The Lingering Garden is one of the best-preserved gardens in Suzhou. The garden covers an area of about 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres). Aside from its size, the garden is famed for its use of space and wide variety of foliage.
Originally built in 1583, the garden rests outside Suzhou's Cang Gate. Built by Xu Taishi (who later used the garden as a private residence), the garden is noted for its grouping of small gardens and elegant buildings. Subdivided into four distinct areas, the garden is known for its classical use of space featuring cottages with bamboo fences in the northern part of the garden, and enchanting wooded hills in the west. The central part is the most impressive feature – a man-made mountain and lake that is notable for the beautiful landscaped scenery.
One of the major components that characterize Suzhou's gardens is the inclusion of artificial hills, usually built with rocks from Taihu Lake. A 6.5-meter-high 'Cloud-Capped Peak' in this garden is the highest of its kind found in Suzhou's classical gardens. It is believed to date from the Northern Song Dynasty. About five tons of limestone were used in its construction.
Admission:
RMB 40 (Mar.1 to May 31 and Sep. 1 to Nov. 30); RMB 30 (June 1 to Aug. 31 and Dec. 1 to Apr. 30)
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