Liyuan Park, also known as Liyuan Garden, lies ten kilometers to the south of the city of Wuxi, and to the north of Lake Lihu. The park comprises of two main sections – the grounds of the park and the lake area, which measure 8.2 hectares and 3.5 hectares respectively. Liyuan Park is considered to be one of the most attractive parks in Wuxi.

According to Chinese history, the esteemed statesman Fan Li, Minister of War at the time of the Yue State in the Spring and Autumn Period, spent some of his time here in the company of Xi Shi, his lover and one of the famed Chinese beauties, following his resignation from the ruling hierarchy. It is said that Fan Li assisted the King of Yue, Gou Jian with his conquest of the Wu. The garden takes one part of the statesman’s name in his memory.

Liyuan includes a private garden created in the early 20th century, with a traditional Chinese garden layout complemented by classical Chinese architecture. The entire layout merges appealingly with Lake Lihu and its landscape to create one of the most enchanting spots a traveller will encounter.

Meticulously designed and created, Liyuan Garden can be considered an exquisite work of art with its painstakingly created corridors, causeways and pavilions painted in harmonious colours. One of the highlights of the park is its 1km long corridor which weaves through the park, adorned by the inscriptions of early calligraphers. Many lattice-like openings in the surrounding wall provide views of the gardens from varying angles. Liyuan Park is equally popular among locals and foreign visitors.

Millennium Wuxi is a picturesque hotel in Wuxi whose guests will find much to admire in the gardens of Liyuan Park.