Located inside Xihui Park, this originally 16th-century garden in Jiangsu province is also known as the Garden of Ecstasy – which promises much. But it also delivers. This is a garden of illusion, occupying barely an acre but giving an impression of depth, breadth and height. An artificial mountain in distinctive yellow rock appears to be a natural part of the hilly landscape surrounding the garden, and a decorous “musical” stream gurgles down it into a long pool, its many inlets creating a feeling of naturalism. A beautiful low-eaved pavilion extends over the water at one point, while the far end of the pool is dignified by the Bridge of Seven Stars. Beyond this the garden dissolves into more compartments with pavilions and allées. The fact that the garden was comprehensively restored in the 19th century does not alter the fact of its beauty.
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