24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
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：10+ Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Embark on the ultimate Suzhou day trip from Shanghai, where you’ll explore the city’s most iconic highlights with a private guide. Discover the beauty of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping, before heading to Tiger Hill, home to the leaning Yunyan Pagoda and centuries-old legends. Visit the tranquil Hanshan Temple, famous for its ancient bell chimes, and end your journey with a stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming old street lined with traditional houses, boutique shops, and teahouses. With seamless private transportation and expert guidance, this journey offers an immersive cultural experience in the “Venice of the East.”
Duration：10+Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：A Shanghai to Suzhou day trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, all within easy reach of Shanghai. Begin your journey with a visit to the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its classical Chinese landscaping and tranquil atmosphere. Next, explore the iconic Panmen Gate, an ancient city gate that provides a glimpse into Suzhou's rich history and impressive architecture. Continue to the peaceful Hanshan Temple, famous for its ancient bell chimes and historical significance. Finally, stroll along Shantang Street, a charming waterway street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and teahouses. This day trip promises a wonderful exploration of Suzhou’s most famous landmarks.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on the ultimate Suzhou day trip, where you’ll explore the city's most famous landmarks with convenient hotel or train station pickup. Begin your journey at the tranquil Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its classical landscaping and serene beauty. Next, visit Tiger Hill, home to the iconic Yunyan Pagoda and steeped in historical significance. Continue to Hanshan Temple, known for its peaceful atmosphere and ancient bell chimes. Finally, stroll along Shantang Street, a picturesque waterway lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and local shops. This Suzhou day trip offers an immersive experience of the city’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Hanshan Temple, Panmen Gate, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Experience the best of Suzhou with our Suzhou 1 day tour, designed to showcase the city’s most iconic sights. Begin your adventure at the stunning Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its classical Chinese landscape design. Continue to Hanshan Temple, a peaceful retreat famous for its ancient bell chimes. Visit the historic Panmen Gate, an ancient city gate offering a glimpse into Suzhou's rich history and architecture. End your day with a leisurely stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and vibrant local life. This Suzhou 1 day tour offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and beauty, with convenient pickup from your Suzhou hotel or train station.
Duration：10+ hours
Attractions(Cities)：The Master of Nest Garden, Pingjiang Road, Zhouzhuang Water Town
Tour Style：Embark on a Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town tour from Shanghai and discover the charm of Suzhou’s classical gardens and ancient water towns. Begin your journey at The Master of Nets Garden, a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping known for its elegant pavilions and tranquil ambiance. Stroll along Pingjiang Road, a historic canal-side street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and boutique shops. Then, travel to Zhouzhuang Water Town, one of China’s most picturesque water towns, where stone bridges, ancient alleys, and serene canals create a timeless atmosphere. This Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town tour from Shanghai offers a seamless and immersive experience, with private car transport ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.
Wechat: Chinaprivatetour
24 Hours Hotline:
+86 137-3541-1378
Certificate of Excellence
2012~2025
Your Way Holiday
(Your Privacy is Protected)
1 to 1 tailor-made service from our professional travel advisors for the most sophisticated
Constantly excellent reviews for attraction, hotel and service Competitive price
Local experts provide quality tours Best selected knowledgeable local guides Authentic local restaurants
7*24 hours available to create you a worry-free tour. No Hidden Fees and absolutely no pressure to buy. Secured
Copyright © 2017 Suzhouprivatetour.com All rights reserved. 浙ICP备18056007号-4
