Plan at a glance
Enter from South Gate
Xi's Family Garden (习家池) lies at the southern foot of Phoenix Mountain, about 5 kilometres from southern Xiangcheng. The South Gate entrance has a stone paifang. The grounds feel more like a countryside garden with historic features than a formal urban park, with ponds, pavilions, an ancestral hall, and springs as the main elements. It works well as a light stop within a half-day plan.
Free grounds, separate indoor hours
The grounds are free to access, no reservation is required, and the outdoor area is generally open throughout the day. Xi Family Ancestral Hall and other indoor buildings may keep separate hours. Allow 30–40 minutes for a short route or 1–2 hours for a full walk around the pond, and keep the indoor schedule separate from the garden's all-day access.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Hexagonal Pavilion (六角亭) and the ponds
Hexagonal Pavilion stands in the pond and is the clearest visual centre of the garden; its reflection is best photographed from the opposite bank. Semicircle Pond (半规池) and Splashy Beads of Water Pond (溅珠池) offer different half-moon water views, old trees, and pond-side angles for visitors interested in garden layout or traditional-style photography.
Xi Family Ancestral Hall (习氏宗祠) and White Horse Spring (白马泉)
The grey-brick buildings, red walls, and courtyard of Xi Family Ancestral Hall provide a separate cultural stop when open. White Horse Spring is part of the garden's water system, and the lakeside path links the spring, ponds, and vegetation. The full route adds a stretch of waterside walking beyond the short route.
A quiet half-day stop
Xijia Pond suits visitors interested in history and gardens, families, couples, and traditional-style photographers. Fenglin Ancient Ferry (Fenglin Temple) is about a 10-minute walk away and is a separate place; if you visit it, calculate the extra walking and visit time separately.
For an evening film-set and show experience nearby, see Xiangyang Tang City.
Build your day
30–40-minute short route
Enter through South Gate and follow the main path to Hexagonal Pavilion. View its reflection from the pond, then pass Splashy Beads of Water Pond and Semicircle Pond before taking photos by the red walls of Xi Family Ancestral Hall and returning the way you came. This route covers the main visual points; after returning to South Gate, continue to other city attractions if needed.
1–2-hour full loop
South Gate → Xi Family Ancestral Hall → Semicircle Pond → Hexagonal Pavilion → Splashy Beads of Water Pond → White Horse Spring → return along the lakeside path. This route suits visitors who want more time for the water and vegetation. If the paths are slippery after rain or mosquitoes are heavy, shorten the White Horse Spring section and still complete the main visit from South Gate.
Use the right exit
If China Tang City or another northern attraction is next, returning to South Gate after the visit is more direct. A route marked “Exit” may add more than 3 kilometres of walking. Check the signs before leaving, keep the car and onward transport on the South Gate side, and return to South Gate before calling a taxi or collecting the car.
Get there
Bus and walking
Take bus routes 1, 13, 25, 534, or 602 to Xijia Pond Station, then walk about five minutes to South Gate. A taxi can use “Xijia Pond” as the destination; follow the stone paifang to confirm the main entrance.
Parking
There is free parking, but spaces are limited, so arriving early is useful during holidays. Note where the car is parked and use South Gate for both entry and exit; otherwise you may finish the visit on the opposite side from the vehicle.
Know before you go
Water and rest
There are no small shops inside, so bring drinking water and snacks. Food options nearby are limited; plan a meal after leaving. The short route can finish directly at South Gate for an easier break and meal, while the garden also works as a morning or afternoon stop before driving to China Tang City.
Stone paths, water, and mosquitoes
The grounds include stone paths and waterside walks, and pond edges may be slippery after rain. Wear shoes with good grip. Mosquitoes are more common among the trees; early morning and evening are cooler than midday, and repellent is useful.
Free-access boundaries
The grounds of Xi's Family Garden are free. Enter Xi Family Ancestral Hall and other indoor buildings according to their own opening hours. Hexagonal Pavilion, the ponds, White Horse Spring, and the garden paths are visited as part of the outdoor walking route.