In the Jiajing era of the Ming dynasty, it became the Xuedao Academy of Classical Literature (学道书院), and later, the office of provisions supervisor.

During the Qianlong era of the Qing dynasty, it was the residence of Jiang Ji (蒋楫), director of Jurisdiction Department.

The garden subsequently was owned by Bi Yuan (毕沅), the Imperial Secretary of State, and Sun Shiyi, the Chief Counselor.

Wang Zhou, Director of Works, bought the garden and renamed it Mountain Villa of Embraced Beauty.

In addition, it is a recreation of the five important mountains of China, and shows a mastery of creating a sense of vast space in a small area.