Suzhou < Places to Go < Home

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Located by the Taihu Lake, the richest area in the Yangtze River Delta, Suzhou has a total area of 6,264 square kilometers. It has a population of 5.85 million and is a 2,500-year-old cultural city. The streets and lanes in its downtown area are of the Song Dynasty style. Suzhou is famous for its ancient gardens, which are the gem of classical garden architecture in south China and has been included in the UNESCO heritage list. The Humble Administrator's Garden is their representative. In its ancient waterside towns the small vridges, rivers and riverside houses demonstrate the unique customs. With a warm climate and picturesque landscape, Suzhou is a famous tourist city. Humble Administrator's Garden At 178 Dongbei Street, the Humble Administrator's Garden was first built in 1509 or the fourth year of the reign of Emperor Zhengde of the Ming Dynasty. It covers an area of 52,000 square meters. The houses in the residential area are of the typical Suzhou style and now used as exhibition rooms. The middle section is the gem of the garden. Of its area one-third is covered by water. Around the lake are trees and buildings. The main scenic spots include Distance Fragrance hall, Frangrant Islet, Lotus-viewing Pavillion, See-the Hill Building and Pipa Garden. Zhouzhuang Town In the southwestern part of Kunshan, Zhouzhuang Town is surrounded by water in four sites. The Town is crisscrossed by rivers and has eight streets. Over the rivers there are 10 unique stone bridges built during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Pan Gate Scenic Area The Pan Gate has a long history and is the only intact water-land gate in the ruined ancient city of Suzhou. It is composed of two water passages, three land passages and outside gate. Pan Gate, Wumen Bridge and Auspicious-light Pagoda afford a triple scenic spot. Twin Pagoda Twin Pagodas in the Arhat Court are located in Dinghuisi Lane. Former Bore Court, the Arhat Court was first built in 811 or the second year under the reign of Emperor Xiantong og the Tang Dynasty. The pagodas were built by three brothers in 982 or the seventh year of the reign of Emperor Taiping Xingguo of the Northern Song Dynasty. In 1996 it was included in the list of national cultural sites under the state protection with approval of the State Council. <