Around China Series 148 Taicang Nanyuan

🌈Historical Background: Built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it was constructed by the then Prime Minister Wang Wensu (styled Xijue). The main attractions include 'Xiu Xue Tang', 'Tan Ying Xuan', and 'Xiang Tao Ge', which were places where Prime Minister Wang handled government affairs and cultivated plum blossoms and chrysanthemums. Locals in Taicang also refer to it as 'Taishi Mansion'. 🚗Highlights: A national 3A-level tourist spot, it was expanded in the early Qing Dynasty by Wang Shimin, a painter and grandson of Wen Su, in collaboration with the stacking mountain master Zhang Nanyuan. It features two peaks named 'Zan Yun' and 'Shi Er', which were moved from 'Yan Shan Garden'. To date, eighteen scenic spots including 'Men Lou', 'Xiu Xue Tang', 'Xiang Tao Ge', 'Da Huan Ge', 'He Mei Xian Guan', 'Han Bi Fang', 'Tan Ying Xuan', and 'Chang Lang' have been restored. 🎫Ticket Information: Free admission ✨Travel Suggestions: A classical garden in the south of the Yangtze River, Taicang is an off-the-beaten-path destination. Places like Nanyuan, Yan Shan Garden, and Shaxi Ancient Town are all nice spots to visit in the vicinity.