Artificial Hills in Grand View Garden
Gu'en Siyi Hall
Daoxiang Village
The classical Grand View Garden is an imperial family garden described in the famous Chinese works A Dream of Red Mansions written by a Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) writer Cao Xueqin (17l5 - l763). This contemporary construction compass a large greenery garden dotted with pavilions, halls, temples and miniature gardens with a total of 7.6 acres (30,785 square meters).
According to the novel, Grand View Garden was the residence of the wealthy Jia family. It tells the story of the demise of the prominent aristocratic Jia family against the background of the feudal society in which it had thrived. The leading male character of the novel was Baoyu. He and his two cousins and some other family members shared the home. The tragic love affairs among the three characters were the result of the feudal society. These amorous and sensitive couples are China's Romeo and Juliet. You could peep inside not only the Chinese culture but its rich garden heritage in the Grand View Garden.
The layout of Grand View Garden is exactly what described in the novel for horticulturists, architects, archaeologists and experts on the history of the famous novel were asked to pay much attention to the whole garden, the location of trees, the arrangement of the rockery, and the decoration of the main characters' homes.
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| Grand View Garden Map |
The construction lasted five years from 1984 to 1988. It has over 40 scenic spots including five courtyards, three park areas, a Buddhist temple, rockeries, and a large lake. The scene in each of these is unique with rock and ponds and an abundance of foliage. These provide a tranquil setting for the pavilions, rooms and corridors (traditional covered walkways) in which the drama of the novel could be brought to life. The worthy-see sightseeing here includes Tortuous Path Leading to Seclusion, Merry Red Courtyard, Xiaoxiang House, and Homecoming Villa. In total, the stonework covers an area of more than 0.46 acres (1,860 square meters) and the lakes and canals 1.4 acres (5,785 square meters). You will see a beautiful fusion of artificial features and natural scenery.
For more than two centuries, the Chinese people read about the garden. Now they can relive the scenes described in the book. For the visitor to the Grand View Garden, a stroll along the zigzag paths that wind through it is to experience a world of ancient Chinese dwellings from the Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing Dynasties. If lucky, you will have chance to see traditional ceremonies performed in the garden, always a fascinating sight.
Entrance Fee:
CNY 40 for daytime visiting; CNY 70 for night activities
Bus Routes:
Take Bus No. 56, 59, 122, 351, 395, 423, 721, 744 (Branch), 800, 819, 922, 939 or Te 3 and get off at Daguanyuan Stop.
Opening Hours:
07:30 - 17:30 (daytime); 18:00 - 21:00 (night activitives)
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