Situated southwest of Wuxi, Liyuan Garden is one of the most well-known lakeside gardens in China, covering an area of 5.4 hectares. It is exquisitely designed, and its pavilions, causeways, and corridors, are harmonious in color. The garden got its name from Fan Li, a senior official of the state of Yue who retired to his hometown after defeating the state of Wu. One day after he went boating with one of the most beautiful women in ancient China named Xi Shi, he decided to name the lake Li Lake and the garden was later called Liyuan Garden. [Photo by Xu Lin / China.org.cn] |