▲ Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Garden) is located at 178 Dongbei Street, Suzhou. It is one of China's four most famous gardens and a representative of classical Jiangnan gardens. Construction began in the fourth year of Zhengde in the Ming Dynasty, built by Wang Xianchen after he retired from his official post and returned home. Its name is derived from the phrase "the governance of the humble" in Pan Yue's "Idle Dwelling Rhapsody" from the Jin Dynasty. The entire garden covers an area of approximately 52,000 square meters and is divided into three parts: eastern, central, and western. The eastern part is bright and open, while the central part is the essence of the garden, dominated by water. The western part features a L-shaped pond with pavilions and halls standing opposite each other. The garden boasts numerous attractions such as Yuanxiang Hall, Xiangzhou, and the Hall of 36 Mandarin Ducks. Its architectural style is natural and spacious, full of poetic charm, earning it the reputation of "Mother of World Gardens."
▲ Pingjiang Road is characterized by its "parallel waterways and land, with rivers and streets adjacent to each other." The Pingjiang River on its west side is the fourth vertical river among the "three horizontal and four vertical" main waterways within the ancient city. This area preserves the Jiangnan water town scenery with its small bridges, flowing water, and traditional residences. It also gathers World Cultural Heritage sites like the Couple's Retreat Garden, former residences of famous figures such as Gu Jiegang and Ye Shengtao, and intangible cultural heritage like embroidery and Kunqu Opera. Strolling through, you can experience the rustic charm of daily life and profound cultural heritage.
▲ Tiger Hill(Huqiu) Scenic Area got its name from the burial of King Helü of Wu here, with a white tiger said to have crouched atop it. The area features the renowned Tiger Hill Pagoda, often called "China's Leaning Tower of Pisa," which was built during the Five Dynasties period and remains the oldest surviving brick pagoda in the Jiangnan region. Another highlight is the Sword Pool, believed to be the burial site of King Helü, with inscriptions by famous calligraphers like Yan Jun and Mi Fu carved into its walls. Other attractions, such as the Broken Beam Hall and the Silly Spring, each hold unique charm and rich historical significance.
▲ Shantang Street is a collection of cultural relics and historical sites, with numerous attractions such as Yuhan Hall and Bai Juyi Memorial Garden. The street features a parallel layout of river and road, with residences built along the water, preserving the characteristics of a Jiangnan water town where rivers and streets are adjacent, and water and land routes run side by side. It also hosts old Suzhou shops like Caizhizhai and Huangtianyuan, as well as intangible cultural heritage shops featuring embroidery and Kesi silk tapestry, earning it the reputation of being "a microcosm of old Suzhou and a window into Wu culture."
