Suzhou
Located on the shore of Taihu Lake in southeast Jiangsu Province, Suzhou,
a" paradise on earth," is a renowned historical and cultural
city with a history of more than 2,500 years. The gardens of Suzhou
are famous in and outside of China. Canglang (Surging Wave) Pavilion,
Shizi (Lion) Grove, Wangshi Garden, Zhuozheng (Humble Administrator's)
Garden, Liuyuan Garden, and the Huanxiu Mountain Villa are treasures
of garden architecture from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties
in southern China. In recent years, new scenic spots, such as Zhouzhuang,
Luzhi, and Tongli, have appeared in the vicinities. In short, the city
of Suzhou features enchanting landscapes, and it has since ancient times
been known as a place with a gathering of the talents and plenty of
products. It is a wellknown tourist city.
Zhuozheng
Garden
The largest private garden of Suzhou, Zhuozheng Garden in Dongbei Street
is a historical site under key protection in China. It was included
in the list of the World Cultural Heritage.
The central part of the garden features a water pond of the garden features
a water pond with three mid-water isles and pavilions and kiosks. The
layout, natural and unsophisticated, is a manifestation of the Ming
Dynasty landscape art. The corridor that winds its way in the western
part is a fine architectural example in areas south of the Changjiang
River.
Huqiu (Tiger) Hill
Rising 36 meters above ground in northwest Suzhou, Huqiu Hill was origanlly
called Haiyong Hill. It boasts of 18 scenic spots, including the Duanliang
Hall, Hanhan Spring, Shijian Rock, Qianren Rock, anti Jianchi Pond.
The octagonal Huqiu Pagoda on top of the hill hay seven stories, (interior
and exterior). This pavilionstyle pagoda was built without any timber.
Since the Ming time, the pagoda has begun to slant to the north, now
with a tilt of 2.34 meters.
Zhouzhuang
Tongli and Luzhi
These are three ancient towns south of the Changjiang River, each with
its own characteristics. The Twin Bridges, the Shen Family Hall, and
the Zhang Family Hall of Zhouzhuang; the two halls and three bridges
in Tuisi Garden of Tongli; arhats in the Baosheng Temple of Luzhi as
well as clothes worn by the local people have attracted a great number
of tourists at home and from abroad in recent years. |