Suzhou
located in southern Jiangsu Province in the center of the Yangtze Delta. Shanghai lies to the east, Zhejiang Province to the south, Wuxi City to the west and the Yangtze River to the north. The city is divided by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal from north to south. Since 42% area of the city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams, it is praised as the 'Venice of the Orient'. The unique characteristics of the past are still retained today. The double-chessboard layout of the city, with 'the streets and rivers going side by side while the water and land routes running in parallel', is preserved intact. An old Chinese proverb praising the beauty and prosperity of Suzhou says, "In heaven there is paradise, on earth there are Hangzhou and Suzhou." It has long been a heaven for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen, and it still is today. The beautifully landscaped city of Suzhou is renowned for its classic gardens, traditional waterside architecture, and traditional operas. Suzhou was a prosperous ancient state capital, built in 514 BC by He Lv (/her lyoo/), the King of Wu State. It grew in favor with China's dynasties — a summer retreat of emperors, and a well-placed trade center.
The Highlights of Suzhou
Classic Gardens
As the saying goes, "Gardens in the ‘Yangtze South’ area are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best among them." Suzhou's classical gardens have an international reputation. The classic gardens flourished in the mid-Ming to early-Qing dynasties (1500–1700). Most gardens are private ones built by aristocrats, scholars, and rich businessmen. Today, more than 60 classic gardens remain in the city, nine of which have been listed as World Heritage.
Water Towns
The water towns of Suzhou are crisscrossed by canals, rivers, and bridges. Old buildings and streets are built along the waterways. Many of them are still preserved well, reflecting old China. You can walk along lanes and bridges, or take a boat to appreciate ancient architecture and the beautiful canal scenery. The top water towns of Suzhou are Zhouzhuang, Luzhi, Tongli, Shaxi, Qiandeng, and Jinxi. Of these Zhouzhuang is honored as the number one water town in China, but it is the most commercialized. Tongli is a quiet water town and is less crowded.
Kun Opera
Suzhou is the hometown of Kun Opera (or Kunqu /kwnn-chyoo/), one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera. It was listed as one of the Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. It perfectly blends dramatic literature, soulful singing, and elegant dancing. source: www.travelchinaguide.com - www.chinahighlights.com
located in southern Jiangsu Province in the center of the Yangtze Delta. Shanghai lies to the east, Zhejiang Province to the south, Wuxi City to the west and the Yangtze River to the north. The city is divided by the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal from north to south. Since 42% area of the city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams, it is praised as the 'Venice of the Orient'. The unique characteristics of the past are still retained today. The double-chessboard layout of the city, with 'the streets and rivers going side by side while the water and land routes running in parallel', is preserved intact. An old Chinese proverb praising the beauty and prosperity of Suzhou says, "In heaven there is paradise, on earth there are Hangzhou and Suzhou." It has long been a heaven for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen, and it still is today. The beautifully landscaped city of Suzhou is renowned for its classic gardens, traditional waterside architecture, and traditional operas. Suzhou was a prosperous ancient state capital, built in 514 BC by He Lv (/her lyoo/), the King of Wu State. It grew in favor with China's dynasties — a summer retreat of emperors, and a well-placed trade center.
The Highlights of Suzhou
Classic Gardens
As the saying goes, "Gardens in the ‘Yangtze South’ area are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best among them." Suzhou's classical gardens have an international reputation. The classic gardens flourished in the mid-Ming to early-Qing dynasties (1500–1700). Most gardens are private ones built by aristocrats, scholars, and rich businessmen. Today, more than 60 classic gardens remain in the city, nine of which have been listed as World Heritage.
Water Towns
The water towns of Suzhou are crisscrossed by canals, rivers, and bridges. Old buildings and streets are built along the waterways. Many of them are still preserved well, reflecting old China. You can walk along lanes and bridges, or take a boat to appreciate ancient architecture and the beautiful canal scenery. The top water towns of Suzhou are Zhouzhuang, Luzhi, Tongli, Shaxi, Qiandeng, and Jinxi. Of these Zhouzhuang is honored as the number one water town in China, but it is the most commercialized. Tongli is a quiet water town and is less crowded.
Kun Opera
Suzhou is the hometown of Kun Opera (or Kunqu /kwnn-chyoo/), one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera. It was listed as one of the Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. It perfectly blends dramatic literature, soulful singing, and elegant dancing. source: www.travelchinaguide.com - www.chinahighlights.com
Classical Gardens of Suzhou
UNESCO World Heritage
The classical gardens of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China date back to the 6th century BCE when the city was founded as the capital of the Wu Kingdom. Inspired by these royal hunting gardens built by the King of the State of Wu, private gardens began emerging around the 4th century and finally reached the climax in the 18th century. Today, more than 50 of these gardens are still in existence, nine of which, namely the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, Net Master’s Garden, the Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty, the Canglang Pavilion, the Lion Grove Garden, the Garden of Cultivation, the Couple’s Garden Retreat, and the Retreat & Reflection Garden, are regarded as the finest embodiments of Chinese “Mountain and Water” gardens. The earliest of these, the Canglang Pavilionwas built in the early 11th century on the site of an earlier, destroyed garden. Conceived and built under the influence of the unconstrained poetic freehand style originally seen in traditional Chinese landscape paintings, they are noted for their profound merging of exquisite craftsmanship, artistic elegance and rich cultural implications. These gardens lend insight into how ancient Chinese intellectuals harmonized conceptions of aestheticism in a culture of reclusion within an urban living environment. Garden masters from each dynasty adapted various techniques to artfully simulate nature by skillfully adapting and utilizing only the physical space available to them. Limited to the space within a single residence, classical Suzhou gardens are intended to be a microcosm of the natural world, incorporating basic elements such as water, stones, plants, and various types of buildings of literary and poetic significance. These exquisite gardens are a testament to the superior craftsmanship of the garden masters of the time. These unique designs that have been inspired but are not limited by concepts of nature have had profound influence on the evolution of both Eastern and Western garden art. These garden ensembles of buildings, rock formations, calligraphy, furniture, and decorative artistic pieces serve as showcases of the paramount artistic achievements of the East Yangtze Delta region; they are in essence the embodiment of the connotations of traditional Chinese culture. source: http://whc.unesco.org
UNESCO World Heritage
The classical gardens of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China date back to the 6th century BCE when the city was founded as the capital of the Wu Kingdom. Inspired by these royal hunting gardens built by the King of the State of Wu, private gardens began emerging around the 4th century and finally reached the climax in the 18th century. Today, more than 50 of these gardens are still in existence, nine of which, namely the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, Net Master’s Garden, the Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty, the Canglang Pavilion, the Lion Grove Garden, the Garden of Cultivation, the Couple’s Garden Retreat, and the Retreat & Reflection Garden, are regarded as the finest embodiments of Chinese “Mountain and Water” gardens. The earliest of these, the Canglang Pavilionwas built in the early 11th century on the site of an earlier, destroyed garden. Conceived and built under the influence of the unconstrained poetic freehand style originally seen in traditional Chinese landscape paintings, they are noted for their profound merging of exquisite craftsmanship, artistic elegance and rich cultural implications. These gardens lend insight into how ancient Chinese intellectuals harmonized conceptions of aestheticism in a culture of reclusion within an urban living environment. Garden masters from each dynasty adapted various techniques to artfully simulate nature by skillfully adapting and utilizing only the physical space available to them. Limited to the space within a single residence, classical Suzhou gardens are intended to be a microcosm of the natural world, incorporating basic elements such as water, stones, plants, and various types of buildings of literary and poetic significance. These exquisite gardens are a testament to the superior craftsmanship of the garden masters of the time. These unique designs that have been inspired but are not limited by concepts of nature have had profound influence on the evolution of both Eastern and Western garden art. These garden ensembles of buildings, rock formations, calligraphy, furniture, and decorative artistic pieces serve as showcases of the paramount artistic achievements of the East Yangtze Delta region; they are in essence the embodiment of the connotations of traditional Chinese culture. source: http://whc.unesco.org
Humble Administrator's Garden
UNESCO World Heritage
Suzhou's Largest Garden, covering an area of 5.6 hectares (13.8 acres), the Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政园) is the largest garden in Suzhou and recognized as one of the four most famous gardens in China. This garden was constructed in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty. It is a masterpiece of the Ming Dynasty's garden landscaping. The garden is divided into three major parts: the eastern part, central part, and western part. The Central Section is the main and elite part of the garden. It is outstanding for its smart use of ponds, interconnected via narrow streams that flow underneath charming bridges. Numerous pavilions, corridors, rockeries, and ancient trees are dotted across the garden, creating a relaxing, harmonious atmosphere. source: www.chinahighlights.com
UNESCO World Heritage
Suzhou's Largest Garden, covering an area of 5.6 hectares (13.8 acres), the Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政园) is the largest garden in Suzhou and recognized as one of the four most famous gardens in China. This garden was constructed in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty. It is a masterpiece of the Ming Dynasty's garden landscaping. The garden is divided into three major parts: the eastern part, central part, and western part. The Central Section is the main and elite part of the garden. It is outstanding for its smart use of ponds, interconnected via narrow streams that flow underneath charming bridges. Numerous pavilions, corridors, rockeries, and ancient trees are dotted across the garden, creating a relaxing, harmonious atmosphere. source: www.chinahighlights.com
Suzhou Museum
adjacent to the Humble Administrator’s Garden. The museum was first founded in 1960 on the site of Prince Zhong’s Mansion. The new exhibition building was designed by the world-famous Chinese-American architect named I. M. Pei and opened to visitors in October 2006. This museum has abundant porcelains, relics of the revolution, most notably celadon, handicraft works, calligraphies and paintings of Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911) which fully embody the history, art, and culture of Suzhou and Yangtze River Delta. Suzhou Museum obeys the theme of “Design for China”. It combines modern exhibition halls and classical gardens’ architecture together. The whole structure contains three floors, which include an underground floor. The central and western parts of the museum have a second floor. The main buildings are less than 20 feet (6 meters) in height, and are surrounded by beautiful courtyards. Visitors will feel that the museum itself is like an exquisite work of art while appreciating the treasures and exhibits within. source: www.travelchinaguide.com
adjacent to the Humble Administrator’s Garden. The museum was first founded in 1960 on the site of Prince Zhong’s Mansion. The new exhibition building was designed by the world-famous Chinese-American architect named I. M. Pei and opened to visitors in October 2006. This museum has abundant porcelains, relics of the revolution, most notably celadon, handicraft works, calligraphies and paintings of Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911) which fully embody the history, art, and culture of Suzhou and Yangtze River Delta. Suzhou Museum obeys the theme of “Design for China”. It combines modern exhibition halls and classical gardens’ architecture together. The whole structure contains three floors, which include an underground floor. The central and western parts of the museum have a second floor. The main buildings are less than 20 feet (6 meters) in height, and are surrounded by beautiful courtyards. Visitors will feel that the museum itself is like an exquisite work of art while appreciating the treasures and exhibits within. source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Pingjiang Road
Located in the center of Suzhou City, Pingjiang Road is the largest and best-preserved historical block in Suzhou. It’s a 1.6km-long (about 1mi) narrow road along the old canal, Pingjiang River, still maintaining its ancient Chinese water town features. With a history of over 2,500 years, Pingjiang was once the main road of the ancient east Suzhou city. This road can be seen on the map of Suzhou in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).The government has protected and reconstructed the old buildings and alleys in accordance with their previous appearances and the “water flowing along the roads and alleys” structure. Many small alleys intersect Pingjiang Road, including Xuanqiao Alley, Shilinsi Alley, Chuanfang Alley, Donghuaqiao Alley, Caohuxu Alley, Dingxiang Alley, Daxiao Xinqiao Alley, Xiaojiao Alley and Niujia Alley, etc. Along the alleys are many old residential areaswhere celebrities used to live. Nowadays they have been changed to bars, teahouses, and cafes, while still maintaining their former appearances. Seventeen stone bridges have stood over the river near Pingjiang Road for hundreds of years. Most of them still look like they have for hundreds of years, each with a different story and distinctive bridge railing carvings. source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Located in the center of Suzhou City, Pingjiang Road is the largest and best-preserved historical block in Suzhou. It’s a 1.6km-long (about 1mi) narrow road along the old canal, Pingjiang River, still maintaining its ancient Chinese water town features. With a history of over 2,500 years, Pingjiang was once the main road of the ancient east Suzhou city. This road can be seen on the map of Suzhou in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).The government has protected and reconstructed the old buildings and alleys in accordance with their previous appearances and the “water flowing along the roads and alleys” structure. Many small alleys intersect Pingjiang Road, including Xuanqiao Alley, Shilinsi Alley, Chuanfang Alley, Donghuaqiao Alley, Caohuxu Alley, Dingxiang Alley, Daxiao Xinqiao Alley, Xiaojiao Alley and Niujia Alley, etc. Along the alleys are many old residential areaswhere celebrities used to live. Nowadays they have been changed to bars, teahouses, and cafes, while still maintaining their former appearances. Seventeen stone bridges have stood over the river near Pingjiang Road for hundreds of years. Most of them still look like they have for hundreds of years, each with a different story and distinctive bridge railing carvings. source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Lion Grove Garden
UNESCO World Heritage
built in 1342 during the Yuan Dynasty, is a representative garden of the Yuan Dynasty. This garden is dominated by elaborate rock formations of all shapes and sizes, which give this garden quite a different appearance to the other gardens. There are many rockeries in the shape of a lion, hence the name Lion Grove. Apart from rocks, it has richly ornamental pavilions and towers in different styles, each having its own history and story. The total garden covers an area of about of about 10,000 square meters or two and a half acres. source: www.chinahighlights.com
UNESCO World Heritage
built in 1342 during the Yuan Dynasty, is a representative garden of the Yuan Dynasty. This garden is dominated by elaborate rock formations of all shapes and sizes, which give this garden quite a different appearance to the other gardens. There are many rockeries in the shape of a lion, hence the name Lion Grove. Apart from rocks, it has richly ornamental pavilions and towers in different styles, each having its own history and story. The total garden covers an area of about of about 10,000 square meters or two and a half acres. source: www.chinahighlights.com
Canglang Pavilion
UNESCO World Heritage
the Oldest Garden in Suzhou, Canglang Pavilion or Surging Waves Pavilion (沧浪亭) is a classical garden built in 1044 during the Song Dynasty. It is the oldest among the existing classical gardens in Suzhou, keeping its original Song Dynasty layout. Different from Suzhou’s other gardens, which are usually surrounded by a high wall, Canglang Pavilion is situated by the side of a lake to its north and faces a miniature mountain to its south. The garden itself is small and peaceful with fewer tourists compared with other more famous gardens in the city. source: www.chinahighlights.com
UNESCO World Heritage
the Oldest Garden in Suzhou, Canglang Pavilion or Surging Waves Pavilion (沧浪亭) is a classical garden built in 1044 during the Song Dynasty. It is the oldest among the existing classical gardens in Suzhou, keeping its original Song Dynasty layout. Different from Suzhou’s other gardens, which are usually surrounded by a high wall, Canglang Pavilion is situated by the side of a lake to its north and faces a miniature mountain to its south. The garden itself is small and peaceful with fewer tourists compared with other more famous gardens in the city. source: www.chinahighlights.com
Shantang Street
an ancient riverside pedestrian road in northwest Suzhou. From Changmen Gate (the west gate of the ancient city) in the downtown, it winds northwest on the northern bank of the Shantang River, and ends at scenic Tiger Hill. It extends about 2.2 miles (seven li), hence the name ‘Seven-Li Shantang’. In 825, Bai Juyi, a renowned Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) poet, was transferred to Suzhou as the governor. There and then he inaugurated the Shantang River canal project. Later, a road parallel with the river on the north bank was constructed. These made Shantang block into a busy transport and commercial hub. The Shantang Street is cited as ‘the First Street in Suzhou’ mainly for three reasons: a history of nearly 1,200 years; representative of the local streets and alleys; and associated with distinguished people and events. source: www.travelchinaguide.com
an ancient riverside pedestrian road in northwest Suzhou. From Changmen Gate (the west gate of the ancient city) in the downtown, it winds northwest on the northern bank of the Shantang River, and ends at scenic Tiger Hill. It extends about 2.2 miles (seven li), hence the name ‘Seven-Li Shantang’. In 825, Bai Juyi, a renowned Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) poet, was transferred to Suzhou as the governor. There and then he inaugurated the Shantang River canal project. Later, a road parallel with the river on the north bank was constructed. These made Shantang block into a busy transport and commercial hub. The Shantang Street is cited as ‘the First Street in Suzhou’ mainly for three reasons: a history of nearly 1,200 years; representative of the local streets and alleys; and associated with distinguished people and events. source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Tiger Hill
A famous Song Dynasty (960-1279) poet, Su Shi said, 'It is a lifelong pity if having visited Suzhou you did not visit Tiger Hill.' This epitomises the general opinion of those who have seen this local beauty spot with its many attractions that we shall endeavour to describe for you. Tiger Hill, known also as Surging Sea Hill, is a large hillock covering about 3.5 acres (14,100 square metres) and only 118 feet (36 metres) in height. Climbing it, you will find a number of historical sites some of which can be traced back over 2,500 years to the founding of Suzhou. Although the hill is relatively small it has rich history. These are just some of the highlights of what to be found there.
The Tomb of King He Lu
In 496 BC during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC), He Lu, King of the Wu State perished during the war fought against the Yue State. His son buried him on the hill and three days after the funeral a white tiger came and sat upon the grave as though guarding it. From that time on it has been known as Tiger Hill.
Tiger Hill Pagoda (Huqiu Tower)
The pagoda stands on the hill's summit and is the Pagoda of the Yunyan Temple. As the oldest pagoda in the vicinity of Suzhou it has come to be a symbol of the city and has the distinction of being China's Leaning Tower. Built during the Northern Song Dynasty (959-961), it is a seven-storey octagonal tower following the style of the timber pagodas built during the early Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is 158 feet (48 metres) high and for the past four hundred years has leant 3.59 degrees to the northwest.
Sword Testing Stone and Sword Pool
King He Lu was a zealous collector of rare swords and it is said that he tested them upon this stone. The crevice thus made in the rock is the only evidence of the existence of these swords, as it is believed that they were buried beneath the Sword Pool as funerary objects. Another mystery that surrounds the tomb is the whereabouts of the remains of the 1,000 workers who built it and who were put to death upon completion of the task.
Lu Yu Well
Lu Yu was an authority on the art of tea and wrote the first ever book on the subject entitled 'The Treatise of Tea'. As an old man, he lived on Tiger Hill and it was here that he wrote the final part of his book. Lu Yu excavated the well and declared that the water from it was the third best throughout China. Consequently, upon the research and teaching of Lu Yu, tea growing and consumption came to be important factors in the daily life of Suzhou citizens.
Verdant Mountain Villa (Yongcui Shanzhuang)
Built in the tenth year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the villa is a masterpiece of the splendid gardens for which Suzhou is so famous. As the only garden without lakes or pools in Suzhou, the villa distinguishes itself from others. It was constructed according to the outline of the hill with exquisite pavilions, paths, and decorated by luxuriant woods and flowers. The Verdant Mountain Villa was designed so that it embraced the natural vistas and views from the halls and porches, which are the most pleasing to the eye. source: www.travelchinaguide.com
A famous Song Dynasty (960-1279) poet, Su Shi said, 'It is a lifelong pity if having visited Suzhou you did not visit Tiger Hill.' This epitomises the general opinion of those who have seen this local beauty spot with its many attractions that we shall endeavour to describe for you. Tiger Hill, known also as Surging Sea Hill, is a large hillock covering about 3.5 acres (14,100 square metres) and only 118 feet (36 metres) in height. Climbing it, you will find a number of historical sites some of which can be traced back over 2,500 years to the founding of Suzhou. Although the hill is relatively small it has rich history. These are just some of the highlights of what to be found there.
The Tomb of King He Lu
In 496 BC during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC), He Lu, King of the Wu State perished during the war fought against the Yue State. His son buried him on the hill and three days after the funeral a white tiger came and sat upon the grave as though guarding it. From that time on it has been known as Tiger Hill.
Tiger Hill Pagoda (Huqiu Tower)
The pagoda stands on the hill's summit and is the Pagoda of the Yunyan Temple. As the oldest pagoda in the vicinity of Suzhou it has come to be a symbol of the city and has the distinction of being China's Leaning Tower. Built during the Northern Song Dynasty (959-961), it is a seven-storey octagonal tower following the style of the timber pagodas built during the early Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is 158 feet (48 metres) high and for the past four hundred years has leant 3.59 degrees to the northwest.
Sword Testing Stone and Sword Pool
King He Lu was a zealous collector of rare swords and it is said that he tested them upon this stone. The crevice thus made in the rock is the only evidence of the existence of these swords, as it is believed that they were buried beneath the Sword Pool as funerary objects. Another mystery that surrounds the tomb is the whereabouts of the remains of the 1,000 workers who built it and who were put to death upon completion of the task.
Lu Yu Well
Lu Yu was an authority on the art of tea and wrote the first ever book on the subject entitled 'The Treatise of Tea'. As an old man, he lived on Tiger Hill and it was here that he wrote the final part of his book. Lu Yu excavated the well and declared that the water from it was the third best throughout China. Consequently, upon the research and teaching of Lu Yu, tea growing and consumption came to be important factors in the daily life of Suzhou citizens.
Verdant Mountain Villa (Yongcui Shanzhuang)
Built in the tenth year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the villa is a masterpiece of the splendid gardens for which Suzhou is so famous. As the only garden without lakes or pools in Suzhou, the villa distinguishes itself from others. It was constructed according to the outline of the hill with exquisite pavilions, paths, and decorated by luxuriant woods and flowers. The Verdant Mountain Villa was designed so that it embraced the natural vistas and views from the halls and porches, which are the most pleasing to the eye. source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Lingering Garden
UNESCO World Heritage
Famous for Its Striking Architecture is one of the best preserved gardens in Suzhou, and praised as one of China's four famous gardens, along with the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Summer Palace in Beijing, and Chengde Summer Palace. Originally built in the Ming Dynasty and improved to its present layout in the Qing Dynasty, Lingering Garden is a classic example of the Qing Dynasty's garden landscaping. This garden is famous for its striking architecture. It has the most buildings among Suzhou's gardens, perfectly combined corridors, artificial hills, rocks, and water features. The garden is divided into four distinctly themed areas: artificial hills in the west, pastoral scenery in the north, halls and pavilion structures in the east, and hills and water features at the center. source: www.chinahighlights.com
UNESCO World Heritage
Famous for Its Striking Architecture is one of the best preserved gardens in Suzhou, and praised as one of China's four famous gardens, along with the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Summer Palace in Beijing, and Chengde Summer Palace. Originally built in the Ming Dynasty and improved to its present layout in the Qing Dynasty, Lingering Garden is a classic example of the Qing Dynasty's garden landscaping. This garden is famous for its striking architecture. It has the most buildings among Suzhou's gardens, perfectly combined corridors, artificial hills, rocks, and water features. The garden is divided into four distinctly themed areas: artificial hills in the west, pastoral scenery in the north, halls and pavilion structures in the east, and hills and water features at the center. source: www.chinahighlights.com
Master of the Nets Garden
UNESCO World Heritage
built in 1180 during the Southern Song Dynasty, is the smallest (one ninth the size of the Humble Administrator's Garden) yet the most delicate landscape garden in Suzhou City. This garden consists of a residential quarter and the garden proper. At each turn, there is an elegant picture of pavilions, rocks, trees, and water. It reflects the wisdom of the ancient landscape architects who perfectly combined the techniques of relative dimension, contrast, sequence, and depth, as well as borrowed scenery. Also called Fisherman's Garden, the 0.6-hectare garden is an elegant structure of a typical official's residence in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1911). Master of the Nets Garden presents another scene at night. Lanterns light up in the garden, highlighting the contours of the pavilions, terraces and corridors of the garden. Performers dressed in local ancient costumes stage various shows, such as Kunqu Opera (Suzhou Opera), folk singing and dancing and instrumental playing. Interesting thing is these performances are staged in different halls, pavilions or chambers, so that when you walk into another room, it will be a different show. source: www.chinahighlights.com
UNESCO World Heritage
built in 1180 during the Southern Song Dynasty, is the smallest (one ninth the size of the Humble Administrator's Garden) yet the most delicate landscape garden in Suzhou City. This garden consists of a residential quarter and the garden proper. At each turn, there is an elegant picture of pavilions, rocks, trees, and water. It reflects the wisdom of the ancient landscape architects who perfectly combined the techniques of relative dimension, contrast, sequence, and depth, as well as borrowed scenery. Also called Fisherman's Garden, the 0.6-hectare garden is an elegant structure of a typical official's residence in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1911). Master of the Nets Garden presents another scene at night. Lanterns light up in the garden, highlighting the contours of the pavilions, terraces and corridors of the garden. Performers dressed in local ancient costumes stage various shows, such as Kunqu Opera (Suzhou Opera), folk singing and dancing and instrumental playing. Interesting thing is these performances are staged in different halls, pavilions or chambers, so that when you walk into another room, it will be a different show. source: www.chinahighlights.com
Yipu Garden - The Garden of Cultivation
UNESCO World Heritage
Located in the ancient Suzhou city, Yipu Garden is a small scale garden with artistic characteristics of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The garden highlights its simple, unsophisticated and elegant style. In November 2000, it was included in the World Cultural Heritage List by the UNESCO. Yipu Garden is simple and natural, showing the typical characteristics of the gardens of the Ming Dynasty. The layout is simple and open, with a pond as the center. The Hall of Erudition and Elegance is the main hall in the garden, and to the south of the pond stands an artificial hill built with earth, with cliffs and narrow paths piled up with rocks, showing changeable and natural scenic sights. To the east of the pond stands the Milk Fish Pavilion. The pavilion was constructed in the Ming Dynasty and is skirted by water on three sides, looking ancient, rustic and elegant. The Sound Moon Corridor to the west of the pond leads to the Qin Hut Courtyard, which is linked with other scenic sports by a round gate. The Gull Bathing Pond in the courtyard looks as if it was linked with the large pond, an only example in the garden of Suzhou. The yard is decorated with lake rocks, flowers and trees, being the most tranquil place in the garden. source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
UNESCO World Heritage
Located in the ancient Suzhou city, Yipu Garden is a small scale garden with artistic characteristics of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The garden highlights its simple, unsophisticated and elegant style. In November 2000, it was included in the World Cultural Heritage List by the UNESCO. Yipu Garden is simple and natural, showing the typical characteristics of the gardens of the Ming Dynasty. The layout is simple and open, with a pond as the center. The Hall of Erudition and Elegance is the main hall in the garden, and to the south of the pond stands an artificial hill built with earth, with cliffs and narrow paths piled up with rocks, showing changeable and natural scenic sights. To the east of the pond stands the Milk Fish Pavilion. The pavilion was constructed in the Ming Dynasty and is skirted by water on three sides, looking ancient, rustic and elegant. The Sound Moon Corridor to the west of the pond leads to the Qin Hut Courtyard, which is linked with other scenic sports by a round gate. The Gull Bathing Pond in the courtyard looks as if it was linked with the large pond, an only example in the garden of Suzhou. The yard is decorated with lake rocks, flowers and trees, being the most tranquil place in the garden. source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
Suzhou Cuisine
Suzhou could be a paradise for gourmets. Suzhou cuisine features slightly sweetness in taste with fresh and seasonal vegetables as one of its raw materials. The vegetable and fish dishes of that region are especially famous. The Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish is a typical traditional dish in Suzhou. Not only does it feature in the color and flavor, but also in the taste and shape. What is more, when the fried Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish is ready and pored steaming hot bittern, there will be a noise as the squirrel is cheeping. As a well-known traditional dish in Suzhou, it is regarded as the required dish in the banquets and feasts in the south area of the Yangtze River. It is recorded that when the Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty visited the south area of Yangtze River, the chef in the Songhelou Restaurant well satisfied him with the Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish. He carved on the boneless carp, covered yolk paste on it and fried it, then scattered some sweet and sour sauce on it. The dish shaped as a squirrel, tasted crisp and soft, sour and sweet. The emperor felt very content to the dish, thus from then on it was widely spread and named as the Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish. source: www.chinahighlights.com
Suzhou could be a paradise for gourmets. Suzhou cuisine features slightly sweetness in taste with fresh and seasonal vegetables as one of its raw materials. The vegetable and fish dishes of that region are especially famous. The Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish is a typical traditional dish in Suzhou. Not only does it feature in the color and flavor, but also in the taste and shape. What is more, when the fried Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish is ready and pored steaming hot bittern, there will be a noise as the squirrel is cheeping. As a well-known traditional dish in Suzhou, it is regarded as the required dish in the banquets and feasts in the south area of the Yangtze River. It is recorded that when the Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty visited the south area of Yangtze River, the chef in the Songhelou Restaurant well satisfied him with the Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish. He carved on the boneless carp, covered yolk paste on it and fried it, then scattered some sweet and sour sauce on it. The dish shaped as a squirrel, tasted crisp and soft, sour and sweet. The emperor felt very content to the dish, thus from then on it was widely spread and named as the Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish. source: www.chinahighlights.com