Shanghai 2010 - The Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou
The Humble Administrator’s Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan) is the largest garden in Suzhou, with an area of around 12 acres. Besides its beauty, the garden also has an interesting history.
The garden was originally the residence of a Tang Dynasty scholar. During the Ming Dynasty it was appropriated by an Imperial Envoy and poet Wang Xiancheng. Wang’s son was an avid gambler and not very bright. He eventually used the garden to settle his gambling debts. It was said that a few of Wang Xiancheng’s closest friends actually envied the beauty of the garden, and conspired to win it from the son. The garden was then divided into several parts among the conspirators.
A map of the garden.
A water lily pond near the entrance.
Architecture plays an integral part in the garden.
Wondering around the garden.
As the garden is quite large, it takes a while to wonder around. At every turn you find something new and interesting, and you can imagine what it must have been like to be the original owner and have it all to yourself. You will find all the traditional Chinese landscape principles and techniques being applied here – it is almost like a master class in landscaping.
The garden was originally the residence of a Tang Dynasty scholar. During the Ming Dynasty it was appropriated by an Imperial Envoy and poet Wang Xiancheng. Wang’s son was an avid gambler and not very bright. He eventually used the garden to settle his gambling debts. It was said that a few of Wang Xiancheng’s closest friends actually envied the beauty of the garden, and conspired to win it from the son. The garden was then divided into several parts among the conspirators.
A map of the garden.
A water lily pond near the entrance.
Architecture plays an integral part in the garden.
Wondering around the garden.
As the garden is quite large, it takes a while to wonder around. At every turn you find something new and interesting, and you can imagine what it must have been like to be the original owner and have it all to yourself. You will find all the traditional Chinese landscape principles and techniques being applied here – it is almost like a master class in landscaping.
Comments
Hi Ali, the garden is in Suzhou which is around 1 1/2 hour drive from Shanghai. It is really worth the trip though.
I've not had the chance to visit Suzhou. Perhaps one day we'll visit Shanghai and its environs. Thanks for taking us along with you!