The Xu Zhimo Friendship Garden in Cambridge: A Poetic Bridge Between Cultures

Nestled within the historic grounds of King’s College, Cambridge, the Xu Zhimo Friendship Garden is a tranquil and deeply symbolic space that celebrates a unique cultural bridge between China and the United Kingdom. This serene garden is a living tribute to Xu Zhimo (1897–1931), one of China’s most beloved and influential 20th-century poets, whose profound connection to Cambridge continues to inspire millions in his homeland.

The Poet’s Connection to Cambridge

Xu Zhimo‘s formative years in Cambridge, particularly his time as an associate member of King’s College from 1921 to 1922, were profoundly transformative for his artistic development. Though he initially came to study economics and politics, he became deeply enamored with English Romantic poetry, immersing himself in the works of Shelley, Keats, and Byron. This period in Cambridge, filled with intellectual discovery and emotional depth, ignited his passion for poetry and heavily influenced his distinct lyrical style, which broke from traditional Chinese poetic structures.

His most famous work, “Second Farewell to Cambridge”, written in 1928 after a third visit to the city, perfectly encapsulates his enduring affection for the university town. The poem, filled with vivid imagery of the River Cam, the golden willows, and the serene atmosphere, is taught to millions of schoolchildren across China, making Cambridge a literary pilgrimage site for Chinese visitors. The poem’s opening and closing lines are particularly iconic: “Quietly I am leaving, / Just as quietly as I came; / I gently wave goodbye / To the clouds in the western sky.”

The Garden’s Conception and Design

The idea for a dedicated memorial to Xu Zhimo in Cambridge gained momentum in the early 21st century. A memorial stone, carved with lines from “Second Farewell to Cambridge” in both Chinese and English, was first installed near the King’s College Bridge (a spot Xu often frequented) in July 2008. This stone quickly became a popular tourist attraction, especially for Chinese visitors.

Building upon this connection, the concept of a larger garden tribute was developed by Steven Coghill, the Senior Horticulturalist at King’s College. The Xu Zhimo Friendship Garden was meticulously planned and constructed over a period of three years, officially opening on August 10, 2018, during the fourth annual Cambridge Xu Zhimo Poetry and Art Festival. This marked a significant milestone as the first Chinese garden to be created within the grounds of any Cambridge College.

The garden’s design deliberately blends Eastern and Western aesthetics. It is inspired by Taoist and Buddhist principles, featuring the traditional yin-yang pattern in its central beds, symbolizing harmony and balance. The planting scheme incorporates a mix of species native to Xu Zhimo’s home province of Zhejiang in East China, integrated seamlessly with the existing British flora, reflecting the fusion of cultures the garden represents. A crescent-shaped bench, inspired by the “Crescent Moon Society” (a literary group Xu helped found), offers a place for quiet contemplation. Paths within the garden are inscribed with more verses from “Second Farewell to Cambridge,” allowing visitors to literally walk through his poetic landscape.

A Symbol of Enduring Cultural Exchange

The Xu Zhimo Friendship Garden in Cambridge, with its roots in Xu Zhimo’s transformative time at King’s College in 1921-1922, its memorial stone placed in 2008, and its formal garden opening in 2018, stands as a powerful symbol of international cultural exchange. It serves as a tangible link between the academic traditions of Cambridge and the rich literary heritage of China.

The Xu Zhimo Friendship Garden in Cambridge not only commemorates a great poet but also fosters ongoing dialogue and understanding between East and West. It has become a focal point for the annual Xu Zhimo Poetry and Art Festival, attracting poets, artists, and scholars from around the world. For the countless Chinese visitors who come to Cambridge on a “literary pilgrimage,” the garden offers a deeply emotional and immersive experience, allowing them to connect with the places that inspired their beloved poet. It is a tranquil, beautiful space that reminds us of the enduring power of poetry and the bonds forged across continents through shared intellectual and artistic appreciation.