Shaoxing Shen Garden｜Famous Jiangnan Love Garden, Model of Song Dynasty Gardens

Stepping into Shen Garden feels like traveling back 800 years to the Southern Song Dynasty. This classical garden, famous for the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan, not only features exquisite Song Dynasty architecture but also carries a deeply moving eternal romance.💕

>> The Chaitoufeng Stele, Touching a Thousand Years of Longing

Under the Guhu Pavilion in the garden, I found the famous "Chaitoufeng" poetry stele.🪶 Lu You’s vigorous handwriting and Tang Wan’s elegant script accompany each other, silently reciting the lines "Red soft hands, yellow Teng wine..." The deep affection and regret that transcend time moved every visitor present. Standing before the stele, I seemed to hear the echoes of that tragic love story.

>> Song Dynasty Garden, Strolling Through Poetic Jiangnan

As the only Song Dynasty garden preserved in Shaoxing, Shen Garden’s layout is exceptionally delicate.🎑 The Gourd Pond, Six Dynasties Ancient Well, Lengcui Pavilion... every scene embodies the ancient wisdom of garden design. My favorite moment is standing on the stone slab bridge, watching the pavilions and waterside terraces reflected in the pond, with koi swimming leisurely, creating a natural ink painting.

>> Night Tour of Shen Garden, Listening to a Love Song Across Time

What impressed me most was the live performance "Night of Shen Garden"!🌙 When classical music plays, the actors portraying Lu You and Tang Wan perform their love story among the pavilions and waterside terraces. Combined with lighting and water screens, it fully immerses you in the Song Dynasty atmosphere. This unique night tour experience breathes new life into the ancient garden.

Practical Tips 💡

· Tour Route:
· Shuanggui Hall → Guhu Pavilion (Chaitoufeng Stele) → Six Dynasties Ancient Well → Gourd Pond → Lengcui Pavilion
· Takes about 2 hours in total
· Best Time to Visit:
· Daytime: 9-11 AM (soft light, great for photos)
· Nighttime: 7:30-8:30 PM ("Night of Shen Garden" performance)
· Special Experiences:
· Enjoy the garden’s elegance during the day
· Watch the live performance at night
· Tie a wish ribbon at Lianli Garden
· Taste Shen Garden’s special pastries
· Transportation Guide:
· Located at 318 Luxun Middle Road
· Just one street away from Luxun’s Former Residence
· Bus lines 8, 13, 24 to "Shen Garden" stop
· Ticket Information:
· Daytime 40 RMB/person
· Nighttime 80 RMB/person (includes performance)
· Friendly Reminders:
· Recommended to visit Luxun’s Former Residence in the afternoon and watch Night of Shen Garden in the evening
· The garden has a special charm in the rain; remember to bring an umbrella
· Performances require advance booking and are often fully booked in peak season
· The garden has many stone slab paths; comfortable flat shoes are recommended

💙 Travel Reflection: In half a day at Shen Garden, I experienced a touching journey across 800 years. This is not only a beautiful Song Dynasty garden but also a living book of love poetry. When the sunset glow falls on the Gourd Pond and the night songs echo through the garden, I finally understand why so many people are captivated by this place. If you come to Shaoxing, be sure to visit Shen Garden and feel this timeless romance!✨