Quick Info. Chinese: 拙政园
Pinyin: Zhuōzhèng Yuán
Price: 70/50 RMB
Time Needed: 1.5-2.5 hrs
Location: 178 Dongbei St. (about 1km south of train station)

With a total area of nearly 52,000 square meters, the Humble Administrator's Garden is the centrepiece of Suzhou's many gardens, as well as one of the four most famous classic gardens in China.

Originally built by a retired official during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the garden has changed several times over the centuries, and now most closely resembles its redesign during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It is representative of Chinese classical gardens of that period, and features pavilions and bridges interspersed around numerous ponds and islands.

Though a 'must see' while in Suzhou, be warned it gets very crowded during the tourist season. Additionally, ticket prices often rise during public holidays.

It is best to visit in the morning of a regular working day to avoid the crowds. The garden is located about 1km south of the train station, in a pleasant older area of the city that features a network of small alleys crammed with traditional-style courtyard houses.

Quick Info.Chinese: 网师园
Pinyin: Wǎngshī Yuán
Price: 30/20 RMB
Time Needed: 1.5-2.5 hrs
Location: DaiChengQiao Rd. (across from the Suzhou Garden Hotel)

The Garden of the 'Master of the Nets' is the smallest of the Suzhou residential gardens, yet it is quite impressive due to its use of space—creating the illusion of an area that is much greater than its actual size.

The garden embodies a mood of harmony and tranquility, and is largely considered the most balanced garden (in terms of water, rocks, plants and timber) that Suzhou has to offer.

A popular stop for tour groups, it can get crowded during the tourist season, so its best to go in the morning to avoid the crowds. Every night, the garden hosts an evening of traditional music by local performers. Tickets for this are not included with the price of admission, and will cost an additional 80 RMB, and features two-hours of live folk and operatic music.

Quick Info. Chinese: 留园
Pinyin: Liú Yuán
Price: 40/30 RMB
Time Needed: 1.5-2.5 hrs
Location: Liu Yuan Rd. (NW end of the city)

The Lingering Garden is quite large, and features a picturesque central water feature, as well as many other aesthetics, such as the elegant walkways and bamboo groves.

The garden dates back to the 15th century, and was a scholar's private paradise. A 700m walkway weaves through the garden and is inscribed with calligraphy. Occasionally, the garden provides free music performances at peak times, which represent a great chance to hear and photograph performers and musicians.

Many visitors to this garden also visit the nearby 'West Garden' (300m away) and Hanshan Temple (about 2km away) while in the area.

Please bear with us, more information to come...