
Located south of He Garden in Yangzhou, Pianshan Stone House is a classical garden building dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The rockery is constructed from lake rocks stacked against the walls, with varying heights. The main peak is in the west, where a plum blossom stands. A podocarpus grows on the eastern peak, and both trees are over a century old.
The rockery at Pianshi Mountain House was designed by the Qing Dynasty painter Shitao. A hole in the rockery creates a brilliant moon-like reflection in the water , a truly ingenious arrangement. A mirror on the wall of the corridor by the pond allows visitors on the other side to see flowers reflected in the mirror, hence the nickname " Moon in the Water, Flowers in the Mirror . "
Suitable for all seasons
Suggested playing time: about half an hour
Tickets are included in He Garden
7:30-17:15
Pianshi Mountain House is a traditional Chinese garden and historical site in Yangzhou, dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is known for its well-preserved architecture and its role as a cultural center for scholars, reflecting the aesthetic values of classical Chinese landscaping and design.
Pianshi Mountain House is located in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. It is easily accessible by taxi or public transport. Bus stops nearby provide convenient access, and walking from nearby attractions like the Slender West Lake is also an option.
The Pianshi Mountain House is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is pleasant, and the natural surroundings are at their most beautiful.
The entrance fee for Pianshi Mountain House is typically around 40-50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, and during peak seasons, it is recommended to purchase them in advance via official tourism websites or apps.
It is not strictly necessary to book tickets in advance, but during peak tourist seasons (e.g., national holidays), it is advisable to book tickets at least a day ahead to avoid long queues.
It typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to explore the Pianshi Mountain House and its surrounding gardens, depending on how much time you spend appreciating the architecture and the natural scenery.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin. Some guides may offer basic explanations in English. Audio guides are also available, though they may be limited to Mandarin.
Begin your visit by exploring the main building to admire the architecture. Then, stroll through the gardens, stopping at key features like the pond and rockeries. End your visit at the cultural exhibition hall to learn more about the history of the house.
Night visits are not typically offered at Pianshi Mountain House. However, the site is well-lit in the evenings, and the surrounding area is peaceful for a quiet stroll at dusk.
The site can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or during weekdays, particularly outside of the summer peak season.
The site is mostly accessible, with paved paths for easy walking. Some areas with more natural landscaping may be challenging for those with mobility issues, but there are plenty of rest areas throughout the park.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used at the park for ticket purchases and at food stalls.
Vegetarian options are available at many local restaurants. Vegan and halal options may be limited but can be found in the larger restaurants or by asking the staff.
Souvenir shops in the area offer traditional Chinese crafts, including calligraphy scrolls, local teas, and small handmade items like pottery and jade.