Zhan Garden - oldest classical garden from the Ming Dynasty in Nanjing, China
Last Update: 15th October 2020
Covering an are of 2.51 hectares, Zhan Garden is the oldest existing classical Chinese garden in the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). It is also the only one prince palace in the Ming Dynasty to the public in Nanjing. It features the exquisite buildings to appreciate.
Zhan Garden Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Zhanyuan (瞻园)
- Area: 2.51 x hectares
- Things to do there: Photography, History and Culture, Architecture
- Who visits: Photographers, History and Culture Lovers, Architects
- Time required: 2 – 3 x hours
Interested in visiting the Zhan Garden on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Zhan Garden, among other attractions and destinations., please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
What to expect at the Zhan Garden
Zhan Garden enjoys a good reputation as Zhuozheng Garden in Suzhou. Well-known for its artificial hills, it is decorated with nearly 10 artificial hills.
The garden features the characteristics of its kind in the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Situated in the center, Jingmiao Hall is surrounded by waters in three directions. One artificial hill stands in the north and north respectively. The fine furniture is set in the original layout. The winding corridors in the garden are great spots for taking photos.
Xianren Rock is typical of the rocks in Zhan Garden. You can also find other beautiful rocks there, such as Diyuan Rock, Yousong Rock, Bu Rock and Zha Rock. All of them are the precious ones among the garden rocks in the region.
South Artificial Hill has a shape of crab claw holding the water surface. Walk around the hill and you’ll see several artificial stalactites. Two old trees planted in the Ming Dynasty add some vitality to the hill. North Artificial Hill has a bridge. On the hill, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the garden. In addition, you’ll find several caves there.
The History Museum of Taiping Heavenly Kingdom in the garden tells the related history. Compared to other museums of Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851 – 1864), this museum has the most pieces of collections of the kingdom. More than one pieces of the objects, including the imperial jade seal, the dragon robe, the gold crown and the like used by Hong Xiuquan (1814 – 1864) are on display there. 20 cannons applied by soldiers of the kingdom are highlights there.
The best time to visit the garden is in the morning.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
A few buses pass by the garden. Thus, there are several options.
- Rent a vehicle to the garden. This is the quickest and most direct option.
- Take Bus 2, 16, 44, or Bus 49 to the Stop of Zhonghualu Zhanyuanliu (中华路瞻园路站). Then walk to the garden.
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:30 and 17:30 – 20:30. It is closed on the Eve of China’s New Year.
- As at 15th October 2020, from 08:00 to 17:30, the entrance pricing to the garden is 30 CNY per person; the elder between 60 years old (60 years old included) and 70 years old (70 years old not included) are charged 15 CNY per person; children under 1.4m tall (1.4m tall included) are free of charge; the elder above 70 years old (70 years old included) are free of charge.
- From 17:30 to 20:30, the entrance pricing to the garden is 70 CNY per person; the elder between 60 years old (60 years old included) and 70 years old (70 years old not included) are charged 35 CNY per person; children under 1.4m tall (1.4m tall included) are free of charge; the elder above 70 years old (70 years old included) are free of charge.
- For the latest pricing, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
- Please take your passport with you when visiting the garden.
- Please wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Zhan Garden among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.