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Construction began in 1915 and was completed in 1916. Zhang Garden was the private residence of Zhang Biao, the governor of Hunan and Hubei during the Qing Dynasty. It gained widespread fame due to the residences of two influential figures in modern Chinese history: revolutionary pioneer Sun Yat-sen and the last emperor Puyi. Just 54 days apart, these two key figures of the Xinhai Revolution passed each other. In the winter of 1924, at the invitation of General Feng Yuxiang, Sun Yat-sen and his wife, Soong Ching Ling, traveled north to discuss issues of Chinese unification and development. After traveling from Shanghai to Tianjin via Japan, they stayed at Zhang Garden for over a month.
In 1925, the abdicated Qing emperor, Puyi, fled Beijing for Tianjin and resided in Zhang Garden. To serve Puyi, Zhang Biao commissioned European-style furniture from the British firm of Wheelock and decorated the residence in a Western-style style, a move that impressed Puyi, newly exiled from the imperial palace. Puyi hung a plaque outside the gates of Zhang Garden, reading "Qing Palace Office in Tianjin," and sought to ally with loyalists, young and old, and various social groups in his efforts to restore the Qing dynasty. After Zhang Biao's death, Puyi moved out of Zhang Garden. Only a fragment of a stone tablet inscribed with "The Palace of the Former Qing Emperor Xuantong" remains.
Temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate; Zhang Garden witnessed the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the republic; witnessed the Japanese invasion of China and the anti-Japanese efforts of the military and civilians; witnessed the liberation of Tianjin; witnessed the changes in China's modern history, and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
25 yuan/person
Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00-17:30 (ticket sales stop at 17:15), closed all day on Monday (except national holidays);
There are crosstalk performances every weekend on Saturday and Sunday. The performance time is: 10:30-10:50, 11:30-11:50, 14:30-14:20, 16:00-16:20 (the specific performance time is subject to the performance time).
Zhang Yuan, located in Tianjin, is an area steeped in history and culture, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese architecture and lifestyles. It has been a key cultural site for centuries, blending historical elements with modern development. The area is famous for its beautiful gardens, lakes, and classical buildings, serving as a perfect destination for cultural exploration and relaxation.
Zhang Yuan is located in the heart of Tianjin. The best way to get there is by metro (Line 3) with a short walk from the nearest station. Taxis and buses also serve the area, with easy access from major points in the city. Walking around the site is ideal to fully appreciate its beauty.
Zhang Yuan is generally open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. The best time to visit is during weekdays in the morning, as weekends and public holidays can get crowded.
The entrance fee is typically ¥30-¥50. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, or online through local platforms such as WeChat or Alipay.
Booking in advance is not mandatory but recommended during peak seasons or for large groups. A day or two in advance is usually sufficient.
To fully explore Zhang Yuan, allow 2–3 hours. If you're visiting the surrounding attractions as well, you might want to extend your visit to 4–5 hours.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English, depending on availability. Audio guides can also be rented in both languages at the entrance.
The best spots for photography are around the main garden, by the lake, and near the traditional buildings where you can capture the classical Chinese architecture and natural beauty.
Start with a walk around the gardens, then visit the historical buildings. Next, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake. Finish with a visit to the local market or shops nearby for souvenirs.
Night visits and light shows are not typically offered. However, the area looks beautiful at night with its traditional architecture illuminated, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The site tends to be crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the morning hours.
There are rest areas, toilets, and a small food court where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Shops selling local souvenirs are also available within the vicinity.
Zhang Yuan is generally accessible for elderly and children. There are paved paths and seating areas. However, some areas with steep steps might be challenging for visitors with limited mobility.
Cards and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted at the entrance, food courts, and shops. Cash is also accepted, though mobile payments are more convenient.
Vegetarian options are available inside the park, but vegan and halal options may be limited. Nearby restaurants may offer more diverse food choices.
Yes, there are souvenir shops inside and near Zhang Yuan. Common items include traditional Chinese crafts, calligraphy, tea sets, and local snacks.
From Zhang Yuan, the best options for continuing your trip are taxis or metro services. The central Tianjin area is well connected by public transport, making it easy to explore other nearby landmarks.
