Jichang Garden. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Wuxi in Jiangsu province showcased its beauty as a Jiangnan city through the presentation of Jichang Garden during the 2025 CMG Lantern Festival Gala on Feb 12. So, how much do you know about the city's gardens?

Throughout China's rich history, garden art has served as a major part of the cultural landscape. Wuxi, in particular, boasts over 40 gardens and garden-style residences of famous figures. In addition to Jichang Garden, attractions like Yuantouzhu, Liyuan Park, and Plum Garden have captivated visitors with their contemporary garden designs.

Liyuan Park. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Wuxi's gardens are among the most stunning examples of Jiangnan garden art, their beauty unrivaled in the region.

Wuxi's gardens are often nestled amidst mountains and water. Jichang Garden is backed by Huishan Mountain and adjacent to Xishan Mountain, skillfully incorporating the natural landscapes of mountains and springs, creating a layout that appears as if it were crafted by nature itself.

Gardens like Liyuan Park and Yuantouzhu directly embrace the waters of Taihu Lake, seamlessly blending the expansive lake scenery into the garden's vistas, presenting a panoramic landscape of mountains and waters that is distinctive among Jiangnan gardens.

Yuantouzhu Scenic Area. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Moreover, unlike gardens in other regions, Yuantouzhu, Liyuan Park, and Plum Garden feature a diverse array of flowers such as plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and orchids. When these flowers bloom, the gardens become places of pure enchantment.

Wuxi's gardens are closely associated with historical figures, boasting a wealth of plaques, couplets, and inscriptions, making them a treasure trove of historical and cultural significance.

Modern gardens in the city, such as Yuantouzhu and Plum Garden, blend Chinese and Western architectural elements, as well as both modern and traditional styles, reflecting the spirit of the people of Wuxi who are unafraid to break conventions and embrace innovation.