Shihu Garden

《古池映新阳》丨刘伟伟

The Shihu garden, Weifang, Shandong was built in the Ming Dynasty. One of main buildings, Yanxiang Building, was the dwelling of Hu Bangzuo who was a famous senior official in Ming Dynasty. In Guangxu 11th year of Qing Dynasty (AD 1885). Weifang's richest man, Ding Shanbao, bought it at quite a high price. Then it was remodeled and enlarged into a comprehensive private garden on the basis of Yanxiang Building. Ding Shanbao named it as "Shihu", HU is a note-tablet which was held by the ancient ministers during the official meeting with the emperor, intended to stand out the garden's tiny and exquisite. On the one hand, to reflect the low-key of the Ding's. At present, Shihu Garden is composed of the small garden and Dings' residential houses, covering a total area of more than 7,000 square meters, and has been listed as the national key cultural remains by the State Council since 1988.