Suzhou Gardens - Keyuan Garden

Records indicate that the Keyuan site dates back to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, and was part of the Canglang Pavilion during the Northern Song Dynasty. During the Yongzheng period, Jiangsu Governor Yin Jishan built "Jinshanlin" here, drawing inspiration from Confucius's saying, "The benevolent enjoy mountains, the wise enjoy water," and named it "Leyuan" (Garden of Joy). During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed "Keyuan" (Acceptable Garden), meaning "travelers cannot be trained." In the tenth year of Jiaqing (1806), Liangjiang Governor Qian Baojiang and Suzhou Governor Wang Zhiyi built Zhengyi Academy on the former site of Keyuan. 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️Upon entering the garden, the first thing that catches the eye is the "Four Seasons Elegance" plaque, the Yiqing Pool, and the Yiqing Hall seen through the circular gate. Keyuan is small and less crowded, with a tranquil and elegant environment. You can stroll along the covered walkways that encircle the garden. The main buildings include: 🌺Yiqing Hall: This was where the head of the academy received guests in ancient times. Boyue Building: This is the library, symbolizing "seeking knowledge widely and adhering to etiquette." 🌺Xuegu Hall: A place for academic exchange, with plum blossoms planted in front of the hall, allowing visitors to appreciate the flowers while exploring knowledge. 🌺Zhuoying Place: A place for teachers and students to take a break, echoing Canglang Pavilion. It takes its name from the phrase "The water of Canglang is clear, I can wash my tassels in it." 🌺Zuochunlu: A boat-shaped building, taking its name from Huang Tingjian's poem "Partridge Sky," which includes the line "Soup floats on ice porcelain, a seat in spring." Zuochunlu is an excellent spot for viewing scenery and enjoying the moon. 🌺Zhengyi Academy: The front hall houses statues and brief introductions of Zheng Xuan and Zhu Xi; the back hall is a lecture hall, with a golden plaque inscribed with the imperial gift "Zhengyi Mingdao" (Upholding Righteousness and Illuminating the Way) hanging high. Keyuan: Renmin Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City, opposite Canglang Pavilion. ⏰Opening hours: Winter 7:30~17:00 (Nov 1-Feb 28; last entry 16:30); Other seasons 7:30~17:30 (last entry 17:00) 💰Ticket price: 20 yuan, free for seniors over 70. ⌚️Visit duration: Approximately 1-1.5 hrs.