The Classical Gardens of Suzhou
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Manu J
Gandhinagar, India55 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
A 30 minute train ride away from Shanghai are the Gorgeous classical Gardens of Suzhou. The unusual concentration of high quality Chinese gardens in a relatively small geographical area make Suzhou a stand-out. Chinese gardens differ markedly from Western and Islamic gardens- which tend to architecturalize the garden; the Chinese on the other hand romanticize the garden by taking the most winsome elements of nature and exaggerating these- often to the point of caricature (the rock formations, for example). Interspersed with the natural elements are architectural features like follies, pagodas, bridges, passages etc. All in all, they are wonderful escapes from reality -especially if the reality is the teeming, modern Chinese city outside the high walls. Back in a quieter time with a slower pace of life, they much have provided just the right setting for reflection and Chinese poetry. After you have been to even a couple of these Gardens, you begin to pick up and understand the building blocks of the vocabulary- the essential pond/lake, the carefully thought out plantings, the Moon Gates, the Pavilions, the bridges, etc etc.
I took 2 days out to visit 5-6 of the many classical Gardens in Suzhou, including the Humble Administrator's, Lion Forest, Ouyuan, Liu Lingering, Yipu as well as the under-rated garden in the Tiger Hill scenic area. All have their own charm, but I appreciated the smaller ones like the Ouyan, Yipu and Tiger Hill ones the most because of the smaller crowds, and the fact that the smaller scale helped me process and absorb the million little details.
So if you find yourself in Shanghai with even 1 day to kill, do yourself a favor and take the early morning fast train to Suzhou, see at least 2-3 gardens, walk Kitchy Shantang Jie Street or more upmarket Pingjiang Street in the evening and take the fast night train back in time to get a head start on the next day.
I took 2 days out to visit 5-6 of the many classical Gardens in Suzhou, including the Humble Administrator's, Lion Forest, Ouyuan, Liu Lingering, Yipu as well as the under-rated garden in the Tiger Hill scenic area. All have their own charm, but I appreciated the smaller ones like the Ouyan, Yipu and Tiger Hill ones the most because of the smaller crowds, and the fact that the smaller scale helped me process and absorb the million little details.
So if you find yourself in Shanghai with even 1 day to kill, do yourself a favor and take the early morning fast train to Suzhou, see at least 2-3 gardens, walk Kitchy Shantang Jie Street or more upmarket Pingjiang Street in the evening and take the fast night train back in time to get a head start on the next day.
Written May 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yycflip
Calgary, Canada2,719 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
Visited a few years back...
Not your typical garden as it combines classical layout but with very distinctive rock features. It was both mysterious and peaceful at the same time.
A serene place to spend a few hours in admiring the classical Chinese architecture of different structures and the plentiful covered walkways.
A not to be missed attraction in Suzhou!
Not your typical garden as it combines classical layout but with very distinctive rock features. It was both mysterious and peaceful at the same time.
A serene place to spend a few hours in admiring the classical Chinese architecture of different structures and the plentiful covered walkways.
A not to be missed attraction in Suzhou!
Written June 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2pence_worth
Bengaluru, India475 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
All visitors to Suzhou must see a garden! If you don't visit a classical garden in Suzhou, you will miss the essence of the city. The gardens are meticulously planned, beautifully crafted and so lovingly preserved. We spent a day and a half in Suzhou and managed to see 5 of these lovely gardens. I am listing them in the order of preference.
1) Humble administrator's garden: If you have time for only one garden, then this is it. One of the largest and it has all the components of a classical Suzhou garden.
2) Suzhou Calm Garden: This was a revelation! In addition to the lovely pavilions,corridors, stone bridges,waterfalls, fountains et al, there are chinese traditional music shows and a free scull ride on the canal in the park. There is a gallery where exquisite wooden carvings are displayed.
3) The Canglang Pavilion: A very quiet romantic place with nice bamboo sections
4) Garden of the Master of the Nets: The smallest among the lot but very detailed in its arrangements
5) Lion Grove Garden: A different garden from the others with a lot of emphasis on rockery- the most creative of them all.
All these gardens have one thing in common- they are an expression of profound love and reverence for nature and are an artist's quest to capture and preserve beauty. A visit to one of these gardens will redefine your sense of beauty!
1) Humble administrator's garden: If you have time for only one garden, then this is it. One of the largest and it has all the components of a classical Suzhou garden.
2) Suzhou Calm Garden: This was a revelation! In addition to the lovely pavilions,corridors, stone bridges,waterfalls, fountains et al, there are chinese traditional music shows and a free scull ride on the canal in the park. There is a gallery where exquisite wooden carvings are displayed.
3) The Canglang Pavilion: A very quiet romantic place with nice bamboo sections
4) Garden of the Master of the Nets: The smallest among the lot but very detailed in its arrangements
5) Lion Grove Garden: A different garden from the others with a lot of emphasis on rockery- the most creative of them all.
All these gardens have one thing in common- they are an expression of profound love and reverence for nature and are an artist's quest to capture and preserve beauty. A visit to one of these gardens will redefine your sense of beauty!
Written September 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David W
Melbourne, Australia33 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
I stopped over 7 hours @ Suzhou on the way to Shanghai. This classical garden is the only place I visited.
From Suzhou railway station: please proceed to a taxi rank and take a licensed taxi. The trip won't cost more than a few USD equvilents RMB. If you take public transport, it's no more than 4 bus stops. You must ignore any "taxi driver" who's approaching you and soliciting their cheap services. If you follow them, you are 100% guaranteed ripped off.
Park admission when I visited in June 2014 was 70 RMB. Please allow at least 2 hours to finish the trip. The park is not wheelchair accessable.
From Suzhou railway station: please proceed to a taxi rank and take a licensed taxi. The trip won't cost more than a few USD equvilents RMB. If you take public transport, it's no more than 4 bus stops. You must ignore any "taxi driver" who's approaching you and soliciting their cheap services. If you follow them, you are 100% guaranteed ripped off.
Park admission when I visited in June 2014 was 70 RMB. Please allow at least 2 hours to finish the trip. The park is not wheelchair accessable.
Written August 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MA J
Urbana, IL1 contribution
May 2013 • Friends
As a native, I have been to this places so many times. I would not suggest a best time to go, as each season you would see a little different charm. In winter, there are far less people, and it is cheaper too. I suggest you follow a tour guide (a lot English tour guide available) to enjoy more of the scene. Two hours would be sufficient.
A small bonus: the free Suzhou Museum nearby. Less than a minute walk, it's the Suzhou Museum. Huge collection of ancient Suzhou, which was one of the main cities and economic centers in China for a long time.
A small bonus: the free Suzhou Museum nearby. Less than a minute walk, it's the Suzhou Museum. Huge collection of ancient Suzhou, which was one of the main cities and economic centers in China for a long time.
Written October 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JedRevolutia
Jakarta, Indonesia248 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
It is true that China has so many classical garden houses and some of them are popular because they are located in big metropolitan like Beijing and Shanghai. But the best of them all are located in Suzhou.
The recommended ones are:
1. Humble Administrator's Garden (Suzhou’s largest garden and considered the archetype of classical garden design)
2. Lingering Garden (famous for its striking architecture and corridor adorned in ancient inlaid calligraphy)
3. Lion Forest Garden (whimsical rock formations and imposing manmade mountains are the garden’s biggest draws, plus this is a playful maze-like garden)
4. Great Wave Pavilion (The oldest garden in Suzhou and home to a mesmerizing forest of weeping willows, viridian bamboo and other ancient trees)
5. Master of Nets Garden (Suzhou’s smallest garden but a must-visit in the evening to enjoy cultural performances)
6. Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty (soaring mountains and cliffs, deep caverns, stone houses and more)
7. Couple’s Retreat Garden (a romantic oasis sandwiched between three restful canals and a bevy of dramatic pavilions and verdant landscaping)
8. The Garden of Cultivation (mist-cloaked hills, deep springs and placid pools)
The recommended ones are:
1. Humble Administrator's Garden (Suzhou’s largest garden and considered the archetype of classical garden design)
2. Lingering Garden (famous for its striking architecture and corridor adorned in ancient inlaid calligraphy)
3. Lion Forest Garden (whimsical rock formations and imposing manmade mountains are the garden’s biggest draws, plus this is a playful maze-like garden)
4. Great Wave Pavilion (The oldest garden in Suzhou and home to a mesmerizing forest of weeping willows, viridian bamboo and other ancient trees)
5. Master of Nets Garden (Suzhou’s smallest garden but a must-visit in the evening to enjoy cultural performances)
6. Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty (soaring mountains and cliffs, deep caverns, stone houses and more)
7. Couple’s Retreat Garden (a romantic oasis sandwiched between three restful canals and a bevy of dramatic pavilions and verdant landscaping)
8. The Garden of Cultivation (mist-cloaked hills, deep springs and placid pools)
Written July 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katnden
Phoenix, AZ82 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
After taking a ride down the canals of the Venice of Asia you go to the gardens to relax. It has all the elements of peace , rocks, structure, water and foliage. One of many restful gardens you should visit while in China
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BruceR-Traveller
sydney australia30 contributions
Oct 2019
This garden is a delight. The history is fascinating but the ability to calm the mind is amazing. Even with hundreds of people in the garden, the layout and differing aspects as you meander through the "rooms". The design makes it feel much bigger than it is.
Written November 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FOSSHILL
Melbourne, Australia421 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
Really beautiful gardens. So peaceful and tranquil. Spacious. Easy walking and so much to experience. Definitely worth a visit
Written June 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERVE B
Paris, France183 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
A real pleasure to see and visit the Suzhu marvellous garden which allows you to travel in the past when China was so called L'empire du Milieu and unknown from the rest of the world.
Written September 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kecina K
Houston, TX6 contributions
This entry being ranked #1 of Suzhou is very confusing. There are a number of classical gardens in Suzhou. If we want to discuss them collectively, that’s fine, but the address and the reviews seem to point to one garden. And they are probably not the same ones! The situation is now everyone ranking a different garden under this entry, and no one knows which garden you are talking about!
Hello Manu and everyone, I will be in Shanghai in 2 months and interested in going to Suzhou and visit the gardens. It seems amazing from everyone's posts. However, I cannot speak Chinese. Is it possible to get the bullet train tickets and navigate from Shanghai to Suzhou or around Suzhou, speaking English or I must pay a private tour guide? Please advise me. Thank you.
TenaciousTrekkers
Florida172 contributions
Hello,
You needn't hire a guide to get around. Although very little English is spoken in the water towns I got around just fine without speaking any mandarin. Easiest way to communicate: print a sheet of paper with all of the English/Mandarin points of interest and addresses. Make sure to have it in pinyin as well as (and most importantly) the Chinese characters. You simply stop a local, point to the name of where you are going and they will be happy to help.
I have a video on my youtube page and travel blog on how to get to and getting around The water towns of China
Check out Tenacious Trekkers on YouTube!
Sebastian
My tour guide did not know where this is. Can someone give me landmarks and a more detailed address besides what's on trip advisor for this location? I tried the address on trip advisor and it wasn't helpful. Thank you!
Bjørn Andre Hagen
Tonsberg, Norway92 contributions
The Humble Administrator's Garden (simplified Chinese: 拙政园; traditional Chinese: 拙政園; pinyin: Zhuōzhèng Yuán) is a renowned Chinese garden in Suzhou. The garden is located at n°178 Dongbei Street (东北街178号).
Lingering Garden (simplified Chinese: 留园; traditional Chinese: 留園; pinyin: Liú Yuán) is a renowned classical Chinese garden. It is located at 338 Liuyuan Rd. Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China (留园路338号).
The Master of the Nets Garden (simplified Chinese: 网师园; traditional Chinese: 網師園; pinyin: Wǎngshī Yuán) in Suzhou is among the finest gardens in China. It is located at Gusu District (formerly Canglang District), Dai Cheng Qiao Road, No. 11 Kuo Jia Tou Xiang (沧浪区带城桥路阔家头巷11号)
Diane dodd Hall
Honolulu, HI3 contributions
Hello! Where was your guide from and how did you hire him? I will be in Shanghai next weekend, and hope to spend the day in Suzhou before returning home. Did he price by the day/ hour and if so how much? Thank you! Bringing my daughter so I'm trying get not to spend every dime on transportation . We will be leaving fro Shanghai, pudong
Superdaves
Toronto, Ontario95 contributions
Unfortunately, we were the same. The guide was provided as part of a tour group. The challenge is getting a local one with enough English proficiency for you but each area has quite a few signs explaining what you are looking at and the significance of the structure/garden element. Maybe try the tourism office in Suzhou via email before you arrive to see if they have something?
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Classical Gardens of Suzhou
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Classical Gardens of Suzhou:
- Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option (From $180.00)
- Private Hidden and Historical Suzhou Exploration from Shanghai (From $200.00)
- Suzhou and Tongli Water Village Private Day Tour with Lunch (From $163.41)
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer (From $170.67)
- Suzhou Flexible Private Day Tour with Lunch (From $160.22)
- Hotels near The Classical Gardens of Suzhou:
- (0.12 mi) Xinwen Chengji Hotel
- (0.15 mi) Nanlin Hotel Suzhou
- (0.15 mi) 99 Hotel
- (0.16 mi) Jinbo Hotel
- (0.17 mi) Ming Tien Inn
- Restaurants near The Classical Gardens of Suzhou:
- (0.10 mi) WuSa Restaurant
- (0.15 mi) NanLin Restaurant
- (0.17 mi) HouJie JiuBa
- (0.18 mi) HuangChengGen Er Chinese Hot Pot Fang (FengHuang Jie)
- (0.19 mi) M&T Coffee (FengHuang)
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