The secret autumn paradise of Gusu, a guide to capturing the autumn scenery at Yiyuan Garden

Yiyuan Garden, Suzhou｜This treasure garden where you can take stunning photos for free is unknown to 99% of people!

As a native of Suzhou, Yiyuan Garden is truly my favorite ❤️ Compared to the crowded Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lion Grove Garden, this place has fewer tourists, beautiful scenery, and is perfect for photography! Especially during the ginkgo season in autumn, every shot feels like an artistic masterpiece～

📍Address: No. 1265 Renmin Road, Gusu District (5-minute walk from Leqiao Station on Metro Line 1)
⏰Opening Hours:
- March 1 to October 31: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Special night opening from August 23 to October 8 until 9:00 PM
- Closes half an hour earlier in autumn and winter
💰Ticket: 15 RMB (Suzhou Garden Card accepted)

📸Must-visit photo spots:
1️⃣ The golden ginkgo tree beside Yuyan Pavilion (most beautiful in mid to late November)
2️⃣ The circular doorway framing at Ouxiang Pavilion
3️⃣ The stunning symmetrical reflection of Yanhui Pavilion on the water
4️⃣ The red maple view of the entire garden from the rockery above

✨Photography tips:
- Wearing Hanfu or solid-colored clothes makes photos stand out more
- The light is softest before 9 AM or after 3 PM
- Be sure to capture reflections by the pond! The effect is amazing
- Remember to bring a telephoto lens to compress the sense of space

This garden was one of the four famous gardens of Suzhou in the late Qing Dynasty. It’s not large but has a delicate layout of pavilions and towers. My favorite spot is sitting in Baocui Pavilion, watching sunlight filter through the ginkgo leaves casting mottled shadows on the ground—this is the true way to enjoy Suzhou’s slow life～

🍜Nearby food:
Tongdexing Noodle House (Shiquan Street branch): 10-minute walk, must-try Fengzhen braised pork noodles
Yaba Shengjian (Lindun Road branch): a must-visit for Shengjian buns in Suzhou