Zhou Shoujuan Suzhou

Author: Editor-in-Chief of Hanmo Lin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Ancient Suzhou is situated amidst a network of waterways, with streets built along rivers and small boats constantly navigating through them. The architecture is designed to face the water, with lanes in front and rivers behind—“small bridges, flowing water, and residences,” and “every household leans against the river.” “Suzhou’s gardens are the best under heaven.” Suzhou is renowned for its countless gardens. These 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 change with every step. 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 stunning natural landscapes, including Lingyan, Tianping, Dongshan and Xishan on Dongting Lake, Dengwei, Yushan, and Yushan. Every corner is naturally beautiful and a scenic spot. Additionally, numerous temples and monasteries are scattered throughout the city, with cultural relics and historical sites intertwined. The rare brushwork of scholars and literati, along with their calligraphy and paintings, have left a lasting fragrance, combining Suzhou’s cultural and natural beauty to perfection, adding even more charm to the ancient city.