Ho Garden in Yangzhou|The first garden of the late Qing Dynasty

|The first garden of the late Qing Dynasty.🏯In the third month of the lunar calendar, we started our journey from Dongguan Ancient Ferry in Yangzhou, heading south along the canal, all the way to Ho Garden at the southeast corner of the ancient city. Ho Garden is known as the 'first garden of the late Qing Dynasty'. It was called Shuanghuai Garden during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, and was expanded on the original site by He Zhishao during the Guangxu period, named He Mansion, also known as Jixiao Mountain Villa, now known as Ho Garden. ✔️Ho Garden is mainly divided into three areas: Jixiao Mountain Villa, Pianshi Mountain House and residence. The residential area, also known as the Western-style building, is where the owner lives daily. As the exchange with the world increased during the late Qing Dynasty, these buildings present a combination of Chinese and Western styles, basically all two-story buildings. ✔️Jixiao Mountain Villa is the center of this garden, also known as the Big Garden. The main body is a pond, with artificial mountains piled up inside. In the middle, there is a pavilion called Shuixin Pavilion, which is also a theater pavilion, recognized by experts as the 'small square pot' in Yangzhou gardens. The pond is surrounded by two-story pavilions on three sides. Standing on the second floor corridor, you can enjoy the beautiful garden scenery. Imagine the scene of the garden owner listening to the opera here, it must be very enjoyable. This theater pavilion is also known as the 'first pavilion in the world'. ✔️Pianshi Mountain House is located in the small garden, known as the 'first mountain in the world', is the 'unique copy in the world' left by the great painter Shi Tao in the early Qing Dynasty. Shi Tao, originally named Zhu Ruoji, was a descendant of the Ming royal family. He lived in Yangzhou in his later years and devoted himself to garden design. After the garden owner bought this garden, he kept this work and turned it into a small garden. ✔️In Ho Garden, there is a corridor more than 1500 meters long, connecting the main buildings in the garden. You don't have to worry about rain or sun, it is known as the 'first corridor in the world'. The flower windows and leaky windows scattered everywhere are also a scene in the garden. Their design obviously comes from exotic styles, known as the 'first window in the world'. ✔️The garden owner He Zhishao's father was He Jun, a scholar in the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, who served as the governor of Jiangsu. Because of his outstanding political achievements, the court granted him the title of first-class. He Zhishao, under the blessing of his father, entered the Imperial College as a student, naturally entered the official career, held important positions in many important departments, and was granted the title of first-class by the court, promoted to Guanglu Dafu. He retired at the age of 49 and built He Mansion in Yangzhou. ✔️After leaving Ho Garden, continue the journey in Yangzhou, heading north along Xuningmen Street, ready to go to Pishi Street. 📍Address: Xuningmen Street, Guangling District, Yangzhou 👍🏻Recommendation: Jixiao Mountain Villa, Pianshi Mountain House 💰Cost: Ticket 45 yuan