Famous Suzhou Gardens
Experience the pristine beauty and divine tranquility of Suzhou’s beautifully manicured classical gardens — nine of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites and two that are considered China’s most famous (Lingering Garden and Humble Administrator’s Garden). Thanks to impeccable preservation, this graceful place has seemingly stood still for thousands of years.
Classical Chinese garden design aims to create a flawless miniature landscape and emphasize the profound harmony between man and nature — and Suzhou’s gardens are regarded as masterpieces of the genre. Though these elaborate, private gardens owned by the rich and royal date back to the sixth century B.C., it wasn’t until the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties that Suzhou’s garden art reached its zenith.
Today, guests are welcome to visit the gardens and wander the paths, enjoying fragrant flora, rippling ponds and quiet pavilions along the way. Evoke the countryside and commune with nature, just like the people of Suzhou did so long ago. You, too, will discover why Suzhou’s classical gardens give merit to the moniker, “Heaven on Earth.”
