24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
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24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin)
Brief Introduction of Lion Grove Garden
The Lion Grove Garden is a garden located at 23 Yuanlin Road in Pingjiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. The garden is famous for the large and labyrinthine grotto of taihu rocks at its center. The name of the garden is derived from the shape of these rocks, which are said to resemble lions. The garden is recognized with other classical gardens in Suzhou as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History of Lion Grove Garden
"Of all the famous rock-gardens in history, only one has survived. This is the so-called 'Lion Garden' in Soochow." The construction of the Lion Grove Garden began in 1342 during China's Yuan Dynasty, by a monk Tianru and a group of Zen Buddhists as a memorial of their master and teacher Zhongfeng.
The garden is approximately 10,000 square meters and contains 22 pavilions, 71 steles, and numerous other works of art. The garden is famous for its rockery, which is mostly made of limestone taken from Taihu Lake. The original name of the garden was "Shizi'lin Si"(The Lion Grove Temple), later called "Putizhengzong Temple" and then "The Holy Grace Temple". At that time the garden was part of the Bodhi Orthodox Monastery. The name of the garden is derived from the lion-shaped taihu rocks, which in turn were built as a reference to the symbolic lion in the Lion's Roar Sutra. The name also refers to the Lion Peak of Mount Tianmu in Lin'an City, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, where Abbot Zhongfeng attained nirvana. At that time, the garden was 6,670 square metres and was covered in rock and bamboo.
After Wen Tianru's death, the garden fell into disrepair, but in 1589 another Buddhist monk, Mingxing, rebuilt the garden. The magistrate of Hengzhou bought the garden, and his son Huang Xi rebuilt the garden in 1771. Starting in 1850, the garden fell into disrepair once again. The Lion Grove Garden had been repaired and renovated between 1917 and 1926. Many buildings and rocks in the garden have been preserved since the restoration. According to official signs posted in the garden, the Bei family "donated" the garden to the Chinese government in 1949. This words on the signs seem curious because all private property was nationalized by the Communist Party in the same year. The garden was not opened to the public until 1956.
The garden's design attracted the attention of notable visitors, such as the painter Ni Zan, who created the painting Picture Scroll of Lion Grove in 1373. In 1703, the Kangxi Emperor visited the garden, and in 1765, the Qianlong Emperor also visited the garden and left a tablet True Delight personally inscribed by him as a gift. He also had a replica of the garden constructed in the Changchun garden of the Summer Palace and at the Chengde Mountain Resort.
Transportation
- Bus Routes: No.518?112?55?262?202?Y2?50East Line?50West Lin?Y5 South Line?811?529?Y1?Y5 North Line?Y1 North Line?Y1 South Line?309 get off at the bus station of Suzhou Museum(Humble Administrator Garden/Lion Grove Garden).
- Subway Routes: Recommend time for a visit: 1-2hours
Information
1. Opening Time: 07:30am-5pm.(11OCT-29FEB.next year);
07:30am-5:30pm.(1MAR-10OCT), the garden closed 30 minutes prior to stop selling tickets
2. Admission Fee: RMB30(16APR-10OCT); RMB20(31OCT-15APR.next year)
3. Tel: +86 512—67272428
4. Address: No 23,Yuanlin Road,Suzhou
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on a memorable Suzhou day trip from Shanghai, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this historic city. Begin your journey in style with business class comfort, arriving refreshed and ready to explore. Experience the serene beauty of the Lingering Garden, marvel at the ancient Panmen Gate, and find tranquility at Hanshan Temple. Stroll along the charming Shantang Street, where traditional architecture and local flavors await. This carefully curated itinerary ensures an enriching experience, combining cultural insights with exceptional service for an unforgettable day in Suzhou.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on a captivating one-day Suzhou food tour that combines the city's rich cultural heritage with its delectable culinary scene. Begin your journey at the Humble Administrator's Garden, a stunning example of classical Chinese landscape design where you can appreciate the harmony of nature and architecture. Next, explore Tiger Hill, renowned for its ancient pagoda and lush gardens, offering insights into Suzhou's storied past. Visit Hanshan Temple, a serene retreat known for its historical significance and beautiful surroundings. Finally, stroll along Pingjiang Road, where traditional Suzhou architecture and vibrant street life come alive. Throughout the day, indulge in a taste of Suzhou's famous dishes, expertly selected to give you a true flavor of the city's culinary traditions. Enjoy personalized service from our expert guide, who will ensure you experience the best of Suzhou’s historic sights and food culture, making this tour a memorable journey into the heart of Suzhou.
Duration：2Days
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill, Shantang Street, Pingjiang Road, Tongli Water Town
Tour Style：Searching for the best Suzhou tour from Shanghai? This two-day Suzhou sightseeing tour from Shanghai is perfect for those who want to experience the highlights of Suzhou at a relaxed pace. On the first day, you’ll explore the stunning Lingering Garden, stroll through the historic Shantang Street, and marvel at the natural beauty of Tiger Hill. The second day will take you deeper into the cultural heart of Suzhou, where you’ll visit other iconic landmarks, local markets, and perhaps even enjoy a boat ride along the ancient canals. This private tour is 100% flexible and customizable, allowing you to tailor the itinerary to your interests and travel at your own pace.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Hanshan Temple, Panmen Gate, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Experience the essence of Suzhou on a captivating day tour, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage and historical charm. Begin your journey at the Lingering Garden, renowned for its elegant design and tranquil ambiance. Next, visit Hanshan Temple, a celebrated Buddhist site known for its serene atmosphere and historical significance. Continue to Panmen Gate, an ancient city wall reflecting Suzhou’s architectural prowess and historical depth. Conclude your tour with a stroll along Pingjiang Road, a picturesque area famous for its traditional architecture, charming shops, and vibrant local culture. This immersive tour provides a comprehensive view of Suzhou's architectural marvels, historical landmarks, and traditional lifestyle, offering a deep appreciation of the city's cultural richness.
Duration：6 - 8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Experience the essence of Suzhou with our curated Suzhou tours, beginning with a warm welcome at your hotel lobby. Discover the grandeur of The Humble Administrator's Garden, one of China’s premier classical gardens. Continue your exploration at Tiger Hill, famed for its leaning pagoda and serene landscapes, before savoring authentic Suzhou cuisine at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the revered Hanshan Temple, known for its historical and poetic significance, and conclude your day with a stroll through Shantang Street, a charming historic area rich in local culture and traditional snacks. Enjoy a comprehensive and immersive journey through Suzhou’s rich heritage and scenic beauty.
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