A significant cultural milestone has been achieved in Hailing district, Taizhou, with the release of Qiaoyuan Garden Chronicles, a comprehensive volume documenting the history of Qiaoyuan Garden, one of the oldest private gardens north of the Yangtze River.
Qiaoyuan Garden Chronicles documents the history of Qiaoyuan Garden. [Photo/WeChat account: weihailing0523]
Located in Hailing district, Qiaoyuan Garden, also known as Rishe Garden, spans over 12,000 square meters and features Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) architecture, ancient trees, and rock formations. As a national cultural relic protection unit and 4A-rated tourist attraction, it serves as a vital cultural symbol of Taizhou.
Qiaoyuan Garden in Hailing district, Taizhou. [Photo/WeChat account: weihailing0523]
The Chronicles, published in late December 2025 after five years of meticulous research, fills a gap in classical garden studies in Taizhou. Edited by Xu Tonghua, director of the Hailing culture, sports and tourism bureau, the 300,000-word book explores eight categories: history, landscapes, architecture, flora, anecdotes, literature, management, and owners.
Combining academic rigor with readability, the volume includes over 100 historical and contemporary photographs, offering insights into Taizhou's traditional gardening techniques and cultural landscapes. It not only helps to document urban history but also supports cultural preservation and cultural tourism, positioning Qiaoyuan Garden as a cornerstone of Hailing's refined cultural revitalization.