Zhou Shoujuan Suzhou

Author: Editor-in-Chief of Hanmo Lin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Ancient Suzhou is situated in a network of waterways, with streets built along rivers and small boats constantly passing by. The architecture is designed to face the water, with front lanes and rear rivers. "Little bridges, flowing water, and residences," and "every household leans against the river." "Suzhou's gardens are the best under the heavens." Suzhou is also renowned for its countless gardens. Gardens can be considered a comprehensive art form that integrates architecture, landscape, flowers and trees, carvings, and calligraphy and painting, blending natural beauty with artistic beauty. They are winding and ever-changing, with scenes that shift as one moves. The Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden are among China's four great classical gardens. Together with nine other classical gardens—Wangshi Garden, Huanshou Villa, Canglang Pavilion, Shizilin, Yipu Garden, Ouyuan Garden, and Tuisi Garden—they were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1997 and November 2000, respectively. Beyond the gardens, Suzhou boasts scenic mountains and waters, including Lingyan, Tianping, Dongshan and Xishan, Dengwei, Yushan, and Yushan, where every natural spot is a scenic view. There are also numerous temples and monasteries scattered throughout, with cultural relics and historical sites intermingling. The rare brushwork left by scholars and literati, as well as their calligraphy and paintings, have combined Suzhou's cultural charm with its natural beauty, adding to the magic of the ancient city.