Suzhou Lion Grove Garden Travel Guide

Lion Grove Garden is one of the four famous gardens in Suzhou, built in the Yuan Dynasty (1342). Known as the 'Kingdom of Rockeries,' it integrates Zen culture and Jiangnan garden art and is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. Here are the key points for your visit: Transportation and Tickets Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to 'Lindun Road Station,' then walk for about 10 minutes; or take buses 518, 55, or 178 to 'Lion Grove Garden Station.' Tickets: Peak season (April-October) 40 RMB, off-season (January-March, November-December) 30 RMB; opening hours are 7:30-17:30 (peak season) or 7:30-17:00 (off-season). Must-Visit Attractions Rockeries: Wander through the labyrinth-like rockeries, look for unique stones such as 'Nine Lion Peak,' 'Sun Embracing,' and 'Moon Spitting,' and experience the fun of 'seemingly no way out.' Yanyu Hall: The main hall of the garden, once the imperial kitchen of Emperor Qianlong, features exquisite architecture with nanmu wood carvings and calligraphy steles showcasing the elegance of literati. Zhenqu Pavilion: Preserves the imperial inscriptions of Emperor Qianlong, offering a panoramic view of the garden and a sense of the imperial perspective. Stone Boat and Wenmei Pavilion: Waterside buildings reflecting with plum trees, especially poetic in winter when the plum blossoms. Travel Tips Route: Main Entrance → Yanyu Hall → Xiaofang Hall → Nine Lion Peak → Rockeries → Zhenqu Pavilion → Stone Boat → Wenmei Pavilion, taking about 2 hours in total. Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, with pleasant weather in spring and autumn and blooming flowers. Nearby Attractions: Close to the Humble Administrator's Garden (5-minute walk) and Pingjiang Road Historic District, you can plan a half-day tour and then enjoy Suzhou cuisine or experience tea house culture. Notes The rockery area has many steps, so wear non-slip shoes; for family trips, children can explore the rockery maze. Some buildings in the garden require additional fees (such as the bell-ringing experience), so bring some small cash. Lion Grove Garden embodies the spirit of stones and the charm of Zen, allowing you to appreciate the exquisite Yuan Dynasty garden and the poetic essence of Jiangnan in a half-day tour.