Some Lights: Suzhou (4) - The Humble Administrator's Garden

Built in the year of 1509 (Ming Dynasty), the Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政园) is one of the four most gardens in China. Unlike other gardens, Its building style is the representative of the Ming Dynasty. It occupies the area of 51,580 square meters and is the largest classical garden in Suzhou. In 1997, it was listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Outside the garden

Humble Administrator's Garden

We covered this garden in our trip on the 23/05. The entry fees was RMB70, covering the entire compound of garden which is divided into 3 main sections (eastern, middle and western sections). We began our tour using the booklet provided, with a map attached.

The Eastern section of the garden is dotted with sheer hills, green grasses, dense bamboo and pine forests and winding streams. We spent most of our time in the other sections.

The Central Section is the elite part of the entire garden, with one-third of its area covered by water. It is lined with exuberant trees and elegant parlors. Pavilions and courtyards are clustered throughout.

The Mountain In-View Tower (见山楼)

The Mountain In-View Tower - Another view

The Pavillion in Lotus Breeze (荷风四面亭)

The western section is also amazing, with building such as The Hall of 36 Mandarin Ducks (三十六鸳鸯馆) and 18 Camellias (十八曼佗罗花馆) which is main hall in the western section, The Tower of Reflection (倒影楼), The Floating Green Tower (浮翠阁). There are several pavillions here such as "With Whom Shall Sit?" Pavillion (与谁同坐轩) , The Pagoda Reflection Pavillion (塔影亭), The Indulcalamus Pavillion (笠亭).