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Overview
Locals call Gaozhuang "the little Yuanmingyuan of Hangzhou" — and the comparison is not as wild as it sounds. Step through the unassuming gate on Fudi's south end and you enter a world of pavilions, covered corridors, rockeries, and waterways that feels transported from an imperial summer palace. Yet this garden is completely free, sits inside Xixi Wetland's no-ticket zone, and on most weekdays you'll have it nearly to yourself.
Built in 1657 (the 14th year of Shunzhi) by Gao Shiqi — a scholar-official favored by Emperor Kangxi — Gaozhuang (formally Xixi Mountain Villa, 西溪山庄) spans over ten mu in a front-residence, rear-garden layout. It merges Beijing official grandeur with Jiangnan garden delicacy: the residence halls are formal and imposing, while the garden dissolves into Xixi's wetland waterways with an ease that feels almost accidental — as if the garden grew out of the landscape rather than being imposed upon it.
The result is something neither Guozhuang nor any Suzhou garden can offer: a classical villa garden where the "borrowed scenery" is not a pagoda across a lake, but an entire living wetland.
History — Emperor Kangxi's Six Visits
Gao Shiqi (1645–1703) was one of the most remarkable figures of early Qing Hangzhou. A brilliant calligrapher, poet, and confidant of Emperor Kangxi, he built this villa as his retirement retreat in Xixi — then a remote water world accessible only by boat.
The emperor was so enchanted that he visited six times during his southern inspection tours. In 1689, Kangxi climbed the villa's tower, composed poetry by the pond, and bestowed the calligraphy "Zhu Chuang" (竹窗, Bamboo Window) — two characters that still mark the garden's entrance today. His poem from that visit reads:
"Flower-sourced paths, how many layers? Mulberry fields rise from fertile earth.
Mist-green bamboo windows, deep and quiet. Snow-fragrant plum banks, ancient and enduring."
Because of Kangxi's patronage, Gaozhuang became the most celebrated of Xixi's many villa gardens. "Gaozhuang Chenji" (高庄宸迹, Gaozhuang Imperial Traces) is now one of the Ten Scenes of Xixi.
Inside the Gao Residence's three-hall complex, you can see statues of Kangxi and Gao Shiqi — ruler and scholar, emperor and teacher — whose mutual admiration transcended three centuries.
Walking Route
A complete circuit takes 1–1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. The garden is compact and the path is gentle — stone paving throughout, no steep climbs.
South Gate (南门)
Enter through the stone gate with "Zhu Chuang" (Bamboo Window) calligraphy. The gate itself is photogenic — stone walls and dark tiles, atmospheric even before you step inside.
Chenlan Pavilion (宸览亭)
The garden's signature spot. A waterside pavilion with a terrace overlooking Xixi's waterways. White walls, dark tiles, and perfect reflections — this is where you take the shot.
Gao Residence (高宅)
Three-hall complex with statues of Kangxi and Gao Shiqi. The main hall, "Xishan Shuangqi" (西山爽气), still hangs its original plaque. Feel the weight of 300 years of history.
Xixi Calligraphy & Painting Academy (西溪书画院)
A small gallery featuring contemporary calligraphy and ink paintings inspired by Xixi. Worth a quiet browse.
Tongyin Hall (桐荫堂)
Chinese-style courtyard with a skylight well and aged timber. The light here is clean and diffused — perfect for detail photography and static poses.
Linliu Thatched Hall (临流草堂)
A wooden boardwalk threads through waterside forest here. Dappled light, green reflections, and a sense of being submerged in wetland nature while still inside a garden.
Guiji Pavilion (桧楫亭)
A small waterside pavilion with views back across the garden's waterways. A good spot to pause and take in the whole composition.
Redology Exhibition Hall (红学陈列馆)
A small exhibition on Dream of the Red Chamber and its connections to Jiangnan garden culture. Niche but interesting for literature lovers.
Top 3 Photo Spots
1. Chenlan Pavilion Waterside Terrace
The garden's undisputed hero shot. White walls, dark tiles, and Xixi's waterways create a canvas of reflections. Shoot on a misty morning for maximum atmosphere. Ideal for hanfu, qipao, or any traditional Chinese outfit. Best light: Early morning (8:00–9:30) or late afternoon (16:00–17:00).
2. Linliu Thatched Hall Boardwalk
A wooden path threading through waterside forest with soft, dappled light filtering through the canopy. Great for overhead shots, side profiles, and candid walking shots. The green tones are especially vivid in spring and early summer.
3. Tongyin Hall Courtyard
Chinese skylight well framed by aged timber. The even, diffused light makes this the best spot for detail shots — intricate wood carvings, stone textures, and static atmospheric portraits. Works in any weather.
Photography Tips
Wear light colors. The dark-tile-and-white-wall palette of Gaozhuang makes light-colored clothing — especially cream, pale grey, or light blue — pop in photos. Use frame composition. Circular moon gates, wooden door frames, and window openings are all natural picture frames. Shoot details. Vintage lanterns, stone carvings, and wood grain textures are as photogenic as the wide views.
Practical Info
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Inside Xixi National Wetland Park, near Fudi South Entrance (天目山路518号) |
| Metro | Line 3, Huawu Station (花坞站) Exit A — 5 min walk |
| Alt. Metro | Line 3, Dongyue Station (东岳站) Exit A — 15 min walk |
| Bus | "Xixi Wetland Gaozhuang" stop — direct |
| Driving | Navigate to "西溪湿地高庄停车场" — ¥10/hr, usually available |
| Hours | 7:30–17:30 (last entry 16:45) |
| Entry | Free — no ticket, no reservation needed |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best season | Spring (plum blossoms) and autumn (maple colors) |
| Best time of day | Early morning for photography; late afternoon for golden light |
Mosquito Warning
Gaozhuang sits inside a wetland — mosquitoes are active from May through October. Apply repellent before entering and consider long sleeves. The stone-paved paths are flat but can be slippery after rain; wear comfortable shoes with grip.
Nearby & Combinations
Gaozhuang sits inside Xixi Wetland's free-access zone. After exploring the garden, you can extend into a full afternoon without spending a yuan:
- Gaozhuang (1–1.5 hrs) →
- Fudi (福堤) — scenic causeway walk (30 min) →
- Hezhu Street (河渚街) — "Xixi Qie Liuxia" photo spot + snacks (45 min) →
- Ludi (绿堤) — wetland boardwalk (30 min)
Total: 3–4 hours, all free. This is one of the best budget half-days in Hangzhou.
For a full garden day, combine with Guozhuang on West Lake — 30 minutes by taxi (¥25–35).
FAQ
Do I need to buy a Xixi Wetland ticket to visit Gaozhuang?
No. Gaozhuang is in the free-access zone. Walk in from Huawu Metro Station without purchasing any Xixi entry ticket.
Is Gaozhuang wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The main paths are stone-paved and flat, but some garden areas have steps and narrow passages. The Gao Residence halls have thresholds.
Can I buy food or drinks inside?
No. There are no vendors or shops inside Gaozhuang. Bring water and snacks if you plan to stay long. You can rest on benches inside the garden.
Is Gaozhuang better than Guozhuang?
They serve different moods. Gaozhuang is free, uncrowded, and merges with wetland nature — perfect for quiet contemplation and atmospheric photography. Guozhuang has more sophisticated garden architecture and direct West Lake views. See our full comparison.
What should I wear for photos?
Hanfu, qipao, or new-Chinese-style clothing in light, solid colors (cream, pale grey, light blue) works best against the dark-tile-and-white-wall palette. Avoid bright patterns that compete with the architecture.