traditional pavilions, ornamental ponds, and the beautiful bridge that spans the water. Don't miss the tea houses and the rock garden, which are iconic features of the landscape.

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

Guided tours in Mandarin are available, and audio guides in English are also provided. The audio guides offer in-depth information about the garden's history and layout.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best spots for photography are the garden's main bridge, the traditional pavilions, and the scenic pond areas. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the entrance and explore the ponds and bridges, followed by the central pavilions and tea houses. Finish by walking through the rock garden and resting in one of the traditional seating areas to enjoy the tranquility.

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

Night visits are not available, but the garden is sometimes illuminated for special events or during cultural festivals. Check the local event calendar for any special performances or tours during your visit.

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

The garden can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings during weekdays, especially in the off-peak seasons like winter.

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

The garden has basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and a small shop selling souvenirs. There are also food stalls offering light snacks and drinks near the entrance.

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

The garden is mostly accessible to elderly visitors and children, with smooth paths and seating areas. However, some parts of the garden, such as the rock garden, may be challenging for disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted, and credit cards can be used for ticket purchases. Cash is also widely accepted.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are several restaurants and cafes nearby, offering local Jiangsu cuisine, including dumplings and other regional specialties. The garden itself does not have large dining options, but smaller tea houses are available for a quiet break.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food is available at nearby restaurants, and some places may offer halal food options. It's best to check the menu in advance for dietary preferences.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Several hotels are located in central Wuxi, offering easy access to Yiyuan via taxi or public transport. Both budget and mid-range accommodations are available within a short distance of the garden.

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

Nearby attractions include the Nanchan Temple, Taihu Lake, and the Grand Buddha of Wuxi. These sites are easily combined into a day trip from Yiyuan.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops around the garden sell items such as traditional Chinese artwork, tea sets, and local handicrafts like silk products and paper fans.

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

Taxis and buses are readily available, and the Wuxi metro system provides easy access to other parts of the city for continued sightseeing or travel to nearby towns.