Wu Daotai Mansion

Introducing Wu Daotai Mansion

Wu Daotai Mansion, also known as Wu Daotai Residence, is located on Taizhou Road, Yangzhou. It was designated as a municipal cultural relic protection unit in 1982.

Wu Yinsun passed the imperial examination in the fifth year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1879). In the fourteenth year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu, while serving as the governor of Ningshao, Zhejiang, he hired a top craftsman from Zhejiang to come to Yangzhou to build a private residence. The entire residence is a large rectangular courtyard, 80 meters long from east to west and 70 meters wide from north to south, with a construction area of ​​2,950 square meters. There were originally 99.5 rooms, but now there are 86 left.

The mansion is large in scale, exquisite in structure, delicate in carving and well preserved. It is based on Zhejiang construction rules and combines the traditional architectural style of Yangzhou. It is a unique residential complex among Yangzhou's ancient buildings.

Along the central axis are the entrance hall, Western-style building, Vermillion Bird Hall, Cooling Hall, fish pond, and sea-measuring building. The western portion houses the inner residence, with three courtyards, front and back, surrounded by corridors and separated by a broad stone patio. The entrance hall features a carved brick gatehouse with two large circular stone hubs, creating a grand and imposing presence. The fish pond, constructed of rectangular granite, is surrounded by inlaid iron railings and connects to the waters outside the residence.

The fish pond is the largest in Yangzhou.

Climate and best time to travel

Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate

Best time to travel: All seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Stone Drum

After entering the main gate and walking a few dozen steps west, you will reach the gate hall. On either side of the gate hall stand stone drums as tall as a person, supported by stone bases carved with cirrus clouds.

Youfu Reading Hall

Located on the ground floor of the Cehai Building, it symbolizes the blessing of reading. Many descendants of the Wu family benefited from reading, including Wu Zhengzhu, a renowned playwright; Wu Zhengjian, a renowned medical biologist; Wu Zhengkai, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a renowned nuclear physicist; and Wu Zhengyi, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a renowned plant taxonomist. It is rare in China for a single family to produce so many outstanding individuals.

Xianglang West

A central gate leads to the fire lane, which is two meters wide. According to ancient architecture expert Zhao Lichang, the walls below the eaves are constructed with brick strips with joisted joints, while above the eaves are hollow joist walls with a "one-dou, one-hu" joint pattern. Iron balusters are arranged at intervals on the walls, reflecting the Yang style. At the end of the fire lane was a garden, now destroyed. Two existing houses to the west of the fire lane, each with seven rooms in a row (actually five visible and seven hidden), feature curved roofs and corridors on all four sides of the courtyard, and are richly decorated with exquisite wood and stone carvings. The large, curved, cantilevered corner beams extending from the four corners, and the intricately carved wooden flower baskets hanging from them, are said to be of great architectural research value.

Recommended play time: 1-2 hours

Tickets

Peak season (March-November) adult ticket: 40 yuan

Off-season (December-February) adult ticket: 20 yuan

(Specific prices are subject to the regulations of the scenic area)

Attraction opening hours

7:15-17:30

(The specific time is subject to the regulations of the scenic spot)

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Most Popular FAQs for Wu Daotai Mansion

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

The Wu Daotai Mansion was built during the Qing Dynasty and was the residence of Wu Daotai, a high-ranking official. The mansion represents the luxurious lifestyle of the Qing aristocracy and is an important historical landmark in Yangzhou. It reflects the traditional architecture and cultural significance of the period.

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

Wu Daotai Mansion is located in the heart of Yangzhou, Jiangsu. You can reach the site by taking a taxi or a bus from Yangzhou city center. The closest bus stop is near the mansion, and it's a short walk from there. There is no metro system in Yangzhou, but taxis and buses are readily available.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The mansion is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays or early mornings to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

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

The entrance fee for Wu Daotai Mansion is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and it is recommended to buy them on-site as there are no online booking requirements for general admission.

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

No advanced booking is required for general admission. However, if you're visiting during peak tourist seasons, it might be helpful to check for availability online or contact the attraction directly a few days in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You will need about 1-2 hours to explore the Wu Daotai Mansion fully, including the garden and the historical exhibits inside the mansion.

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

• The mansion's main hall, which showcases the traditional Qing Dynasty architecture.
• The beautiful gardens surrounding the mansion, featuring classical Chinese landscaping.
• The historical artifacts and exhibits that give insight into the life of Wu Daotai and his family.

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

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and there are occasional tours in English. Audio guides may also be available at the entrance in multiple languages, including English.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include the main hall of the mansion, the traditional garden spaces with their elegant pathways, and the panoramic views from the second floor of the mansion overlooking the garden.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by entering the mansion and exploring the main hall and the rooms on the first floor. Then, walk through the garden, which is a relaxing place to enjoy the surroundings. End your visit at the second floor for an overview of the mansion’s interior and its surroundings.

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

Night visits or light shows are not available at Wu Daotai Mansion, as the attraction closes by 5:00 PM. However, special tours may be arranged for groups or during festivals, so it is worth checking in advance.

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

The mansion can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, particularly in the mornings or late afternoons.

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

There are clean public restrooms available. There are no food facilities inside the mansion, but you can find small shops and cafes nearby in the city. Rest areas are also available within the garden area.

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

The mansion has some accessible pathways, but the historical architecture means some areas may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges. The garden is relatively easy to navigate for children and elderly visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is rarely needed, as mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted throughout the attraction. Credit cards may also be accepted at the ticket counters and nearby shops.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are local Chinese restaurants within walking distance, offering regional specialties such as Yangzhou fried rice.
• Small cafes are nearby where you can enjoy tea and snacks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available in most of the nearby restaurants. Halal food may be found in some restaurants that cater to Muslim visitors.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Yangzhou Marriott Hotel (luxury option)
• Jinling Hotel Yangzhou (mid-range option)
• Budget hotels are available in the city center, such as the GreenTree Inn Yangzhou.

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

• Slender West Lake, which is a beautiful area for walking and boating.
• The Daming Temple, a historic Buddhist site located nearby.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops nearby where you can purchase traditional Chinese crafts, including tea sets, paintings, and calligraphy items.

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

Taxis, buses, or ride-sharing services like Didi are available for onward travel. The bus station and railway station are both easily accessible from the mansion by taxi.