Tiandi Stone Carving Garden

Introducing Tiandi Stone Carving Garden

Danyang, the hometown of the Qi and Liang dynasties of the Southern Dynasties, is an ancient city with a history of over 6,000 years and over 2,400 years of city building. It is home to the Tiandi Stone Carving Park, Asia's largest stone carving park.

The building, inspired by the phoenix, is designed to reflect the terrain's elevation differences, forming several ribbons. Each ribbon houses a themed exhibition hall, displayed as a corridor. Each hall, interconnected by a loop, features exhibition booths of varying sizes embedded within the walls. Walking along the corridors is a dazzling interplay of dreamlike light and shadow, interspersed with precious stone carvings.

The Tiandi Stone Carving Park is located in Danyang City, Jiangsu Province, the hometown of Qi and Liang dynasties and one of the top 100 counties in China. The Tiandi Stone Carving Park project is based on the Qi and Liang culture. It uses Danyang's Southern Dynasties tomb stone carvings of great cultural and historical value, as well as nearly 8,000 Chinese stone carvings from the Western Han Dynasty to the Republic of China as a platform. It uses high-tech means to create Asia's largest stone carving theme park, a national 4A-level cultural tourism scenic spot that integrates cultural appreciation and public leisure.

Climate and best time to travel

The Tiandi Stone Carving Garden has a subtropical monsoon climate and is surrounded by beautiful lakes and mountains. The scenery is pleasant, and the clear lake water reflects the green mountains and white clouds, the clear sky and the shadows of the trees. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Sixteen breathtaking scenes await at a glance, and the stone carvings are breathtaking. The Phoenix Pillar, a towering phoenix pillar, stands majestically in all directions, its cries echoing through the sky and the sun rising. The Stone Beast Welcoming Path, with 81 welcoming stone beasts on each side, symbolizes a connection between heaven and earth, with welcoming beasts awaiting your arrival. Five ponds of lotus flowers, each in five colors, embody the harmony of the five elements: gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. At the ruins of the electric irrigation station, "Learn from Dazhai in Agriculture" revisits the revolutionary movement that took place there in the 1960s. The Stone Lion Welcoming Path, a hundred-meter-long procession of stone lions line up in ceremonial formation, respectfully welcoming the emperor and warding off evil spirits. The Column Base Water Courtyard, with its hundreds of column bases, dotted like stars, interspersed throughout the water, creates a rare spectacle of light and shadow. The Stone Story, the largest stone carving in the Stone Carving Park, boasts 616 characters, each a masterpiece of mastery, a true gem. The Thousand Buddha Pagoda, with its eight-sided statue pillars, features a thousand unique Buddha statues. Wander among the green trees and bamboos, ascend the steps, and look up to see the Thousand Buddha Pagoda. The Forest of Nostalgic Steles, with its monumental monuments of achievements and handed-down stone carvings, boasts the largest number of such inscriptions in China. The Eight Diagrams Horse Hitching Array, with its 580 Eight Diagrams horse-hitching posts, seems to be a relic of the past, a thousand troops waiting here for millennia. The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, undressed, aloof and elegant, embodying the unique personalities of Laozi and Zhuangzi, find within the bamboo forest the sentiments of seven princes. Mist shrouds the pond's willows, the embankment's pavilion, and the willow-lined path—the mist-shrouded pond and willows of March resemble a tranquil Jiangnan ink painting. The Dripping Guanyin, "Amitabha Buddha in every home, Guanyin in every household," sprinkles its sweet dew, nourishing all things and bringing peace and prosperity to the nation.

It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.

Tickets

30 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

08:30-17:30

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Most Popular FAQs for Tiandi Stone Carving Garden

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

Tiandi Stone Carving Garden is a cultural landmark in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu. It is renowned for its remarkable collection of stone carvings, many of which reflect traditional Chinese artistry and historical themes. The garden serves as a preservation of ancient sculptural techniques and offers visitors a glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage.

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

Tiandi Stone Carving Garden is located in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province. The garden can be easily reached by taxi or public bus. The nearest metro station is Zhenjiang Railway Station, from where a short taxi ride or bus trip will take you to the garden.

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 time to visit is during weekdays when it’s less crowded. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for a more peaceful experience, with softer light for photography.

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

The entrance fee for Tiandi Stone Carving Garden is approximately 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via local ticketing platforms for convenience.

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

Advance booking is not required for general entry, but it’s recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid waiting in line. You can book tickets a few days ahead online if desired.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You will need about 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore Tiandi Stone Carving Garden, including time to walk through the garden and admire the stone carvings. For those interested in photography, an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour may be required.

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

The main highlights include the detailed stone carvings of historical figures and mythological scenes, the scenic pathways around the garden, and the tranquil pond surrounded by lush greenery. The carvings on the temple-like structures are especially impressive.

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

Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides may also be available in some languages, such as English, but it’s advisable to check availability before your visit. Alternatively, local guides can offer insights into the history and significance of the carvings.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include the garden's main entrance with its carved gates, the intricate stone sculptures scattered throughout the garden, and the serene lake surrounded by greenery. The elevated platforms near the back of the garden offer sweeping views of the entire site.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance and follow the path around the garden, taking time to admire the various stone carvings and sculptures. Make your way toward the temple area for a more peaceful atmosphere and finish by exploring the scenic pond area at the back of the garden.

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

Night visits are not typically available. However, the garden is beautifully lit in the evening, and you can enjoy the calm atmosphere at dusk. There are no light shows, but the sculptures look particularly stunning during the golden hour of sunset.

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

The garden can get busy on weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays. Mid-week visits, especially in the morning, tend to be the quietest.

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

There are clean toilets and rest areas throughout the garden. Small kiosks sell bottled water and snacks. For more substantial meals, you’ll need to venture outside the garden to nearby restaurants.

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

Tiandi Stone Carving Garden is generally accessible, but some areas with steps may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Paths are wide enough for strollers, and there are benches for resting. Visitors with mobility impairments may need assistance in certain areas.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted at the entrance and in the nearby shops. However, cash is still an option for smaller purchases.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no large restaurants inside the garden, but several small cafes and food stalls are located nearby. For a more formal dining experience, you can find restaurants in the Zhenjiang city center.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at the nearby restaurants. Vegan and halal food can be found at specialty restaurants in Zhenjiang city, but they are not common inside the immediate vicinity of the garden.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near Tiandi Stone Carving Garden, ranging from budget to mid-range. Hotels in downtown Zhenjiang offer more luxurious options, with easy access to the garden via taxi or public transport.

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

Nearby attractions include the Zhenjiang Museum, Jinshan Temple, and Xijin Ferry. All of these can be easily combined with a visit to Tiandi Stone Carving Garden for a full day of sightseeing in Zhenjiang.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir shops near the garden selling traditional Chinese crafts, local snacks, and memorabilia. Popular items include carvings, paintings, and tea sets.

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

After visiting Tiandi Stone Carving Garden, taxis and buses are the best transportation options. Zhenjiang Railway Station is also nearby, offering train services to other destinations in the region.