
He Garden, formerly known as Jixiao Mountain Villa, is located at 66 Xuningmen Street in Yangzhou City . It is a masterpiece among Yangzhou's private gardens and was designated one of the first batch of National Key Parks, along with Beijing's Summer Palace and Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden. Renowned scholar Yu Qiuyu has stated that in the history of Chinese garden design, the " Pianshi Mountain House " at He Garden is the most admired .
The most outstanding architectural feature of He Garden is its 1,500- meter-long double-story corridor, which enjoys the reputation of " the best corridor in the world " . It is unique in Chinese gardens and is called the prototype of China's overpass by experts. The Pianshi Mountain House , " the best mountain in the world " , is the only copy of the stone stacking by the great painter Shi Tao .
Entering He Garden is like stepping into a captivating scroll of history and humanities. Here, the tortuous and hidden spiritual journey of a legendary figure, a bureaucrat, salt merchant, hermit, and educator, is vividly revealed. Here, the life story of the rise and fall of a prominent family as it transitions from feudalism to enlightenment is vividly enacted. Here, a rich and colorful side story of the turbulent modern history of China is vividly unfolded ...
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
October 1st to October 31st , March 1st to May 31st : 45 yuan / person
From January 1 to September 30 , November 1 to February 28 : 30 yuan / person
December 1st to the end of February : 7:30 AM to 5:15 PM
March 1 - May 31 , September 1 - November 30 : 7 : 30-17 : 30
June 1st - August 31st : 7 : 30-18 :00
He Garden is a classical Chinese garden built in the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its intricate design, water features, and traditional landscaping. It serves as a perfect example of Jiangsu's garden culture and is an important site for anyone interested in Chinese horticulture and architectural history.
He Garden is located in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. It is easily accessible by taxi or local buses from the city center. Walking from nearby landmarks like the Slender West Lake is also a pleasant route to reach the garden.
The garden is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the garden is less crowded.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥50. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance or through online platforms for advanced bookings.
Booking tickets in advance is not required but can be helpful during peak seasons or holidays. It's recommended to book at least 1-2 days in advance during busy periods.
It typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to explore He Garden fully, depending on your interest in photography and detailed exploration of the gardens.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available in English and other languages, but it’s recommended to check availability at the entrance.
Some of the best photography spots include the pavilions overlooking the ponds, the stone bridges, and the various landscaped paths throughout the garden. Sunset and sunrise offer great lighting for capturing the serene beauty of the garden.
Start by exploring the central pavilion, then walk around the garden's main pathways leading to the ponds. Afterward, stroll through the rockery areas and end at the tea house for a relaxing break.
He Garden does not typically offer night visits or light shows. Special tours may be available during festivals or certain events, so it’s advisable to check for any announcements in advance.
The garden is generally less crowded on weekdays, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons. Weekends and public holidays tend to attract more visitors.
He Garden is accessible for elderly visitors and children, with paved paths and gentle slopes. However, some areas with rockeries and water features may require assistance for disabled visitors.
Mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely accepted at the garden. Credit cards are accepted in some areas, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the nearby restaurants. Halal food may be harder to find, but there are some places in Yangzhou that cater to these dietary needs.
Souvenir shops near the entrance of He Garden offer traditional Chinese crafts, garden-related items, and local specialties like Yangzhou embroidery.