Ge Garden
Ge Garden, a UNESCO-recognized gem in Yangzhou, China, blends natural beauty with scholarly refinement, renowned for its bamboo groves, intricate rockeries, and Ming-Qing architectural heritage. Built in the 18th century for salt merchant Huang Zhiyun, the garden’s name honors its "Four Seasons Bamboo" collection, where each courtyard represents a distinct season through unique bamboo varieties. Explore the Taihu Stone rockeries—masterpieces of karst formations symbolizing mountains and clouds—or relax in the Moon-Watching Pavilion, a serene spot for poetry and tea. With its harmonious balance of water, stone, and greenery, Ge Garden offers a glimpse into China’s classical garden artistry, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Historical Overview
18th Century: Established by Huang Zhiyun, a wealthy salt merchant, as a private retreat blending Confucian aesthetics with natural landscapes.
Qing Dynasty: Renowned for its "Four Seasons Bamboo" concept, with distinct bamboo varieties planted to evoke spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
20th Century: Designated a national cultural relic site in 1988 and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List for China’s classical gardens.
Modern Era: Restored in the 21st century to preserve its Ming-Qing architectural style, including the Residence Hall, Study Pavilion, and Inner Courtyard.
Structural Layout
Ge Garden’s design mirrors traditional Chinese scholarly gardens, featuring:
Residence Hall: A grand entrance hall with carved wooden beams and ancestral portraits, showcasing Huang family heritage.
Four Seasons Bamboo Courtyards:Spring: Golden-stemmed bamboo symbolizing renewal.
Summer: Green-leaved bamboo paired with lotus ponds.
Autumn: Purple-stemmed bamboo amidst chrysanthemums.
Winter: Yellow-bamboo groves near plum blossoms.
Rockery Complex: A labyrinth of Taihu stones (limestone formations) from Lake Tai, including the iconic Summer Mountain with its cascading waterfalls.
Moon-Watching Pavilion: A hexagonal pavilion overlooking the garden, ideal for poetry recitals and moonlit gatherings.
Major Attractions
Four Seasons Bamboo: Over 20 species of bamboo, including rare "tortoise-shell" and "black-stemmed" varieties.
Taihu Stone Rockeries: UNESCO-recognized masterpieces of stone artistry, with formations resembling clouds, dragons, and ancient beasts.
Summer Mountain: A 12-meter-tall rockery with grottoes, pavilions, and a hidden "spring cave."
Moon-Watching Pavilion: A tranquil spot for traditional tea ceremonies and calligraphy demonstrations.
Scholar’s Study: A recreated Ming-style library with antique books, inkstones, and zither instruments.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (1–2 Hours)
Residence Hall → Four Seasons Bamboo Courtyards → Summer Mountain Rockery → Moon-Watching Pavilion.
Highlights: Bamboo symbolism, rockery photography, and pavilion views.
Cultural Depth Route (3–4 Hours)
Residence Hall → Scholar’s Study → Bamboo Groves → Taihu Stone Exhibition → Tea Ceremony at Moon-Watching Pavilion.
Highlights: Historical context, traditional arts, and immersive cultural experiences.
Family-Friendly Route (2 Hours)
Residence Hall → Bamboo Maze (children’s play area) → Summer Mountain Rockery → Souvenir Shop.
Highlights: Interactive bamboo games, rockery exploration, and local crafts.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via WeChat mini-program or official website (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: ¥30–45 (discounts for students/seniors); free for children under 1.2m.
Guided Tours: ¥100–150 (1.5-hour English/Chinese tours with rockery history focus).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Wenchang Pavilion Station (Exit 5), 10-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 8, 17, 26, 32, or 66 to Ge Garden Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to "Gè Yuán".
Parking: Limited street spots; nearby public garages (¥5/hour).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit early morning (8:30 AM) or weekdays; weekends peak between 10 AM–3 PM.
Quietest Seasons: Spring (March–April) for bamboo blooms; autumn (October–November) for mild weather.
Essentials:Wear comfortable shoes (20,000+ steps possible).
Bring a camera for rockery and bamboo photography (no drones).
Try local snacks at Dongguan Street nearby after your visit.
FAQ
What makes the bamboo groves in Ge Garden special?
The garden has over 20 species of bamboo, including slender green bamboo and spotted bamboo. The name "Ge Garden" (literally "Individual Garden") is derived from the Chinese character for "bamboo" , which resembles "individual" when written, symbolizing resilience and modesty.
How to plan a one-day tour combining Ge Garden with other Yangzhou gardens?
Morning: Visit Ge Garden (focus on seasonal rockeries) → noon: try Yangzhou snacks at nearby Dongguan Street → afternoon: tour He Garden (known for its double-decker walkways) → evening: stroll through Slender West Lake (to see gardens by water).
What parking lots are available near Ge Garden for self-driving visitors?
Dongguan Street Parking Lot (500 meters west of Ge Garden), with fees of CNY 10 per hour. Yangzhou Hotel Parking Lot (300 meters south), open to visitors for CNY 15 per hour. Public Parking Area on Dongquan Road (200 meters east), free for the first hour, then CNY 5 per hour.
What bamboo-related activities can visitors experience in Ge Garden?
Bamboo weaving workshops (weekends, 10:00-11:00) where visitors make small baskets or coasters. Guided tours focusing on bamboo species (daily at 14:00), explaining their growth and cultural symbolism. Bamboo leaf painting sessions (for kids, during holidays), using fresh leaves to create artworks.
What nearby foods should not be missed after visiting Ge Garden?
Dongguan Street: Try "three knives" snacks (sugar cake, sesame cake, and crisp cake), Yangzhou fried rice, and stinky tofu. Nearby teahouses: Savor "Yangzhou morning tea" (steamed buns, osmanthus cake, and green tea) to experience local slow life. Local restaurants: Order braised pork with bamboo shoots (a seasonal dish) and lotus root starch soup for a traditional flavor.
