Li Garden (Liyuan)
蠡园
A lakeside garden named after the legend of Fan Li and Xi Shi sailing on Li Lake. Its Thousand-Step Gallery, rockeries and lake views make it a relaxed spot in central Wuxi for seeing the inner waters of Lake Tai.
Li Garden lies on the north shore of Li Lake (also called Wuli Lake, an inner lake of Lake Tai) in southwest Wuxi. Built in 1927 by Wuxi merchant Wang Yuqing on the site of a fishing villa, it takes its name from the legend that Fan Li, after retiring from public life in the Spring and Autumn period, went boating here with Xi Shi. It is a representative garden of the Republican era in Jiangnan. The garden has three areas: rockeries, water scenery and galleries. The Thousand-Step Gallery winds along the lake for more than 300 meters, its walls inlaid with calligraphy stone carvings by famous masters through the ages. Outside the gallery opens the broad expanse of Li Lake, with the Li Lake Bridge and Baojie Bridge in the distance. In the rockery area, the 'Cloud Nest' and 'Moon Cave' are piled with Taihu stones, and wandering among them reveals hidden grottoes. The Four Seasons Pavilion, Spring and Autumn Pavilion and Lake Center Pavilion stand over the water. The lotus pond in summer and the peach garden in spring are the best flower-viewing spots. The garden also includes Xishi Village (reached by boat) and exhibits on Fan Li. Li Garden draws fewer visitors than Turtle Head Peninsula, and suits a leisurely half-day visit. You can also cycle around the lake through Li Lake Park and Bogong Island, and watch the sun set over the water in the evening. Admission is about RMB 45 in peak season. Getting there: Metro Line 2 to Li Lake Light station, or bus 1 or 211 to Li Garden stop. It is about 15 minutes by taxi from Turtle Head Peninsula, and the two can be combined into one day. Notes: mosquitoes are common in summer, and the stone paths are slippery. The surrounding Li Lake Park is free and can be visited as a continuation.
Opening hours
07:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle)
- Water Margin City
- Three Kingdoms City
- Meiyuan Plum Garden
- Wuxi Museum
- Jichang Garden
- Former Residence of Xue Fucheng
- Huishan Ancient Town