Suzhou Lion Grove Garden—Unlock the Millennial Wonders of the "Rockery Kingdom"

I've been to Suzhou twice and visited the Lion Grove Garden both times. Let me share with you the charm that keeps drawing me back! -Garden Culture🌿 1. Historical Significance: Originally built in the Yuan Dynasty, it once served as the back garden of a Buddhist temple. The Bei family, including I.M. Pei, participated in its restoration and donated it to the nation. 2. Ingenious Design: The scenery changes with every step, incorporating framed views and borrowed scenery. For example, the "Winter Plum Blossom" window view in the Yanyu Hall subtly embodies poetic and artistic imagery. 3. Zen Aesthetics: The "Lion's Roar" symbolizes the majesty of Buddhist teachings, and the layout of the rockeries reflects Zen philosophy. -Highlights🌟 1. Rockery Maze: A "stone forest" of stacked Taihu rocks, wandering through it is like entering a maze. (Highly recommended, I personally love it!) 2. Zhenqu Pavilion: The story behind the inscription "Zhenqu" (meaning "true interest") by Emperor Qianlong (originally written as "Zhen Youqu," meaning "really interesting," but a scholar cleverly requested a character be removed). 3. Nine Lion Peak: The iconic rock formation in the garden, resembling nine lions, showcases exceptional rock-stacking artistry. 4. Lake Heart Pavilion and Stone Boat: A classic pairing in Jiangnan waterscapes, the unmoored stone boat, "Buxizhou," symbolizes detachment and freedom. -Recommended Route👣 Yanyu Hall → Small Square Hall → Nine Lion Peak → Yifeng Zhibaixuan → Rockery Maze → Lake Heart Pavilion → Zhenqu Pavilion → Stone Boat → Wenmei Pavilion → Lixue Hall -Important Notes⚠️ 1. Wear comfortable shoes: The paths through the rockeries are uneven, and some passages require bending over. Please be careful. 2. Avoid peak hours: The garden is crowded during holidays. It is recommended to visit before 9 am or after 3 pm. 3. Recommended combined tours: The garden is adjacent to the Humble Administrator's Garden (5-minute walk) and Pingjiang Road (1 km). A one-day "garden + old street" itinerary can be arranged.