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Visit Suzhou’s Classical Chinese Gardens

Visit Suzhou’s Classical Chinese Gardens

There are 69 classical Chinese gardens located in Suzhou. These gardens, dating from the 11th–19th centuries, together form the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site that many tourists flock to see and locals care so much about. These gardens were intended as exclusive retreats for officials, scholars, and artists.

Every element within, including the ponds, bonsai trees, round moon gates, and meandering stone walkways, was thoughtfully designed to foster an environment for reflection and artistic endeavours.

Suzhou is located in the Jiangsu Province, in eastern China. It is one of China’s wealthiest provinces, and is famous for its classical gardens, canals, and historical sites. It’s the perfect place to explore when you’re visiting China. So, without further introduction, let’s take a look at Suzhou’s Classical Chinese Gardens.

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Short Overview of Suzhou’s Classical Chinese Gardens

Visit Suzhou’s Classical Chinese Gardens
Image: Enchanting Travels, 2024

When Suzhou, in Jiangsu Province, China, was established as the capital of the Wu Kingdom in the sixth century BCE, its classical gardens blossomed into fame. Private gardens first appeared in the fourth century and reached its pinnacle in the eighteenth century, influenced by these royal hunting gardens constructed by the King of the State of Wu.

The Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, New Master’s Garden, Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty, Canglang Pavillion, Lion Grove Garden, Garden of Cultivation, Couple’s Garden Retreat, and Retreat & Reflection Garden are nine of the more than fifty gardens that remain today. These gardens are considered the best examples of Chinese “Mountain and Water” gardens.

Suzhou’s classical gardens have flourished through the ages. Every effort to preserve them shares the same goal: soften the effects of urbanisation. Measures include carefully monitoring and controlling aspects that might have an impact on these gardens. This includes limiting the number of permitted construction projects within the buffer zone, lowering the population density, raising heritage awareness with locals, and safeguarding the gardens’ cultural and natural beauty for future generations. So, with its inception established, let’s explore the best of Suzhou’s classical Chinese gardens already.

Book a hotel in Suzhou in China here with Booking.com

The Couple’s Garden Retreat

Visit Suzhou’s Classical Chinese Gardens
Image: Islamic China Travel, 2025

Think peaceful ponds, sparkling courtyards, and a lovely rock garden with historical trees ready to sway you away. Welcome, weary traveller, to The Couple’s Retreat Garden, also known as Ouyuan. The garden is divided into two distinct sections, the eastern part and the western part. It was originally built in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty and boasts beautiful and intricate Chinese aesthetics.

The elements that you’ll see throughout this garden symbolise harmony, duality, and balance, echoing the theme of companionship. When you stroll through the garden, you’ll inevitably end up at a central pond, serving as the heart of the garden. The Couple’s Garden Retreat is among the top of Suzhou’s classical Chinese gardens, and if you’re there with your significant other, you need to visit this garden in Suzhou!

Book a hotel in Suzhou in China here with Booking.com

Retreat & Reflection Garden

Visit Suzhou’s Classical Chinese Gardens

This delightful garden is located in Tongli, a historic water town near Suzhou. The Retreat & Reflection Garden prides itself on its integration of architecture, water, native plants, and rock formations. Just like the Couple’s Garden Retreat, the Retreat & Reflection Garden also features a breathtaking pond in the centre surrounded by interconnected pavilions, walkways, and lush greenery. One thing that makes the Retreat & Reflection Garden unique is its incredible rock and stone arrangements.

And because this is a classic Chinese garden, these rock formations symbolise China’s best mountains and natural landscapes. Another unique feature of the Retreat & Reflection Garden is its pavilions and halls, specifically the Hall of Retreat and Reflection. This main building offers you a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Windows and doorways in this main building will bring the views of the garden to life, and you will somehow, in all the chaos that is life, feel peace within. If you’re wondering about which of Suzhou’s classical Chinese gardens to visit, consider the Retreat & Reflection Garden.

Book a hotel in Suzhou in China here with Booking.com

Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty

Visit Suzhou’s Classical Chinese Gardens
Image: Wallpapers, 2025

I’ve saved the best for last, like all good desserts. The Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty is situated inside the former residence of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom’s Prince Zhong, and was originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty (an imperial dynasty that ruled from 1368 to 1644). This garden, though one of the smallest of Suzhou’s classical Chinese Gardens, bursts with peace and tranquillity just as much—if not more than—the bigger Chinese gardens.

Just like the Retreat & Reflection Garden, the Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty features gorgeous rock formations. In a sense, these formations are what create magic throughout. The rockery represents a miniature mountain landscape, with caves, cliffs, and winding paths. Although the garden is small, the rockery won’t allow you to believe it. Like all classic Chinese gardens in Suzhou, this garden also features pavilions, corridors, and bridges.

These exist to complement the rock formations. You’ll be inspired when you stroll and explore your way through this oasis, with hidden pathways and viewpoints to make the experience as immersive as possible. The garden is a symbol of the Chinese philosophy of harmony between humans and nature and embodies the concept of “borrowing scenery” using structures and landscapes to create changing perspectives. It’s clear that Suzhou’s classical Chinese gardens exist to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for life and nature, and that we are all connected to the past, present, and future, and ultimately, nature.

If you enjoy this article, be sure to read about the 4 must-visit bathhouses in Shanghai, China.

Visiting Some of Suzhou’s Classical Chinese Gardens?

Visit Suzhou’s Classical Chinese Gardens
Image: The China Journey, 2025

There’s a reason why Suzhou’s classical Chinese Gardens have stood the test of time. Through the centuries, people have noticed that strolling through gardens promotes mental relaxation, physical movement, and fosters a deep connection with nature. The serene environment, fresh air, and natural beauty assist in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing mood.

If you didn’t have a reason to visit these classical Chinese gardens in Suzhou, well, now you have a few! So, if you’re in China, make a point to see why these gardens have been added to the ever-growing list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You might just return to your humble abode wanting to create your very own classical Chinese garden.

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Hi there! I’m Megan, an absolute lover of words, literature, books, stories, anything that has to do with writing, reading, imagining. Because of my passion, I decided to make writing my life, and with that, I decided to study BA Languages at the University of Pretoria and am happy to report that I made my dream come true by graduating and becoming a travel writer. During my final year I wrote for my campus newspaper, the PDBY, where I learned to trust my writing voice. Now, as I sit here writing my petit little bio, I feel more in love with writing than I’ve ever been. Turns out, like much of my personality, my writing can equally showcase both the calm and put-together, as well as the crazy.