Attraction Guide: Shen Garden, Shaoxing, China

Shen Garden Guide

Shen Garden: Where Love and Loss Echo Through Time Guide

Step into Shen Garden, a classical Chinese garden in Shaoxing, and prepare to be transported to a world of poignant romance and artistic beauty. This isn't just a garden; it's a living poem, a testament to a love story that has resonated through centuries. Wander through its meticulously designed landscapes, where every rock, pavilion, and pond whispers tales of a love tragically lost. The garden's history is inextricably linked to the tragic love story of Lu You, a renowned Southern Song Dynasty poet, and his cousin Tang Wan. Forced to divorce due to familial pressures, their paths crossed again years later in Shen Garden. Lu You, overcome with emotion, penned the famous poem "The Hairpin Phoenix" on the garden wall, expressing his enduring love and regret. Tang Wan, upon seeing the poem, responded with her own verse before succumbing to grief shortly after. The garden became a symbol of their ill-fated romance, forever etched in Chinese literary history. Today, visitors can explore the garden's serene beauty, imagining the lovers' fateful encounter. Admire the "Hairpin Phoenix" poem inscribed on the wall (though it's a later reproduction), stroll along the winding paths, and reflect by the tranquil ponds. The garden also features traditional Chinese architecture, including pavilions, corridors, and rockeries, offering a glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities of the Song Dynasty. While there, be sure to try Shaoxing's famous yellow wine, often enjoyed with preserved vegetables, a local culinary tradition that complements the garden's contemplative atmosphere.