Step into a Real-Life Jiangnan Hundred Views! Exploring Suzhou's Lion Grove Garden

"They say I live in the city, but I feel as if I'm among countless mountains." In Suzhou, there's a Yuan Dynasty garden that feels like a fairyland - the Lion Grove Garden. Known as the "Kingdom of Rockeries," it's a dazzling jewel among Jiangnan gardens✨. I recently visited and would like to share my experience. Origin of the Name In Buddhism, the lion symbolizes Buddha, while "Grove" refers to a temple. The garden is famous for its rockeries, with many rock formations resembling majestic lions🦁. This is how the Lion Grove Garden got its name - interesting, isn't it? Essential Information 🎫Admission: Peak season CNY 40, off-peak season CNY 30 - excellent value for a garden tour. ⏰Opening Hours: Peak season 7:30 - 17:30, off-peak season 7:30 - 17:00. Plan your time to fully enjoy the garden. 🚇Transportation: Take subway Line 4 to North Temple Pagoda Station and walk 1.2km; alternatively, take Tourist Bus 1, 2, or 5 to Suzhou Museum Station and walk 5 minutes. Nearby Attractions: The Humble Administrator's Garden and Suzhou Museum are just 5 minutes away - visit multiple famous Suzhou attractions in one trip. Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours for a leisurely tour to fully appreciate the garden's beauty. Recommended Route Follow this route to see every scenic spot: Main Hall➡️Yanyu Hall➡️Rockery Kingdom➡️Woyun Room➡️Small Square Hall➡️Duizhao Pavilion➡️Nine Lion Peak➡️Yifeng Zhibai House➡️Ancient Five Pines Garden➡️True Interest Pavilion➡️Stone Boat➡️Fragrant Shadow Building➡️Flying Waterfall Pavilion➡️Plum Blossom Pavilion➡️Double Fragrance Immortal Lodge➡️Fan Pavilion➡️Wen Tianxiang Stele Pavilion➡️Imperial Stele Pavilion➡️Bamboo Pavilion➡️Standing in Snow Hall➡️Exit. Rich History In 1342, disciples built a temple for Zen Master Tianru Weize, initially called Lion Grove Temple, later renamed Puti Zhengzong Temple, with Lion Grove Garden as its backyard. In 1373, Ni Zan participated in garden construction, contributing poems and paintings. Multiple renovations occurred during the Wanli period. In 1679, it became an independent garden. Emperor Qianlong visited multiple times during his southern tours, bestowing inscriptions. In 1917, Bei Runsheng purchased and spent nearly seven years renovating it into the Lion Grove Garden we see today, maintaining its charm through the ages. Stunning Attractions 📍Yanyu Hall: The main hall for entertaining guests. "Yan" means "feast," derived from the Book of Songs. The northern hall's plaque "Green Jade and Blue Jade Lodge" comes from Ni Zan's poem, symbolizing good fortune and wealth. 📍Flower Basket Hall: Originally Lotus Hall, rebuilt after 1968 destruction. Features suspended columns with carved boxwood flower baskets depicting plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. The plaque reads "Water Ripples in Wind." 📍Stone Boat: Colored glass combines with colorful flooring, creating a scene of "willow catkins by the pond in spring warmth, lotus flowers in the cool evening breeze." 📍Woyun Room: Located in the center of rockeries, like reclining among peaks, named after Jin Yuanhao's poem. Originally a meditation room for monks. 📍Plum Blossom Pavilion: On the western rockery, featuring plum blossom designs throughout - windows, furnishings, floor patterns, and artwork - a paradise for plum blossom enthusiasts. 📍Zhibai House: A tower-style building overlooking a small pond and rockery, with a wraparound corridor on the ground floor and five bays with melon-ridge roof. 📍Small Square Hall: Features 3D-like empty windows with plum blossom and mountain dwelling scenes. Corridor walls inscribed with "rest house, peace" and "family blessings." 📍True Interest Pavilion: Located on the south bank of the pond, with hanging flower basket pillars and an inner corridor separated by gauze. Exquisitely decorated ceiling with Emperor Qianlong's inscription. Walking through Lion Grove Garden, every step reveals new wonders - perfect for weekend relaxation. Don't miss this must-visit spot in Suzhou!