When
Suzhou is mentioned, the first thought in every Chinese mind is
of its gardens. It is said that the gardens to the south of Yangtze
River are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best
among them. The history of the classical
gardens of Suzhou can be traced back to 6 BC. By the time
of the Ming and Qing dynasties, Suzhou City had become a garden
city with more than 200 gardens. Having experienced a long history,
only a part of the gardens are preserved perfectly. Because of
their ingenious man-made landscape and the ideal of harmony between
heaven and human beings, the gardens have gained a high reputation
world wide. Canglang Pavilion (Blue
Wave Pavilion), Lingering
Garden, Humble
Administrator's Garden and Lion
Grove Garden are the four top gardens in Suzhou, representing
the architectural styles of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties
respectively. The latter three gardens were added to the World
Heritage List in 1997. Additionally, the Garden
of Master of Nets will definitely appeal to you, as it is
the best example of small and medium-sized gardens.
In
contrast to the huge buildings in the north, the water townships
of Suzhou are designed in the typical style of southern China,
renowned for their charming watery view and ancient residential
houses. Zhouzhuang,
inheriting the splendid culture of Wu, is the best example of
water country in China. There, you can enjoy a view like a Chinese
landscape painting, just like that described by Ma Zhiyuan (a
poet of Yuan Dynasty) in his lyric - a household on a creek flowing
under a stone-bridge nearby. Besides Zhouzhuang, some other water
townships, such as Tongli
Town, Mudu and
Luzhi, are also recommended.
After
a splendid visit to the water townships of Suzhou, you should
turn your attention to Tiger
Hill which is named the No.1 sight in Suzhou and has a profound
cultural background. The poem Mooring by the Maple-Bridge
at Night written by Zhang Ji (a Chinese poet of the Tang
Dynasty) has given a world-wide reputation to the Hanshan
Temple (Cold Mountain Temple) and the Maple-Bridge of Suzhou
since imperial times. If you are a beginner in Chinese culture
and art, the above destinations should not be missed in your journey
to Suzhou. Possessing wonderful gardens, exquisite water townships,
charming natural scenery and splendid history and culture, Suzhou
is praised as 'paradise on earth'.
Panmen Scenic Area, including Ruiguang (Auspicious Luster) Pagoda,
Water and land City Gates, Wumen Bridge and other historical sites
and landscape, are located to the southwest of Suzhou City. No.2
tourist bus departing from the railway station can take you there
directly. Bus No.30 also goes there directly from Suzhou Amusement
Park, which is the best park in Suzhou.
Additionally, majestic temples, such as the Temple of Mystery and
Xiyuan Temple, are two famous destinations in Suzhou. The former
one is located at No.94 Guan Qian Street and regular buses Nos.1,
2, 4, 8, 20, 38 and tourist special routes Nos. 1 2, 4, 5 can be
used to get there. Xiyuan Temple can be reached by taking tourist
special routes Nos. 1, 2, 3 and regular buses Nos. 6, 10, 11, 17.
Exquisite gardens, meandering water and green mountains around
Suzhou City attract a great number of visitors every year from both
home and abroad.