Yi Garden Landscape Art Museum sits in Jinniu District, Chengdu, along Jinquan Road (No. 8-66). It’s nestled near Jinniu Dam, a peaceful area west of the city, where Chengdu’s suburbs meet rural charm. This spot is perfect for travelers heading to Mount Qingcheng or Jiuzhaigou, as it lies along the main road to these famous destinations. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a “hidden paradise” just 20 minutes from downtown Chengdu.

To get here, take metro Line 2 to Jinfu Station, then a short taxi ride. Or drive along Jinniu Avenue—the museum is easy to spot near the Jinniu Dam area. If you’re coming from Dujiangyan or Jiuzhaigou, Yi Garden is a great first stop to relax before your big trips!

Natural Scenery: A Blend of City and Nature

Yi Garden isn’t just a museum—it’s a living landscape. The 100+ acre space mixes lakes, hills, and bamboo forests with modern art. Walk through paths lined with lotus ponds and rock gardens, or climb tiny mountains designed like traditional Chinese landscapes. In spring, cherry blossoms and plump blooms create pink tunnels, while autumn paints the gardens with red maple leaves.

What makes it special? It’s called “half village, half suburb”—you’ll see local farmhouses next to sleek pavilions. Birds chirp everywhere, and the air feels fresh, even though you’re still in Chengdu. It’s like a mini escape from the city without leaving the city!

Cultural Highlights: Yijing Philosophy Comes Alive

The name Yi Garden comes from China’s oldest book, Yijing (Book of Changes). Here, ancient philosophy meets modern art. Look for giant sculptures shaped like the Bagua (Eight Trigrams), a symbol from Yijing. Stones and water features follow the principles of Yin and Yang—balance and harmony.

Inside the museum, you’ll find exhibits explaining how Yijing shapes Chinese thinking. There’s even a hall where artists use landscapes to show Yijing’s ideas. Don’t miss the “Heaven and Earth” courtyard, where a giant bronze model lets you spin Yin-Yang symbols—kids love it!

Practical Tips: What to Bring, What’s There

Yi Garden is packed with amenities. Tired? Sip tea at the bamboo teahouse by the lake. Hungry? The on-site restaurant serves Sichuan dishes with a view. Souvenir hunters can buy hand-painted fans or Yijing-themed jewelry.

For families, there’s a kids’ play area with sandpits and mini mazes. Business travelers might peek at the conference center, which hosts government events. Romantic? At night, the gardens light up with lanterns—perfect for a sunset stroll.

A Day in Yi Garden: My Experience

I visited Yi Garden on a sunny morning. First, I wandered the “Four Seasons” garden, which changes colors by design. Then, I got lost in the Bagua Labyrinth (don’t worry, there’s a map!). The highlight? Watching a calligraphy demo by an artist in the Culture Hall.

By afternoon, I relaxed by the lake, feeding fish with bread crumbs. The museum’s gift shop sold cute Yijing-inspired stress balls—I bought a set for friends. Tip: Wear comfy shoes—there’s a lot to explore!

Why Visit Yi Garden?

This place isn’t just about looking—it’s about feeling. Whether you love nature, philosophy, or just quiet spots, Yi Garden offers something unique. It’s rare to find such a big, privately funded museum in a city center. Plus, it’s less crowded than other Chengdu attractions.

If you’re tired of tourist crowds, Yi Garden feels like a secret world. Bring your camera, but also leave time to sit and watch the koi swim. As they say in China, it’s a place to “find peace in chaos”—and in Chengdu, that’s exactly what you’ll get.