China Travel Guide

First built in 1931 on the southside of the island, Shuzhuang Garden was once a private villa. It became a garden park open to the public in 1955. It is divided into two parts-the Garden of Hiding the Sea (Canghaiyuan) and the Garden of Making-Up Hills (Bushanyuan). It was exquisitely designed to embody three important characteristics in gardening—hidden elements, borrowing from one’s surroundings, and combining movements. The principle of hidden elements is embodied in the way the ocean remains hidden from view even if you walk right up to the garden gate. However, once you emerge from the bamboo forest, the seascape leaps into view. By climbing the Tower of Tide-Viewing, you could get a terrific look at the sea. Borrowing from one’s surroundings refers to cleverly using naturally available scenery. The garden also possesses another characteristic – the combining of movements. Its unique arrangement joins a rockwork that includes a maze of connected caves with fine pavilions on the side of the slope.

Name: Xiamen Shuzhuang Garden (Shuzhuang Huayuan)
City: Xiamen
Address: Southern Gulangyu
Admission: CNY30