Classical Gardens of Suzhou
苏州园林 · 쑤저우시
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Classical Gardens of Suzhou1:41
Welcome to Suzhou, often hailed as the 'Oriental Venice' or 'Paradise on Earth.' As your scholarly guide, I invite you to step into the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that represents the absolute…
Listen in the app2The Humble Administrator's Garden: Water as the Soul1:31
We begin at the largest and most famous of the collection: the Humble Administrator’s Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan), first built in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty. It was founded by Wang Xianchen, an imperial official who, having lost…
Listen in the app3The Lingering Garden: Sequence and Vistas1:24
Next, we visit the Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan), renowned for its exquisite architecture and the skillful sequence of its scenery. Built in 1593, it is smaller than the Humble Administrator’s Garden but offers a more intense…
Listen in the app4The Cloud-Capped Peak: The Art of Taihu Rocks1:15
While in the Lingering Garden, we must stop at the 'Cloud-Capped Peak' (Guan-yun Feng). This is the single largest Taihu rock in all of Suzhou’s classical gardens, standing at an impressive 6.5 meters. …
Listen in the app5Lion Grove Garden: The Rockery Maze1:25
The Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin) is perhaps the most unique in Suzhou due to its emphasis on 'maize-like' rock formations. Built in 1342 by a Zen Buddhist monk to commemorate his teacher, the garden is named after the 'Lion's…
Listen in the app6The Great Wave Pavilion: The Oldest Garden1:18
For a sense of deep history, we turn to the Great Wave Pavilion (Canglang Ting), the oldest remaining garden in Suzhou, dating back to the 10th century. Unlike other gardens that are hidden behind high walls, the Great Wave…
Listen in the app7The Couple's Retreat and Gender Equality1:16
Our final section takes us to the Couple’s Retreat Garden (Ou Yuan), a hidden gem surrounded by water on three sides. Built in the 19th century, it was a place of seclusion for a couple seeking to shun the world outside. …
Listen in the app8Closing1:21
As we conclude our journey through the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, I hope you have gained an appreciation for the 'mild and reserved temperament' these spaces embody. We have navigated the soul-reflecting waters of the Humble…
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What is Classical Gardens of Suzhou?
Classical Gardens of Suzhou is a place in 쑤저우시 with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | 쑤저우시 |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 11 min 11 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 31.3267, 120.6256 |
| Last updated |
