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After quelling the rebellion of Prince Chang, King Xiao of Liang, Liu Wu, was proud of his achievements in resisting the Wu and Chu states. He built a large garden in Liang, centered around Suiyang, based on the natural scenery. It was called Dongyuan, also known as Tuyuan, and later called Liangyuan.
The Book of Han records that "King Xiao of Liang built the East Garden, which was over 300 li square, and the city of Suiyang was ten li long." Within this vast East Garden, numerous palaces were built. Within Suiyang City, there were Yaohua Palace, Wangyou Pavilion, Chui Palace, Nulang Terrace, Wenya Terrace, and Liangma Terrace. The Dazhi Palace complex, with its double corridors and terraces stretching over 30 li, also included detached palaces, with carved dragon pillars, resplendent golden walls, and numerous buildings, rivaling the imperial palaces in the capital.
Liang Garden also boasted numerous rockeries and caves, as well as lakes and ponds, such as Bailing Mountain (now Lingtai Temple), Luoyuan Rock, and Qilongxiu (in present-day Shanxian County, Shandong Province). It also boasted panoramic views of the Qinling Mountains, Hongyan Pond, the Golden Fruit Garden, Qingleng Pond, Qingleng Terrace, Terrace, and Nanhu Hezhou. Along the banks of the Sui River, a vast bamboo forest stretched for over ten miles, earning it the nickname "King Liang's Bamboo Garden."
Literati from around the world, such as Zou Yang and Yang Sheng from Qi, Mei Cheng and Yan Ji from Wu, and Sima Xiangru from Shu, all enjoyed the company of King Xiao of Liang. He sometimes enjoyed cockfighting and fishing in the palace; sometimes, he and his retainers led warriors on hunting trips within Liang Garden; and sometimes, when his passion struck, he would compose poetry over wine. The works of Mei Ba, Zou Yang, and Yang Sheng were all masterpieces of high literary quality, earning Liang Garden the nickname "Wenya." Later, literary figures like Xie Huilian from the Northern and Southern Dynasties, great Tang poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, Gao Shi, Wang Changling, Cen Shen, and Li He, Qin Guan from the Song Dynasty, and Wang Tingxiang, Li Mengyang, and Hou Fangyu from the Ming Dynasty all visited Liang Garden. Li Bai's poems, in particular, have become timeless masterpieces, still recited today. Other sites currently open for visitors include the ruins of Suiyang City, Qingliang Temple, Sanling Terrace, and the Terrace.
With a temperate monsoon climate, Liang Garden has all kinds of flowers and trees, as well as birds and animals. The beautiful scenery made it a tourist attraction at the time and suitable for travel in all seasons.
The Three Hundred Li Liang Garden lasted for hundreds of years, and there are still many relics such as the Terrace, Zhutai, Sanlingtai, and Qingliang Temple in Shangqiu. They have become famous scenic spots here and are suitable for travel.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
10 yuan/person
8:00-17:00
Shangqiu Liangyuan is a historic garden complex representing the refined landscaping and architectural style of ancient Henan. It reflects the traditional aesthetics, social life, and cultural heritage of Shangqiu, serving as a historical and cultural landmark for visitors.
Located in Shangqiu city, Henan Province. Visitors can reach Liangyuan by taxi, local bus, or ride-hailing services. Once there, walking is the best way to explore the garden and its surroundings.
Generally open daily from 08:00 to 17:30. Morning visits are recommended for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while late afternoon provides better lighting for photography.
Entrance fees are typically around CNY 20–40. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via local tourism websites and mobile apps.
Advance booking is optional on regular days. For weekends or holidays, booking 1–2 days in advance is suggested to secure entry and guided tour spots.
About 2–3 hours is sufficient to explore gardens, halls, pavilions, and exhibitions. A half-day allows for relaxed visits with photography.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, with occasional English tours on request. Audio guides may be available in Chinese.
Enter through the main gate → visit central ponds and garden paths → explore pavilions and halls → end at the exhibition or cultural display area.
Occasional evening events or light displays may occur during festivals. Regular night visits are not generally available.
Weekdays and mornings are least crowded. Weekends and public holidays attract more visitors.
Facilities include public restrooms, small snack kiosks, resting benches, and souvenir shops near entrances.
Most garden paths are accessible for elderly and children. Some areas may have steps; wheelchair access is partially available with assistance.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted for entrance fees and purchases.
Several local restaurants and small cafes are near the Liangyuan area, offering Henan cuisine and light refreshments.
Vegetarian dishes are available at local restaurants. Halal options may be found at specialized eateries nearby.
There are multiple mid-range and budget hotels within walking distance or a short taxi ride from Shangqiu Liangyuan.
Souvenir shops offer postcards, traditional crafts, miniature pavilions, and local snacks.
Taxi, local buses, and ride-hailing services are convenient for traveling to nearby attractions or Shangqiu city center.
