Meet at Tianbei Temple Subway Station → Beisi Pagoda → Taohuawu Area → Wufeng Garden Area → Taibo Temple → Yipu Garden → Shantang Street
1:30 PM
Meet at Beisi Pagoda, meet today's route presenter, introduce yourself, and start today's garden exploration journey
First stop: Xiguang Pagoda - Beisi Pagoda
We entered Beisi Pagoda and listened to the story of Sun Quan's filial piety, building a pagoda to repay his wet nurse. We explored the legend of the Ming Dynasty nanmu Guanyin statue, learned about Suzhou's past and present, and viewed the prosperous scroll depicting the flourishing city of Suzhou. After taking a photo with the inscription "Knowing Gratitude and Repaying Gratitude" on the pagoda's screen wall, we offered incense (personal belief is free; this activity is optional) and departed Beisi Pagoda for the Taohuawu area. (From July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, Beisi Pagoda's interior is under renovation, and the main pagoda area is closed for renovation. The rest of the tour remains unchanged. Please understand.)
Second stop: A glimpse of the Republic of China - Puyuan, Red Mansion, Kunqu Opera Training Center (if this area is not open to the public, we will pass by the exterior)
We walked past the yellow wall and entered the Taohuawu area. Here, we followed the presenter to identify the eclectic features of the exposed brick walls and Roman columns, listened to the story of Shanghai pigment tycoon Bei Runsheng's retreat, learned about Mu Ouchu's heroic act of saving Kunqu opera in 1921, and the attic where the "Chuan" generation of masters was born.
The third stop: Talent Code - Tang Yin Cultural Circle
We passed Tang Yin's former residence and arrived at Wenchang Pavilion, where we deciphered the true life of "the most romantic and talented scholar in Jiangnan." We climbed Wenchang Pavilion to gaze at the Beisi Pagoda, uncovered the ancient ritual of worshipping the star of the sky, sought out the poem stele at Taohua Temple, and interpreted the open-minded philosophy of "being drunk and sober."
Fourth stop: Erxunyin Garden - Wufeng Garden
We observed the life of the floating people along the river pier, and then went to the Wufeng Garden area via Liaojia Alley. Here, we compared the brick carvings of Shikumen and Su-style gatehouses. We then entered Wufeng Garden to uncover the "dry garden with water" technique of Wen Zhengming's nephew Wen Boren. We also interpreted the legend of the Five Old Peaks symbolized by the five Taihu stones, searched for the tomb of Liu Yi, and listened to the story of Liu Yi delivering a letter.
Fifth stop: Wu Yuan's epic poem - Taibo Temple
This is the memorial site of Taibo's escape to Wu. Here, we follow the presenter to listen to Taibo's political wisdom of giving up the throne three times, find archaeological evidence of the construction of Meili City, and see the "fracture pattern painting" craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty Nanmu Hall.
Stop 6: Hidden Garden - Yipu
Unlike the high profile of the Humble Administrator's Garden, nor the grandeur of the Lingering Garden, the Yiyuan Garden offers a delicate and refined atmosphere. Here we learn about the layout of the Ming Dynasty Yuou Courtyard and hear about the anti-Qing resistance of the garden's owner, Wen Zhenmeng's family. We arrived just before the garden closed, and when the crowds dispersed, we could enjoy a cup of Biluochun tea by the Ruyu Pavilion (own expense, about 20 yuan per cup), experiencing the same restful perspective as the ancients.
Destination: A Poetic Finale—Shantang Street
We left Yiyuan and passed through Zhuanzhu Lane to Changmen, one of the eight gates of Gusu City, where the Qi flowed through. This place is inextricably linked to the Dream of the Red Chamber, as well as Bai Juyi's poetry and wine Suzhou and the legend of the seven foxes on Shantang Street. We will reveal all of this at the destination. We ended this activity at the Imperial Monument Pavilion on Shantang Street. Everyone can look forward to the next ancient city CW route.
5:00 PM
After the Shantang Street Imperial Monument Pavilion, you can explore the Shantang Street scenic area on your own or go to the Shilu Pedestrian Street area for dinner.
