Suzhou classical gardens · Classical Gardens in Suzhou
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Classical Gardens in Suzhou
Classical Gardens in Suzhou
The Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuo Zheng Yuan 拙政园), Dongbei St (Located in the NE corner of the old city), ☎ +86 51267537002, . 7:30AM-5:30PM. Said to cost a boatload of silver and taken sixteen years to build. Free tours through the garden start every 5-10 minutes, though these tours are conducted only in Mandarin. Included in the tour is a "Chinese marriage", a look at carved tree roots, followed by a boat ride through the garden canals. The incredible collection of bonsai trees ('pen cai' or 'pen jing' in Chinese) at the end of the garden furthest from the main entrance is worth a trip all by itself. ¥70, ¥50 off-season. �
The Garden of the Master of the Nets (Wang Shi Yuan 网师园), (Down a small ally off of Fenghuang Rd in the south of the old town), ☎ +86 512 65293190. 7:30AM-5PM. Originally created in 1140, and recreated in 1770 by the bureaucrat Song Zongyuan. The enclosed complex of house and garden is one of the smallest, most beautiful, and most perfectly proportioned in Suzhou. Don't let the small size deceive you, this garden has enough to occupy you for half a day or more. On certain evenings there are demonstrations of many traditional performing art. ¥30. �
The Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan 留园). One of the largest and most important classical gardens in Suzhou and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. �
Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty (Huanxiu Shanzhuang 环秀山庄). Considered to be among the finest rock and water garden constructions in Suzhou. �
The Lion Forrest Garden (Shi Zi Lin 狮子林), (Just off Lindun Rd, near to the Humble Administrators Garden), . 7:30AM-5:30PM. One of the four great gardens of Suzhou and is admired for the incredible collection of pitted, eroded rocks that were greatly appreciated by classical Chinese scholars. It was originally part of a Buddhist monastery. The gardens are a reminder of the Buddhist story of the lions. The layout of the garden follows many twists and turns. It is easy to get quite lost in these winding paths. ¥30. �
The Surging Wave Pavilion (Canglang Ting 沧浪亭), (Just off Renmin Rd on the S side of the old town. Near the Confucian Temple), ☎ +86 512 65293190. One of the oldest of Suzhou's wonderful collection of private or "scholar's" gardens. More densely forested than other gardens, so ideal for hot days when you want to escape the sun. This garden is best viewed from within its many pavilions, with windows framing different views. ¥20. �
The Retreat and Reflection Garden (Tui Si Yuan 退思园). Located at town of TongLi (同里), which is about 30 km away from Suzhou. �
Small Classical Gardens. Large classical gardens are great to see their majesty while small gardens are quite good for a quick look or relaxing with a cup of tea in relative quiet. Often local folks are seen enjoying their tea and chatting. The small garden is a living part of the local, yet ancient, culture. �
The Former Residence of Poet and Scholar Yu Yue in the ancient Liuhuafang Block, (Central part of the old city near Guanqian St. Cross Renmin Rd to the southwest corner, go south maybe 100 m along the west side of Renmin Rd, turn west at the KFC and you will see it on the north side of the alley). Make sure to go all the way towards the back inside the garden to see the best part. This tucked away place is a little tough to find but totally worth the effort if you want to find a quiet, unpretentious place visited mainly by locals. ¥1.5, ¥3-7 for entrance and tea. �
The Garden of Cultivation (YiPu Garden), (In the northwest corner of the old city -- inside the encircling canal. Ask local shop keepers for help since it is in an ancient block with small alleys/streets.). Make sure to go all the way towards the back inside the garden to see the best part. ¥10. �
Tarrying Garden (Wufeng Xianguan). is located outside Changmen Gate in Suzhou City was established in the Ming Dynasty and many parts of it were rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. "Wufeng Xianguan" of the garden is also called "Nanmu Hall" in which there are different kinds of rarely seen furnishings made of nanmu. Mandarin Duck Hall is divided into two parts by a meticulously carved partition.There are varieties of doors and windows in other structures. ¥10. �
The Garden of Pleasure (Pleasence) (Yi Yuan 怡园). Very small garden located at the heart of down town area of Suzhou City. Good place to have a cup of green tea and usually visited by lots of local elder people. �
The Couple's Garden Retreat (Ou Yuan 耦园), (Quietly hidden in the small lane off of Pingjiang Rd. Not easy to find it. Alternatively find the gate at the south end of the Zoo's carpark). Built in early 20's century by a couple. Many small garden rooms lead you from view to view. Each window or hall perfectly frames a set of plants, rocks or trees. Every inch of the garden has been carefully thought out. Most of the garden consists of covered walkways, even though it may rain you will be able to enjoy this garden without getting wet. ¥20. �
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Suzhou Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.