耦园

I chose The Couple's Garden Retreat to escape the crowds, and it was a wonderful choice. This UNESCO World Heritage site is unique, featuring an unusual 'One Residence, Two Gardens' layout and beautiful waterside scenery.

Being smaller than the humble administrator garden and less fame, there is also less tourist in this garden. Still I found it quite a good scale to stroll as where you see a lot of elements of the traditional garden. Also suggest to walk to the nearby big park, which is rather new and very scenic.

Ouyuan Garden is regarded as one of the most classical gardens in Suzhou. And in 2000, the garden was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Surrounded on three sides by the Grand Canal, the garden has piers close to the front and back entrances. The housing complex is located in the middle and flanked by the East and West Garden. The complex consists of four buildings in succession. In the Garden, everything comes in pairs depicting the couples love for each other. The East Garden contains a dominant mountain rising from a pond. The pavilions, terraces and towers are built upon the mountain. The Thatched Cottage at the City Corner is one of the gardens largest structures and is made up of a group of double-roofed and multi-storied buildings. The buildings are facing a natural looking and realistic yellowstone mountain. And the West Garden consists of studies, pavilions and garden courts. Inside the garden limestone mountains, caves, and an interesting undulating wall enclose and divide up the space. To the north of the mountains is the Old House with Woven Curtains. It features a tower used as a library, and a large assortment of rocks, trees and flowers decorating the front. We loved this place, with so much greenery along the canal and was peaceful and one could enjoy the tranquility and calmness of the place. Somehow we felt time has stopped and we have moved back to the ancient time from the houses, decors and curated arts and statues. Very much worthwhile to visit!

It was 6th and also last day in Suzhou visiting this garden. It was very impressive that small canal is surrounded this garden. Probably the canal makes this garden more unique than other gardens in Suzhou. You can feel actual traces of life in this garden like you have in YiYuan. And never miss the splendid wooden sculpture in the XX pavilion.

You can feel the antiquity of the buildings, and the peacefulness of the garden. The boat ride is a little too short and more information could be provided on the history of the place.

That is very beautiful place to visit. Walking around is awesome experiences with travelers

Very pleasant and worth a visit for only 20 rmb. Many cosplay fans go there for photo shoots

Lovely little garden. More intimate that the bigger gardens in Suzhou, with lots of little rooms, courtyards and paths through stone rookeries where where you can feel peaceful. Signs in English also help you to imagine what it would be like to have lived in the house, when it was occupied. Also, on a less spiritual and more materialistic note, it is much cheaper than most of the other gardens.