The Best of the Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou, China
What to See and How to Get Around
Needless to say the garden has changed over the centuries as new owners have put their mark on it according to the fashion of the day. There is a painting showing the garden in the 16th century and from that painting we can see that it was a lot less decorative then than now.
The garden is huge covering 51,950 sq.m. with a lake taking up about one fifth of the area.
The rest of the garden is divided into three parts, east, central and west. It has to be said here that although the east area is full of colorful flowers it is less interesting than the other two.
In the garden you can also enjoy a museum that explains the philosophy and history of Chinese Gardens.
Let's take a look at some of the highlights the Humble Administrator's Garden:
The Mandarin Duck Hall is split into two equal rooms allowing visitors to enjoy the cooler north- facing chamber in the summer and the warmer south facing one in the winter.
The southern half of the hall is called "the hall of 18 camellias' whilst the northern half of Mandarin Duck Hall is called "the hall of 36 pairs of mandarin ducks".
The Fragrant Isle has a pavilion and terrace and is supposed to resemble the cabin and deck of a boat. The Isle projects out over the water and gives great views of all sides of the Humble Administrator's Garden.
The Orange pavilion sits on the top of an artificial mountain. Mountains were important to Chinese gardens and were great for contemplation.
The hall of Distant Fragrance is the main hall of the Humble Administrator's Garden. This hall gets its name from the perfume of the large lotus pond that is close by. The perfume from the lotus pond just delicately wafts into the hall.
The Humble Administrator's Garden is located at 178 Dongbei Jie, Suzhou City.
Telephone: (0512) 6751 0286
Open: 7.30am-5.30pm daily. Last admission is at 5pm
When approaching the ticket office you may be approached by someone asking if you would like a guide. I would highly recommend that you take them up on their offer.
A guide will help navigate you through the crowds and will be able to fill you in on the history and culture of the garden.
Don't be afraid to negotiate the price.
TIP - wear comfy shoes, you will be doing a lot of walking whilst visiting here.
Published by Karen Reams
Karen Reams is an English writer now living in North Dakota. She has travelled extensively and enjoys sharing her travels. Trained in Cambride, UK as an NNEB she is also interested in all things to do with... View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentI think an AC writer might be able to make an entire career out of writing about all things China. Don't forget to use the country code for China, +86 if and when you call from outside the PRC. One editing comment (sincere advice) about using written phrases like 'needless to say', which, as it suggests, are generally not needed. As an over-the-hill, out-of-work journalist (who teaches journalism at a university in China) I'm happy to make a few needless suggestions! Keep up the terrific, prolific work, Ms. Reams.