The Li Garden (Li Yuan) is in southwest Wuxi, and is surrounded on three sides by Wuli Lake. It is one of the most famous gardens for lake scenery in China.

The garden derived its name from the alternative name for the Lake which is "Li Hu" (Li Lake). Legend has it that 2,400 years ago Grand Master Fan Li helped Goujian, the Duke of Yue, eliminate the state of Wu. He then took the wise move of stepping down and returning to the seclusion of Wuli Lake together with Xi Shi, one of the four famous stunning beauties in ancient China.

The Wuli Lake is a narrow strip of water, 9.5 square kilometres in area, and looks enchanting with its tranquil and limpid appearance.

Li Garden is a private garden built in the early 20th century. The garden is classical Chinese in layout and architecture. It is a mix of rock formations and greenery, a lot of which is man made. The garden landscape merges with Lihu to become the most beautiful spot on the entire lake.

A 1,000-meter long corridor winds around the park and has brick inscriptions in the handwriting of famous ancient calligraphers, such as Su Dongpo and Mifu. There is also a large white wall with numerous latticed openings from where you can view the park at different angles.

Li Garden is a splendid place for visitors. With ponds, a walkway, mini-bridges, mini-pagodas and souvenir stalls dotted here and there, the garden appears full of life and is like a mysterious labyrinth. There is a tour boat dock inside the garden for cruises to other points on the lakeshore. The park is especially popular in springtime when the plum blossoms are in full bloom.

Admission Fee: RMB 20
Opening Hours: 06:30 to17:30
Recommended Time for a Visit: 1.5 hours
Bus Route: No.1, 9, 820

source: travelchinaguide.com