Zui Bai Chi (Zuibaichi)

Situated in beautiful Songjiang district with a land area of 5 hectares, Zui Bai Chi is one of the five best classical gardens of Shanghai. The garden represents the brilliant ancient artistic talent and technique of Chinese garden design and construction that have survived the test of time.

Zui Bai Chi has a history that dates back 900 years, when its incarnation was a private garden of Zhu Zhi Chun 朱之纯, under the initial name of Gu Yang Garden 谷阳园. 

In 1644, during the late Ming Dynasty, the famous artist Dong Qi Chang 董其昌 bought the garden and expanded it by adding new structures in which he held many social activities. It also served as a hospital for some time during 1797.

During the Qing Dynasty, the garden was given a significant reconstruction by the artist Gu Da Shen 顾大申. It was then turned into the magnificent private residence of Gu, and given its current name of Zui Bai Chi 醉白池, which is translated as Drunken Bai Pond. Legend has it that the name was inspired by the beauty of the park, which would have made famous poet Li Bai 李白 drunk with its beauty. Poets would often write inside the grounds of the garden, inspired by its serene beauty.

The impressive landscape that comprises its well-established ponds, countless graceful halls and pavilions, and the extensively well-tended vegetation is fascinating enough to draw many visitors.

Those who do visit will also experience the tremendous cultural foundation that has been preserved on this legendary land.

A visit to Zui Bai Chi will last approximately 2-3 hours.