Treasure of China NO:28 Suzhou Gardens

Author: Wang Lei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features:
Caisan Temple, renowned for its literary heritage. When people mention Caisan Temple, they first think of Zhang Ji's "Night Mooring by Maple Bridge" from the Tang Dynasty.
Tiger Hill, known since ancient times as "the most famous scenic spot in Wu," offers picturesque views from the foot to the summit, with every scene steeped in legend and beauty. Suzhou, a famous historical and cultural city in China, is celebrated for its stunning landscapes and classical gardens, earning the title "the gardens of the south are the best under heaven, and the gardens of Suzhou are the best in the south." In 1985, Suzhou Gardens were ranked as one of China's top ten scenic spots.
Suzhou Gardens possess unique artistic characteristics in their layout, structure, and style. The four classical gardens of Suzhou—Canglang Pavilion, Shizilin, Zhuozheng Yuan, and Liu Yuan—represent the artistic styles of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, respectively.
Zhuozheng Yuan is the epitome of Suzhou Gardens, originally built during the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty. Its founder, Wang Xianchen, named it after the phrase "to build a house, plant trees, water a garden, and sell vegetables—this is also the governance of the clumsy" from Pan Yue's "Leisurely Residence" in the Jin Dynasty.
Zhuozheng Yuan is divided into three parts: the Eastern Garden, the Central Garden, and the Western Garden.
The Eastern Garden features alternating hills and ponds, with structures such as Shuxiang Hall and Lanshui Hall. The Western Garden has winding waterways and a compact layout, with pavilions and towers built along the hills and water. The main structure, the Mandarin Duck Hall, served as a venue for hosting guests and enjoying music, with exquisite furnishings. On sunny days, the blue glass windows inside the hall reveal a snowy-white view of the garden outside.
The "Yue Ni Tong Zu Xuan" (Pavilion for Company with Whom to Sit) is a fan-shaped pavilion. Its solid walls on both sides have two fan-shaped openings—one facing the "Mandarin Duck Hall," while the other overlooks the "Lid Pavilion" on the hill, whose roof perfectly complements the shape of a fan.
The Central Garden is the heart of Zhuozheng Yuan, with its overall layout centered around a pond. Pavilions, towers, and halls are built along the water, some extending directly into it. It is a finely structured four-sided hall with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering panoramic views. The interior is elegantly decorated. To the south of the hall lies a small pond with rockeries and bamboo, while to the north, a spacious platform connects to a lotus pond. In summer, blooming lotuses fill the air with fragrance. The plaque "Yuan Xiang Tang" was inscribed by Wen Zhengming of the Ming Dynasty.
The northern part of the hall is the main scenic area, where two artificial hills are built in the pond. On the western hill stands the "Xue Xiang Yun Wei" Pavilion, adorned with a couplet by Wen Zhengming—"The louder the cicadas sing, the quieter the forest becomes; the more birds chirp, the more serene the mountain grows"—and a title by Ni Yunlin of the Yuan Dynasty—"Wildflowers and Birds."
On the eastern hill is the "Dai Shuang Pavilion." A stream bridge connects the two hills, surrounded by lush flowers and plants, with vines and shrubs scattered along the banks, creating a natural and rustic charm.