Master of the Nets Garden
网师园 · 쑤저우시
part of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, China
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Master of the Nets Garden1:23
Welcome to the Master of the Nets Garden, or Wangshiyuan, one of the most exquisite and celebrated classical gardens in Suzhou and a UNESCO World Heritage site. To find this 'hidden jewel,' we have walked through a 'warren of…
Listen in the app2The Entrance and the 10,000 Volume Hall1:21
As we enter through the main gates, we move through a series of 'halls punctuated by even smaller courtyards.' This creates a rhythm of 'enclosed-open-enclosed' spaces that is central to Suzhou garden philosophy. Our first major…
Listen in the app3The Central Pond: The Organic Realm1:14
We emerge from the buildings into the 'organic realm' of the central pond. This is the heart of the garden, where the 'water is so expansive' that it seems to 'creep and meander beneath the buildings.' Though the pond is small,…
Listen in the app4The Five Peaks Library and the Intellectual Retreat1:07
We have moved into the northern part of the garden, specifically the 'Five Peaks Library.' This area is associated with 'intellectual pursuits' and is the 'very private area' of the scholar. The library is surrounded on its two…
Listen in the app5Dianchun Yi: The Late Spring Studio1:19
We now enter a small, secluded courtyard known as 'Dianchun Yi,' or the 'Late Spring Studio.' This space is particularly famous because in 1978, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York chose to make a 'copy of this courtyard,'…
Listen in the app6The Moon Gate and the Perspectives of Rockery1:13
As we continue our stroll, we pass through a 'moon gate,' a circular opening that serves as a 'wonderful surprise,' framing the next view like a painting. This leads us to the 'rock formations' where we are asked to 'wander up…
Listen in the app7The Music Room and the Hall of Social Graces1:16
Finally, we reach the 'social areas' of the garden, including the 'Music Room' and larger halls where 'poems would be read' and 'painting might be appreciated.' These were the spaces where guests would 'hear music' and engage in…
Listen in the app8Closing1:06
As we conclude our tour of the Master of the Nets Garden, we are left with the 'profound sense' that this garden is more than a place of leisure; it is a 'moral cultivation' of the spirit. We have moved from the 'public' 10,000…
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What is Master of the Nets Garden?
Master of the Nets Garden 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 | 9 min 59 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 31.3002, 120.6297 |
| Last updated |
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