Shuzhuang   Garden

If Sunlight Rock is a martial general, Shuzhuang Garden just like a mild lady. Shuzhuang Garden is a unique seaside garden in the south of Gulang Islet. No wonder it ranks first among the famous parks in Xiamen. The park is very cleverly designed by taking advantage of the mountain and the sea.

The garden was built by a rich Taiwanese merchant Lin Erjia, who came to Gulangyu with his family refuging from Japanese colonial domination in Taiwan. He and his family made his home here, and began building the garden in 1913 in memory of his native home in Banqiao, Taiwan.

The garden presents such a unique scene that you might find it difficult to tear yourself away from it. What makes it most attractive is its some features of gardening arts. Entering the garden you can’t get the view of sea right away owing to a wall keeping from. Once turning around this wall, you get the charming sight. This is sea-hiding technique. A Swiss garden architecture expert, who had a visit to Shuzhuang Garden said that there is only lake-hiding in Swizerland but sea-hiding in Shuzhuang Garden is very fascinating.

Now, you see, this is the Forty-four Bridge, which is built when the owner is 44 years old. It looks like a dragon moving through the water. It is so vividly blended with the surroundings. You would find them both pleasing to the eyes and to the mind.

Meanwhile, the garden also becomes a decoration of the sea while its perimeter expands with the help of the sea. The hill slope, the scattered rocks in the sea, the beach, the fast-distance sight of the Sunlight Rock, which is original background sights.

Besides, there are twelve holes locating in the rockery. Around it, there is a peaceful lake and pavilions. Have you felt a stillness in things moving, and a movement in things still.

In addition to these tempting sight, a piano of museum will  also lure you. Over 30 piano from all over the world are provided in the museum. They are collected by a overseas Chinese Mr. Hu Youyi. The most precious one was made out in 1810, already lasting for 110 years. So the exquisite museum is a must-see once you have your trip to Gulang Islet.