Suzhou Chai Garden

Suzhou Chai Garden is a niche but charming classical garden. 1. Overview Name: Suzhou Chai Garden Location: No. 44, Cuku Alley, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province History: Chai Garden was first built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty as the residence and garden of Pan Zengqi. During the Guangxu period, it was purchased and expanded by Chai Anpu from Shangyu, Zhejiang, hence the name "Chai Garden." After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chai Garden served as residences and a school, and is now the Suzhou Education Museum. 2. Main Attractions Mandarin Duck Hall: Located in the front part of the garden, spacious and luxurious, it is one of the important buildings in Chai Garden. Nanmu Hall: Located in the rear part of the garden, elegant and simple, it showcases the architectural features of Chai Garden. Boat Pavilion: One of the iconic landscapes of Chai Garden, including the bow, front cabin, middle cabin, and rear cabin, with exquisite carvings. Nanmu Hall Carvings: The beam structure is a flat hall with a raised porch and grass frame, the roof style is a hard-mountain roof, and the ridge is a brooding hen ridge; one side of the double beam is carved with the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove," the other side with the "Number One Scholar's Parade," and the main beam with "Confucius Reading." Brick Carved Door in the Courtyard: The gatehouse is inscribed with the words "Good Fortune and Auspiciousness" written by Gu Wenbin in the ninth year of Guangxu (1883). 3. Tour Route 1. Entrance Hall: Enter through the entrance hall and tour north. 2. Central Axis: Visit the Middle Hall, Main Hall, and Hall Building in turn, which are the Preface Hall, Celebrity Hall, and Modern Hall of the Education Museum. 3. Northwest of the Garden: Visit Nanmu Hall, the Library (Modern Hall), and the West Hall (Thematic Exhibition Hall). 4. Mandarin Duck Hall: Now the Ancient Hall of the Education Museum, with three bays, it is the largest hall in Chai Garden. 4. Special Activities Guided Tours: There are four guided tours daily, at 9:30 and 10:30 am, and 2:00 and 3:00 pm. Following the guide allows for an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of Suzhou education. Interactive Experiences: The garden offers interactive activities such as private school calligraphy practice and couplet matching. You can also take selfies with old-fashioned cameras at the entrance of Soochow University. 5. Opening Hours and Tickets Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm), closed on Mondays (except national holidays). Tickets: Free admission. 6. Transportation and Surroundings Transportation: Chai Garden is located in the core area of Suzhou's old city, adjacent to the bustling Shiquan Street/Fenghuang Street, with convenient transportation. Nearby Attractions: Ye Shengtao's Former Residence, Suzhou Zhuangyuan Museum, etc. 7. Tips Quiet Environment: Chai Garden is relatively less crowded, suitable for visitors who prefer a quiet environment. Air Conditioning: The exhibition halls are air-conditioned, suitable for summer visits. 8. Special Notice Closed on Mondays: Please note that Chai Garden is closed every Monday. Avoid visiting on Mondays. Suspension of Operations: Chai Garden may be temporarily closed due to the pandemic or other reasons. It is recommended to check the opening status in advance.