Garden of the master

The Garden of the master of the nets is also called Wangshi Yuan, is considered one of the best preserved gardens in China. It was first constructed in 1140 AD by the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279) government official Shi Zhengzhiand and bore the name Thousand Scroll Hall. It was rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Qian Long and changed to its present name.

The Master-of-Nets Garden is a typical private garden which combines with a residence. The residential area has three parts; first from the main gate to the sedan chair hall; then the Hall of Scrolls, and finally the Beauty Within Reach Tower. These three sections open up along a middle axis. The Hall of Scrolls is the main hall; a wide room, high under the ceiling, and beautifully decorated. In front of this is a richly encarved door of excellent handicraft-one of its kind in the south-east; an antique piece of high artistic value. The entire residential area is very laid out rigorously and according to rules; not very large, but with rich atmosphere, contrasting the calm and reserve of the garden area.      

The most striking feture of this garden is its use of space: the labytinth of courtyards, with windows framing other parts of the garden, is ingeniously designed to  give the illusion of a much larger area.

Admission fee: RMB30

How to get:

There are two ways to the entry gate, with English signs and souvenir stalls marking the way: you can enter from the alley on Shiquan JIe or an alley off Daichengqiao Lu. Music performances are put on for tourists in the evening.