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SUZHOU
ATTRACTIONS
Located along the side
of Lake Taihu in the Yangtze River region, 62 miles east of Shanghai,
Suzhou is an ancient cultural city built 2,500 years ago. Suzhou is crisscrossed
by rivers and enjoys a mild and humid climate, easily accessible by
water, land and air transportation. Many private gardens were built
during and after the Song Dynasty, making the city famous for its
awe-inspiring classical gardens. The natural scenery of hills and
streams in Suzhou is as charming as a delicate flower. Streets and
alleys in Suzhou run parallel to centuries-old canals. Small bridges
and flowing waters, white walls and dark gray roof tiles match one
another in tranquil elegance. In addition, many historical sites are
extremely attractive for visitors.
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Suzhou Gardens
Most of the gardens in Suzhou, Jiangsu
Province were private gardens built in ancient China. They are
tranquil, exquisite, elegant, and created to be in complete harmony
with nature. The creators of these gardens invented ingenious
techniques to put a cramped space to best use. There are flowers and
trees, pools, hills, and pavilions within the boundaries, thus forming
a natural yet richly landscaped environment. The most famous gardens
in Suzhou are the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Garden to Linger
In, the Wangshi Garden, and the Lions Grove. |
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The Humble Administrator's Garden
The Humble
Administrator's Garden was built from 1506 to 1521 during the Ming
Dynasty. It is regarded as one of the four major gardens in China
along with the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Mountain Summer Resort in
Chengde, and the Garden to Linger In in Suzhou. It is the largest
classical garden in Suzhou and is famous for its water landscapes. The
scenery in Humble Administrator's Garden is focused on a central pond
with various pavilions, terraces, chambers and towers dappled along
the water or on hillocks in a natural and unsophisticated composition. |
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The Garden to Linger In
The Garden to Linger In is one of another
one of the four major gardens in China. It was built during the reign
of Emperor Jia Qing of the Ming Dynasty (l522-l566). The garden is a
prime example of artfully and architecturally manipulating a given
space. It is a typical garden of the Ming period with its
characteristic elegance and ethereal nature. The Cloud Crowned Peak
located within it is a treasured piece of Taihu rock noted in the
region. |
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Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill
is located in the northwestern outskirts of Suzhou. It is 85 feet high
and has been a favorite place for poets, writers and painters for
centuries. The hill is of moderate height, but has a large number of
historical relics. The 1000-year-old Slanting Pagoda on the hill was
built in the year 959 is recognized as the symbol of the ancient
Suzhou City. |
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Hanshan Temple
Han Shan
and Shi De, eminent monks of the Tang Dynasty, once lived here. The
temple is famous for its exquisitely designed halls, as mentioned in a
poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji, who wrote, "Beyond the Suzhou
walls, the Hanshan Temple, Rings bells, which reach my boat." On every
New Year's Eve, the bell rings 108 times to welcome the New Year and
has become a special tour feature. |
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Information Provided
by China National Tourism Office |
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