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Located at 338 Liuyuan Road outside Changmen Gate in Suzhou, an ancient city in the south of the Yangtze River, the Lingering Garden was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. Known for its exquisitely designed architecture and numerous unusual rocks, it is considered one of China's four famous gardens, along with Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden, Beijing's Summer Palace, and Chengde's Mountain Resort.
The Lingering Garden is a large-scale classical private garden in China, covering an area of 23,300 square meters. It represents the style of the Qing Dynasty and is famous for its exquisite architectural art. The halls are spacious and magnificent, and the courtyards are rich in variety. The most famous Taihu stone is Guanyun Peak, which gives people the feeling of "enjoying the fun of mountains and forests without leaving the city."
Its architectural space is exquisitely designed. The landscape architects employed various artistic techniques to create a rhythmic and melodious garden space system, which has become a world-renowned example of artistic architectural space treatment. The garden is currently divided into four parts: the eastern part is dominated by buildings, the central part is a landscape garden, the western part is a large rockery with alternating earth and stone, and the northern part is a pastoral landscape.
The Lingering Garden is suitable for tourism in all seasons, but the best time to visit is from April to October, when the scenery is beautiful and students from the Suzhou Quyi School perform at various locations every day.
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
Peak season (April-October): 55 yuan/person
Off-season (November to March): 45 yuan/person
7:30-17:30
The Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was originally built in the Ming Dynasty (1593) and has been restored and renovated over the centuries. It is one of Suzhou's classical gardens, famous for its design, which represents a harmonious relationship between nature and human creations. It is renowned for its architecture, ponds, bonsai, and rockeries.
The Lingering Garden is located in the northeastern part of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. You can reach the garden by taking metro line 2, exiting at the Lingering Garden station. Alternatively, taxis and buses are readily available throughout Suzhou city. Walking is also an option for those staying nearby.
The Lingering Garden is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months (April to October), when the weather is mild and the garden is at its most beautiful. It is also less crowded in the early morning hours or late afternoon.
The entrance fee to the Lingering Garden is around 40 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, or online through local tourism platforms for convenience. Discounted tickets may be available for students and seniors.
It is generally not required to book tickets in advance, except during peak travel seasons such as Chinese New Year or National Day. It is recommended to book 1-2 days ahead if visiting during these busy periods.
You will need about 1-2 hours to fully explore the Lingering Garden and enjoy its attractions. Visitors who wish to take their time and appreciate the peaceful ambiance may spend up to 3 hours here.
Yes, guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. Audio guides can be rented at the entrance, offering information in various languages, including English, Mandarin, and Japanese.
Start your visit by entering through the main gate and take a leisurely walk through the Central Garden. Spend time at the Hall of Distant Fragrance, then explore the Bonsai Garden. End your visit by taking photos at the Rockery and nearby ponds, relaxing in the serene atmosphere.
The Lingering Garden is generally not open at night. However, it may host special events or cultural performances during major festivals. It is advisable to check with local tour operators or the garden’s official website for updates on any special tours or events.
The Lingering Garden can get crowded, especially during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, when visitors can enjoy a more peaceful experience.
The Lingering Garden has well-maintained pathways that are generally accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, some areas, especially the rockeries, may be more challenging for people with mobility issues. It's best to check the accessibility of specific sections before visiting.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted at the Lingering Garden, making it convenient for most visitors. Credit cards may be accepted at some establishments, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for small purchases and souvenirs.
Vegetarian food options are available, and many local restaurants offer vegetarian dishes typical of Chinese cuisine. Halal food options may be available at specialized restaurants, but they may be limited in this area.
Yes, souvenir shops are available at the Lingering Garden. Typical souvenirs include traditional Chinese tea, hand-painted fans, silk products, and local handicrafts like embroidery and pottery.
