Yi Pu Garden | A Hidden Gem in Suzhou's Alleys

| Tucked away in the bustling alleys of Suzhou, Yi Pu Garden is one of the most complete Ming Dynasty scholar gardens remaining in the Jiangnan region. Centered around a pond, the garden features dense buildings in the north, open woods in the south, and relatively sparse areas in the east and west. Winding corridors connect the various sections, showcasing the essence of Ming Dynasty garden design within a compact five-acre space. 📍Location: No. 5 Wenya Alley, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Navigate to "Yi Pu Garden." 💰Tickets: CNY 10/person ⏰Opening Hours: 7:30am–5:30pm (Mar–Oct, last entry 5:00pm); 7:30am–5:00pm (Nov–Feb, last entry 4:30pm) ⏳Suggested Visit Duration: Approx. 1 hr 🗺️Route: Entrance - Qixiang Gongsuo - Shilun Hall - Donglai Caotang - Boya Hall - Yanggu Shutang - Yanguang Pavilion - Xiangyue Corridor - Xiangcao Residence - Nan Zhai - Chaoshuang Pavilion - Ruyu Pavilion - Ailian Nest - Sishi Pavilion - Exit [Highlights] 🏠Boya Hall: The main hall, displaying calligraphy, paintings, and couplets by modern Suzhou artists. 🍵Yanguang Pavilion: Enjoy tea while overlooking the rippling pond and admiring the jagged rocks of the artificial hill. 🌛Xiangyue Corridor: Connecting north and south, it complements the surrounding scenery and offers reflections in the water. 🌿Xiangcao Residence: Originally the private school of Jiang Shijie, the second son of the Jiang family. The windows frame picturesque views of bamboo, rocks, and flowers. 📚Nan Zhai: Originally Jiang Shijie's study, furnished as a traditional study. 🐠Ruyu Pavilion: A Ming Dynasty structure with colorful paintings on its dougong brackets, moon beams, planks, and ceiling. [Tips] 🌟Parking is limited due to narrow lanes outside the garden. Walking or public transport is recommended. 🌟Wear comfortable shoes as the stone paths in the garden are uneven. 🌟Don't worry about rain; the garden offers ample cover, and a light drizzle enhances the atmosphere. 🌟Nearby attractions include Seven Mile Shantang, Lingering Garden, and Qu Garden, which can be combined for a day trip.