24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
The Garden of Cultivation (Chinese: ??; pinyin: Yì Pu; )
Garden of Cultivation (Yipu Garden)
Brief Introduction
Located in the ancient part of Suzhou city, the Garden of Cultivation (Yipu Garden) is a small scale garden but one of the best preserved examples of a Ming Dynasty classical garden in Suzhou. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Classical Gardens of Suzhou on the World Heritage List. "Due to its special history, this Garden was virtually unknown before it was listed as a UN World Cultural Heritage site." The garden highlights its simple, unsophisticated and elegant style.
Garden of Cultivation (Yipu Garden) is simple and natural, showing the typical characteristics of the gardens of the Ming Dynasty. The layout is simple and open, with a pond as the center. The Hall of Erudition and Elegance is the main hall in the garden, and to the south of the pond stands an artificial hill built with earth, with cliffs and narrow paths piled up with rocks, showing changeable and natural scenic sights.
History of Garden of Cultivation
The Garden of Cultivation was built in 1541 CE, it was founded by Yuan Zugeng and was named the Hall of Delights. Later it was perchased by Wuzhen zhengheng in 1620CE, who was the grandson of the Wen Zhengming, the designer of the Humble Administrator's Garden, a celebrated master painter in China's history, and served as the prime minister in the late Ming Dynasty". And he rebuilt the garden to test his aesthetic theories and renamed it Herb Garden for the numerous herbs incorporated in the design.
In the late Ming Dynasty, the Garden of Cultivation was restored by Jiang Cai, who protested against corruption by exiling himself" and renamed Jingting Mountain Villa. Later his son Jiang Shijie inherited the garden and renamed it Cultivation Garden after added the chapel of Guanyin. In 1839 CE it was transferred to the Qixiang Office of the Saint and Silk Company. In 2000 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Main Highlights
Feature
The Garden of Cultivation covers an area of 3,967 square meters, there are 13 pavilions, 17 tablets, and 8 stelas in total.
The Western section is composed of several pavilions around the main Lotus Pond, a rockery, and a smaller garden addition named The Garden of Sweet Grasses. The structure of the garden is formed along a north to south axis which ties the three main elements of rockery, pool, and hall together. This style of composition is also used in the Mountain Villa with Embraced Beauty. The overall design is the simplest expression of a classical garden, there is one dominant composition, the Longevity Hall, and its associated view.
The Garden of Sweet Grasses is a scaled down version of the main garden and consists of the Sweet Grass House and Bathing Gull Pond as well as a smaller rockery. This area is the herb (sweet grass) garden added by Wen Zhenheng. It is meant to evoke his principal of "to leave residents free from worries, make tenants unwilling to leave, and enable visitors to throw off their tiredness".
The pond in the middle of the garden occupies one fourth of the total area. It features mountain scenery to the south of the pond and buildings to the north. The pond has a roughly rectangular shape with coves at the southeast and southwest corners, which are spanned by low, flat and small bridges. On the east and west banks of the pond are roofed and open-sided galleries, pavilions, rocks and trees, serving transitionally as a foil to the northern and southern scenes.
At the southeast corner of the pond is the Fry Pavilion was built in the Ming Dynasty and is skirted by water on three sides, looking ancient, rustic and elegant. A moon gate in the wall that borders the pond and the mountains leads to a small garden court on the southwest, which is linked with other scenic sport.
Transportation
How to get to Garden of Cultivation
Bus Routes: Take No.31, 54, 501 and get off Changmen Stop
Information
Admission Fee: CNY 10
Opening Time: 7:30am-17:00pm
Address: No. Wenyanong, Gusu district
Time for Visit: 1 Hour
Tel: +86 512 6727 1614
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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