|
Situated amid the hills and waters to the
northwest of the Fuhai Lake, this scenic spot was built before
1719 and known at the time as Willow Grove Study. In 1726,
the fourth year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign, an expansion
project was completed and the place was renamed Twin Cranes
Study. In 1739, it became known as "Kuoran Dagong." In 1755
(20th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign) a large-scale renovation
was initiated, inspired by the layout and design of the inspired
by the layout and design of the Jichang Garden in Wuxi, which
was renowned for its bizarre-shaped stones.
The Twin Cranes Study survived the 1860
fire set by the Anglo-French Joint Forces, but only to face
destruction in 1900.
|