Tianxiang Xiaozhu, a poetic place hidden in Suzhou Library

Tianxiang Xiaozhu was built in 1935. It is a garden villa with a combination of Chinese and Western styles, incorporating the characteristics of northern Chinese and Western architecture. It is now the ancient books department of Suzhou Library. The existing building is divided into two parts: the residence and the garden. There is a hall, a main building, and east and west wing buildings. The garden is full of trees, with a mountain made of piled earth and stones, stone steps, and paths. The main building is square, with corridors on the east, south, west, and north sides, and a courtyard in the middle. The floor plan forms the Chinese character "回" (hui). The corridors on the ground floor are inlaid with exquisite hanging decorations and palace lanterns.