
Pengzu Garden, abbreviated as Pengyuan, is located in the southern suburbs of Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It is backed by Yunlong Mountain to the west, connected to the Martyrs Cemetery to the east, and faces Quanshan Scenic Area to the south. It was built to commemorate Pengzu, the ancestor of Xuzhou. It is a large comprehensive park with both natural and cultural landscapes, with animal and plant viewing as the main content, and combining sightseeing and rest.
Pengzu Park covers nearly 40 hectares, with a built area of 17,527 square meters and a water surface area of 17,000 square meters. The park features a statue of Pengzu, the Pengzu Temple, the Dapeng Pavilion, the Dapeng Family Bluestone Archway, Fushou Square, the Pengzu Sacrifice Square, and the Shoupeng Stone Garden. It also boasts a zoo, cherry blossom garden, Jingwu Lake, amusement park, and forested areas. It is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.
Pengzu Garden is located in the northern temperate zone and has a warm temperate humid and semi-humid monsoon climate with distinct four seasons: warm springs, warm autumns, cold winters, and hot summers. The average annual temperature is 14.5°C, with 59 days experiencing a maximum temperature of 30°C or higher. The annual sunshine hours range from 2,280 to 2,440 hours, the frost-free period is approximately 210 days, and annual precipitation is around 802.4 mm. This makes it a suitable autumn destination.
East Gate of Pengzu Garden
The East Gate of Pengzu Garden is a group of hall-style buildings. Nestled between the stone memorial archway and the Nine Dragon Wall, the East Gate occupies a central position within the garden complex. The two enormous stone lions and the colorful paintings adorn the gate, adorning it with a magnificent elegance. Looking up, the three characters "Pengzu Garden" written by Zhao Puchu, the calligrapher, poet, and former president of the Buddhist Association of China, are vibrant and powerful. The couplets flanking the gate, "Pengzu cherished his body and longevity, leaving behind a legendary legacy; King Xu, weary of war, practiced benevolence and righteousness, leaving behind a good reputation," cite two prominent figures in Xuzhou history: Pengzu and King Xu Yan.
Dapeng Pavilion
Dapeng Pavilion, located at the summit of Shoushan Mountain in Pengzu Garden, stands 18 meters tall and covers 450 square meters. It is a large classical-style building. Its painted and carved beams, double eaves, and glazed tiles create a magnificent spectacle. From a bird's-eye view, the pavilion exudes a sense of "soaring pavilions, flowing red, with no ground below." It is one of the landmark buildings in Pengzu Garden.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
72 yuan/person
May 1st - September 30th (summer): 07:00-18:00;
October 1st - April 30th (winter) 07:30-17:30
Sheng Xuanhuai's Former Residence is a key historical site in Changzhou, Jiangsu. Sheng Xuanhuai was an influential politician and businessman during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, playing a crucial role in modernizing China’s industries, particularly in railways and telecommunications. The residence is a testament to his contributions and offers visitors a glimpse into the life of one of China's key reformers.
Sheng Xuanhuai’s Former Residence is located in the city of Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. The site is accessible by taxi or bus from the city center. If using public transport, you can take a taxi from Changzhou Railway Station or use the city’s bus services that stop near the residence.
The residence is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s best to visit in the morning or during weekdays to avoid crowds, particularly during holidays or weekends when the site may be more crowded.
Admission to Sheng Xuanhuai's Former Residence is free of charge. However, there may be additional costs for guided tours or special exhibitions. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and some services may be available online for group bookings.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, but it may be helpful to book during peak tourist seasons or for special group tours. A few days in advance should be sufficient for most visits.
It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore Sheng Xuanhuai's Former Residence, including a tour of the house, garden, and exhibition spaces. If you want to delve deeper into the history, you may spend more time in the exhibition halls.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides may be available on request. Audio guides in both Mandarin and English may also be offered for a self-guided experience.
The best photography spots include the front of the residence, the inner courtyard, and the garden areas. The traditional architecture and serene garden provide great backdrops for photos.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows available at the residence. Special tours may be arranged for groups or on certain occasions. It’s recommended to check in advance for any special events.
The residence can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the morning hours.
The site is accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and wide pathways for easy movement. However, some areas may require additional effort for those with limited mobility.
Cash is accepted, and cards as well as mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted at the site.
While there are no restaurants inside the residence, there are several local restaurants within walking distance serving traditional Chinese cuisine.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be limited but can be found in some of the local eateries.
There are various accommodation options nearby, such as Changzhou Grand Hotel and affordable options like 7 Days Inn, which provide convenient access to the residence.
Other nearby attractions include Tianning Temple, Changzhou Museum, and China Dinosaur Park. These sites are within a short distance and can be easily combined for a full day of sightseeing.
There are small souvenir shops around the residence selling historical books, postcards, and small memorabilia related to Sheng Xuanhuai’s life and Chinese history.
After visiting the residence, you can take a taxi or use public transportation (bus or metro) to continue exploring other attractions in Changzhou. Ride-hailing services like Didi are also convenient for further travel.