Chinese Gardens.
Yu Yin Shan Fang
The Ancestral Beneficence Garden
Page initiated and finished: 2021-12-17
Introduction to Yu Yin Shan Fang:
Yu Yin Shan Fang means "Ancestral Beneficence Villa", but it is also known under the name Yu Yin Yuan,- "Ancestral Beneficence Garden".
It was built in 1867 by Wu-bing,- an official in the Imperial government. When Wu-bing retired due to old age, he returned to his native home at Nancung, and built this magnificent house and garden, to honor his ancestors and to pray for his descendants.
There he lived in seclusion,- being disillusioned with the mortal world outside.
The layout is a perfect example of how much you can squeeze into a Chinese garden on a very limited space,- the garden covers an area of only about 2000 square meters. But the garden contains absolutely everything,- mountains, - lakes, - various pavilions, - terraces, - turrets, - bridges, - waterfalls,- and more - - -
Also take note of the perfect harmony between buildings and garden. Today Master Wu-bings great house and garden is rarely visited because it is far away from everything. Transportation is complicated, and it is far away from the tourist trail.
Before the locals used to visit the place in great numbers because of the Buddhist temple that Master Wu-bing built into his house. The Great Buddha is still there, but the building is not used as a temple anymore.
Therefore,- if you can find the place, and get the good fortune of visiting Yu Yin Shan Fang, you will most likely have it all to yourself! But for now,- please enjoy my pictures from a visit to Master Wu-bings great house and garden.
2002-23-H01 - Yu Yin Shan Fang Garden - a "Moon Gate" with access to the garden area behind - (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V07 - - the main entrance to Wu-bings house and garden - (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V12
The Lotus Lake with Chinese goldfish - in front of the great house -
Photo-and copyright: Karsten Petersen
2002-24-V15
- entering the great house -
(Photo- copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V16 - - from inside looking out to the square in front of the house - (Photo- copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V18 - - the great Buddha - (Photo- copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V15 -
Another access into the garden via a covered corridor -
(Photography by Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V23 - - leading to the magnificent octagonal "Exquisite Waterside Pavilion", where the garden master met the celebrities, scholars, poets and friends for drinking, writing and talking - (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V24 - here an inside view of the "Exquisite Waterside Pavilion" - (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V26
- here an inside view of the "Exquisite Waterside Pavilion" -
(Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V27 - - another view through the windows of the "Exquisite Waterside Pavilion" - (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V29 - Here an arched bridge spans a canal with a boat. (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
This bridge is a favorite with Chinese artists, who use it as background when painting portraits of noble, high class, sophisticated Chinese ladies.
2002-23-V31 - - a courtyard with pond,- and bonsai trees in front - (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V33 - - and another view - (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V36 - an inner courtyard,- being admired by Kit Yu - (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V37
- and another one with murals -
(Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V48 - a lotus pond in all shades of green - (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)
2002-23-V50 - and detail showing a dripping water fall - (Photo- and copyright: Karsten Petersen)