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The Lion Grove Garden is located at No. 3 Yuanlin Road in the northeast corner of Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It is a representative example of classical Chinese private garden architecture and one of Suzhou's four famous gardens. It is also a World Cultural Heritage, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, and a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction.
The garden was named "Lion Grove" because "there are tens of thousands of bamboos in the forest, and many strange rocks under the bamboos, some of which are shaped like lions." Also, Zen Master Tianru Weize received Buddhist teachings from Master Zhongfeng Puying at Shizi Rock in Tianmu Mountain, Zhejiang Province. To commemorate the Buddhist's legacy and the master-disciple relationship, the garden was named after the lion constellation in Buddhist scriptures, hence the name "Lion Grove."
After several ups and downs, the garden has now become a temple garden that integrates the principles of Zen Buddhism and the joy of gardening.
The subtropical monsoon climate makes travel suitable all year round, with spring being the best.
1-3 hours
40 yuan (peak season), 30 yuan (off-season)
March 1st - October 15th 9:30-16:30;
October 16th - February of the following year , 10:30 - 16:00
Lion Grove Garden is a famous classical Chinese garden in Suzhou, Jiangsu, built in 1342 during the Yuan Dynasty. It is renowned for its unique rockeries resembling lions, reflecting the art of Chinese garden design and Suzhou’s cultural heritage.
Located in Suzhou’s Gusu District, near Tiger Hill. Accessible by taxi, local buses, or a short walk from nearby metro stations (e.g., Suzhou Metro Line 1, Shantang Street Station).
Open daily, generally from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for exploring the gardens.
Entrance fee is around 40–50 CNY per adult. Tickets can be purchased online through official platforms or at the garden entrance.
Booking is recommended during holidays or peak tourist seasons, typically a few days ahead.
Approximately 2–3 hours to walk through the garden, enjoy the rockeries, and explore key structures.
Guided tours are usually available in Chinese; some mobile apps provide English descriptions.
From the top of Lion Rock, bridges over the central pond, and near the garden pavilions for traditional architecture shots.
Enter from the main gate, walk through the central pond and pavilions, ascend Lion Rock for views, then explore smaller halls and rockeries before exiting near the south gate.
Night visits are generally not allowed; special cultural exhibitions may occur occasionally.
Peak crowds appear on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded.
Facilities include public toilets, benches for resting, small snack stalls, and a souvenir shop near the entrance.
Some areas involve stairs and uneven paths; elderly and disabled visitors may need assistance. Children can navigate safely with supervision.
Cash, cards, and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted.
Restaurants and cafes near Shantang Street offer local Suzhou cuisine, snacks, and tea houses.
Vegetarian options are available; halal options may be limited.
Several hotels, guesthouses, and boutique accommodations are located near Shantang Street and Pingjiang Road, within walking distance.
Souvenirs include Suzhou embroidery, miniature garden models, fans, postcards, and traditional crafts.
Taxi, local bus, or metro connections to other Suzhou attractions or city center.
