Lingering Garden Travel Guide for Foreigners

General Information

• Location: Lingering Garden is located in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. It is at No. 338 Liuyuan Road, Changmenwai. Suzhou is well - known for its numerous classical gardens, and Lingering Garden is one of the most outstanding ones.
• History: It was first built during the Ming Dynasty and has a history of over 400 years. Over the centuries, it has gone through expansions and renovations by different owners, especially during the Qing Dynasty, when it reached its current grand scale and unique charm.
• Opening Hours: Generally, it is open from 07:30 to 17:00. However, it may be adjusted during different seasons or special occasions. It's advisable to check the official website or local announcements before your visit.
• Ticket Price: The ticket price varies, usually around 55 yuan for adults. There may be discounts for students, the elderly, and children.

Highlights and Attractions

• Garden Layout:

• • Entrance Hall and Courtyards: As you enter, you will be greeted by the entrance hall and a series of small courtyards. These areas often feature traditional Chinese architectural elements such as carved wooden doors, lattice windows, and beautiful stone carvings. The layout is designed to create a sense of order and harmony.
  • Central Lake and Pavilions: The central part of the garden is dominated by a small yet charming lake. Around the lake, there are various pavilions and corridors. The pavilions are strategically placed to offer different views of the lake and the surrounding scenery. You can relax in these pavilions, enjoy the gentle breeze, and admire the reflections of the buildings and plants in the water.
  • Rockeries: Lingering Garden is famous for its rockeries. The rockeries are made from carefully selected and arranged rocks, some of which are quite large and imposing. They are designed to mimic natural mountains, with winding paths and small caves. Climbing on the rockeries can give you a unique perspective of the garden and a sense of adventure.
  • Flower Gardens and Bamboo Groves: There are beautiful flower gardens filled with seasonal blooms throughout the year. In spring, you can see colorful flowers like peonies and azaleas. Bamboo groves are also an important part of the garden, adding a touch of elegance and tranquility. The rustling of the bamboo leaves in the wind creates a soothing atmosphere.

• Architectural Features :
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  • Pavilions: The pavilions in the garden have unique designs. For example, the Hanbi Mountain Villa is a well - known pavilion with beautiful calligraphy and paintings on its walls. It provides a great place to enjoy the view of the rockeries and the lake. Another pavilion may have an open - air design, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural environment.
  • Corridors: The corridors are not only functional for connecting different parts of the garden but also have artistic value. They are often decorated with intricate carvings on the wooden beams and columns. Some corridors have windows of different shapes and sizes, which act as "picture frames" to showcase the beautiful scenery outside.
  • Buildings: There are also some larger buildings in the garden that may have been used for various purposes in the past, such as study rooms, living quarters, or places for entertainment. These buildings are usually well - preserved and display the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture.

Cultural Significance

• Art Collections: Lingering Garden houses many valuable art collections, including ancient calligraphy, paintings, and handicrafts. These artworks are often displayed in some of the pavilions or buildings, adding to the cultural depth of the garden. You can get a glimpse of the rich artistic heritage of ancient Chinese scholars and nobles.
• Traditional Chinese Garden Culture: It is a perfect example of traditional Chinese garden culture. The design principles of Lingering Garden follow the concepts of harmony between man and nature, the use of borrowed scenery, and the creation of a secluded and beautiful environment. By visiting the garden, you can better understand the unique aesthetic and cultural values of the Chinese people in landscape design.

How to Get There

• By Air: If you arrive at Shanghai airports (such as Pudong or Hongqiao Airport), you can take a high - speed train or a long - distance bus to Suzhou. Then, you can use local transportation to reach Lingering Garden.
• By Train: Suzhou has several railway stations. You can take a local bus, taxi, or subway (if available) from the railway station to the garden.
• By Bus: There are local bus routes that pass by or near Lingering Garden. You can check the local bus schedule and route maps at the bus station or use a mobile app for public transportation.

Tips

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: As you will be walking around the garden to explore different areas, it's important to wear comfortable shoes. The paths may be uneven in some parts due to the rockeries and traditional paving.
• Time Your Visit: Try to avoid peak tourist seasons if possible, as the garden can get crowded. Early morning or late afternoon visits can be more peaceful and allow you to better enjoy the scenery.
• Guided Tours: Consider taking a guided tour, either with an official guide from the garden or by using an audio guide. This can help you understand the history, cultural significance, and design details of the garden more deeply.
• Photography: The garden offers countless great photo opportunities. Don't forget to bring your camera or use your smartphone to capture the beautiful moments. Pay attention to the lighting conditions, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and more suitable for photography.