Nanjing, China Attractions

Xuyuan Garden

Xuyuan Garden embraces classical design with origins in the Ming Dynasty. The garden was first laid out on the grounds of what was the Han King Palace. It was later expanded, then destroyed by Quing soldiers in the early nineteenth century. When Sun Yat-sen established the Republic of China in 1912, the Warm Pavilion of Xuyuan became his home, and he spent time relaxing and holding meetings on the grounds. Today, the garden features an artificial hill constructed with rocks which depict the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, a maze of interconnected caves, the Mandarin Duck Pavilion, and the Paulowina Melody House, which is used as a reception hall.