Lin Ben Yuan Garden Introduction
The Lin Ben Yuan Residence, which has stood for over a century, served as the rental residence of the Lin family during the Qing Dynasty. It was later expanded by the brothers Lin Guohua and Lin Guofang. Despite the ravages of war and the test of time, its once-faded glory has been restored by the government, presenting visitors with intricately designed architecture that evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. Upon entering the Lin Ben Yuan Residence, visitors are greeted by elegant pavilions, small bridges, flowing water, and the reflection of lush weeping willows on the lake, providing a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling city. The Lin Ben Yuan Residence is divided into the "Banqiao Lin Family Garden" and "Lin Ben Yuan Mansion." The Banqiao Lin Family Garden refers to the courtyard outside the mansion, featuring the tallest and most magnificent building in the area, the Lai Qing Pavilion, named for its views of Guanyin Mountain and Datun Mountain from its upper levels, which used to host distinguished guests. In the center of the pond, there's a moon-viewing pavilion designed for appreciating the moon. The largest area in the garden, "Ding Jing Hall," was once the venue for large family banquets. The garden also has various beautiful artificial landscapes, where visitors can observe the lake's ecosystem from the pavilions. The Lin Ben Yuan Mansion, the ancestral house of the Banqiao Lin family, is a spacious three-section building located on the west side of the garden. Visitors can first register for a guided tour at the service desk and follow the tour guide to learn about the architectural exemplars of the Qing Dynasty. In the courtyard of the three-section mansion, the "Imperial Edict Stone Tablet" is said to signify the Lin family's past donations to the Qing Court, which led to Empress Dowager Cixi gifting them in the name of Emperor Guangxu, showcasing the close relationship between the Lin family and the court. Visitors can also closely observe the exquisite carvings on the traditional curved roofs of the three-section mansion, featuring symbols of longevity like turtles and auspicious creatures like qilin, representing the Lin family's aspirations. Strolling through the Lin Ben Yuan Residence retains the grandeur of a wealthy family from the past. When visiting, one should take the time to appreciate the intricate decorative carvings on the architecture and can also stop by the "Ji Gu Book House," a historical book collection, to purchase exquisite and charming cultural souvenirs.
