The Qing-era Jixiao Mountain Villa of the diplomat He Zhidao, notable for its two-storey covered corridor and its mix of Chinese and Western architecture.
He Garden, also called Jixiao Shanzhuang, was assembled in the late 19th century by He Zhidao, a Qing official who had served as consul in Europe. It is renowned for the double-deck Piyan corridor, a covered walkway of more than a kilometre that links the buildings at roof height so residents could circulate through the compound without touching the ground.
The east garden uses Western details, including glazed windows, fireplaces and decorative ironwork, while the west garden keeps a traditional lotus pond and rockery. The result is among the most distinctive Qing mansions in Jiangnan and a record of the cultural mix of late imperial Yangzhou.
| Admission | Adult About CNY 45 (~$6) · Child Children under 1.2 m free; seniors and students about half price |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily about 07:15-17:30 |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings |
| Getting there | Ten-minute walk from Dongguan Street; Didi about CNY 15 (~$2) |
| Address | 66 Xuningmen Street, Guangling District, Yangzhou / 扬州市广陵区徐凝门街66号 |
Good to know
- Best for
- architecture lovers, photographers, couples
Location
66 Xuningmen Street, Guangling District, Yangzhou / 扬州市广陵区徐凝门街66号
32.3870, 119.4265 View on map
Highlights
- 1.5 km double-deck Piyan corridor
- Mix of Chinese and Western architectural elements
- Lotus pond and pavilions
- Qing mansion halls and courtyards
Tips for visiting
- Walk the elevated corridor, about 1,500 m, which circles the garden
- Look for the Western-style shuttered windows and glass in the east wing
- Combine with Geyuan on a half-day walking route
- The open-air stage and pavilions are best photographed from the corridor
When to visit
Weekday mornings in spring or autumn
Accessibility
The upper corridor has stairs; ground-floor sections and the main courtyards are mostly level.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the corridor?
About 1,500 metres, though most visitors walk only a section.
Is it far from Dongguan Street?
About 10 minutes' walk.
Is it busy?
Weekends and holidays are crowded; weekday mornings are quiet.