Located outside the Changmen Gate, the Lingering Garden was built in the 21st year of Emperor Wanli’s reign of the Ming Dynasty (1593 AD). In 1961, together with the Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou, the Summer Palace in Beijing and the Mountain Resort in Chengde, Hebei Province, the garden was selected to be one of the first batch of places enjoying the status of the key cultural and historical relic site under state-level protection. It has been known as one of the “Four Famous Classic Gardens”, and was included in UNESCO’s the World Cultural Heritage List in 1997. The year 2010 witnessed the garden added to the list of national 5A-level scenic areas.
Covering an area of over 0.02 square kilometers (30 mu), the Lingering Garden can be divided into four sections, namely the central part with the east, west and north sections. The east part highlights magnificent halls, a delicate courtyard and an exquisite rockery. The central part boasts in a green mountain, clear water and luxuriant trees planted in ancient times. The north part centres on a bonsai garden. The west part features solitude and rustic delight. The garden layout is known for its arrangement of space, which is recognized as a classic example of the refined art of gardening in ancient China. The garden thus has been referred to as “the best garden in the Wu area”.
Add: No. 338, Liu Yuan Road, Suzhou City
Form of contact
Postcode: 215008
Tell : 0512-65337903, 65579466
Ticket price:
Busy season: 55 Yuan per visitor during April, May, July to October.
Off season: 45 Yuan per visitor during January, February, March, June, November and December.
Opening time:
1st March – 31st October 7:30----17:30
1st November – 28th February 7:30----17:00
Transportation
a, Bus
Travelling bus No.1, Bus 85, Bus 933, Bus 317
b, Rail Transit
Take line 2, exit from 1 port of Shi Lu station, cross the Guang Ji Bridge, walk about 600 meters towards the west along the Liu Yuan Road to reach the destination.
Take line 2, exit from 12 port of Shi Lu station, take the travelling bus No. 1, get off at Liu Yuan station.
Notice:
In order to create a harmonious and beautiful scenic spot with safety and order, we work out this tourist guide according to Suzhou Regulations on the Management of Landscape and Famous Scene, Suzhou Regulations on Protection and Management of Gardens and other relevant laws and regulations.
1. Tourists must conscientiously abide by the laws of the State and the regulations and rules of the province and the city, maintain public order and observe common courtesy.
2. Please purchase a ticket or show your valid identification; Please get into the garden after ticket-checking in the entrance.
3. Please protect the resources in the area. The following behaviors are forbidden: pulling down, breaking off the flowers or trees; picking the fruits; climbing or crossing the rookery and guardrails; trampling on the lawn; doodling on the trees or the bamboos.
4. Smoking and naked flame are not allowed in the scenic area; Please do not take equipment like barbecue furnaces into the garden.
5. Lethal weapon, flammable, radioactive and other hazardous items are not allowed to carry into the garden according to Regulations on Administrative Penalties for Public Security; The following behaviors are forbidden: making a lot of noise; fights; picking a quarrel and making trouble; entering of exotic vehicles;
6.The following behaviors are forbidden: setting up stands without permission; engaging in business activities or selling wares to tourists; tour-guiding without permission.
7.Please dress neatly and keep to the timetable of the garden; The following behaviors are forbidden: taking pets into the garden; swimming or fishing in the garden.
8.“the Annual Card for Suzhou Gardens ” is only available to the owner himself in the daytime, it is not transferable or redeemable; Those who lend the card to other people will lost the certification to buy the Annual card.
9.Any kind of tour activities regarding films, TV programs and advertisements should not be carried out without permission.