[2025 Suzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Chaiyuan Garden (Updated Jun)

| A peaceful solo adventure in Jiangnan. Among Suzhou's many attractions, Chai Garden is like a forgotten pearl in the corner of time, perfect for those seeking quiet moments alone. Here's why Chai Garden is an ideal destination for solo travelers: Serene Atmosphere to Heal the Soul Tucked away at No. 44 Cuku Lane in Gusu District, Chai Garden's secluded location means fewer visitors. Strolling alone, you'll hear only your footsteps, the rustle of leaves in the wind, and the gentle movement of fish in the ponds—as if the entire garden belongs solely to you. The pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and winding corridors are exceptionally well-preserved, showcasing the exquisite layout and unique charm of Jiangnan gardens. It offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, soothing weary souls. Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage Originally built during the Daoguang era of the late Qing Dynasty as the residence of Pan Zengqi, Chai Garden was later purchased and expanded by Chai Anpu. Here, you can admire architecture bearing the marks of time and feel the weight of historical changes. Today, as the site of the Suzhou Education Museum, Chai Garden houses multiple exhibition halls that showcase the thousand-year history and contemporary achievements of Suzhou's education system. This allows visitors to appreciate the garden's beauty while deepening their understanding of Suzhou's cultural heritage. Charming Architectural Highlights Mandarin Duck Hall: Spacious and luxurious, with unique architectural styles and exquisite interior decorations featuring remarkable wood and brick carvings. Nanmu Hall: Elegant and simple, with ingeniously structured beams adorned with carvings of historical and cultural themes such as "Confucius Reading" and "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove," showcasing superb craftsmanship. Boat Pavilion: One of Chai Garden's iconic sights, complete with a bow, front cabin, middle cabin, and rear cabin, intricately carved and painted like a boat ready to set sail, transporting you through time to experience the charm of Jiangnan's water towns. Convenient Surroundings for Easy Travel Transportation: Take Metro Line 4 to Sanyuanfang Station (Exit 1) and walk about 13 minutes, or take buses like No. 8 or 529. For drivers, navigate to "Chai Garden," where free parking is available at the entrance. Nearby Attractions: Chai Garden is surrounded by many worthwhile spots. To the east is Phoenix Street, and a 5-minute walk south leads to the popular Shiquan Street. Nearby attractions also include Wuque Bridge, Nanyuan Hotel, Master-of-Nets Garden, Confucian Temple, and Canglang Pavilion, making it easy to enrich your solo travel itinerary.

#discoverchina Chaiyuan is a classical Chinese private garden located in Suzhou's Gusu Distrct.Originally established during the Qing Dynasty, it exemplifies the traditional Suzhou residential garden style, integrating residential spaces with meticulously designed landscae.The garden is currently home to the Suzhou Museum of Education.  📍 Address:No. 44, Cuku Lane, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China ⏰ Opening Hours:Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM); closed on Mondays (except public holidays) 🎫 Admission:Free

Suzhou Chai Garden is a niche but charming classical garden. 1. Overview Name: Suzhou Chai Garden Location: No. 44, Cuku Alley, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province History: Chai Garden was first built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty as the residence and garden of Pan Zengqi. During the Guangxu period, it was purchased and expanded by Chai Anpu from Shangyu, Zhejiang, hence the name "Chai Garden." After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chai Garden served as residences and a school, and is now the Suzhou Education Museum. 2. Main Attractions Mandarin Duck Hall: Located in the front part of the garden, spacious and luxurious, it is one of the important buildings in Chai Garden. Nanmu Hall: Located in the rear part of the garden, elegant and simple, it showcases the architectural features of Chai Garden. Boat Pavilion: One of the iconic landscapes of Chai Garden, including the bow, front cabin, middle cabin, and rear cabin, with exquisite carvings. Nanmu Hall Carvings: The beam structure is a flat hall with a raised porch and grass frame, the roof style is a hard-mountain roof, and the ridge is a brooding hen ridge; one side of the double beam is carved with the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove," the other side with the "Number One Scholar's Parade," and the main beam with "Confucius Reading." Brick Carved Door in the Courtyard: The gatehouse is inscribed with the words "Good Fortune and Auspiciousness" written by Gu Wenbin in the ninth year of Guangxu (1883). 3. Tour Route 1. Entrance Hall: Enter through the entrance hall and tour north. 2. Central Axis: Visit the Middle Hall, Main Hall, and Hall Building in turn, which are the Preface Hall, Celebrity Hall, and Modern Hall of the Education Museum. 3. Northwest of the Garden: Visit Nanmu Hall, the Library (Modern Hall), and the West Hall (Thematic Exhibition Hall). 4. Mandarin Duck Hall: Now the Ancient Hall of the Education Museum, with three bays, it is the largest hall in Chai Garden. 4. Special Activities Guided Tours: There are four guided tours daily, at 9:30 and 10:30 am, and 2:00 and 3:00 pm. Following the guide allows for an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of Suzhou education. Interactive Experiences: The garden offers interactive activities such as private school calligraphy practice and couplet matching. You can also take selfies with old-fashioned cameras at the entrance of Soochow University. 5. Opening Hours and Tickets Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (last entry at 4:00 pm), closed on Mondays (except national holidays). Tickets: Free admission. 6. Transportation and Surroundings Transportation: Chai Garden is located in the core area of Suzhou's old city, adjacent to the bustling Shiquan Street/Fenghuang Street, with convenient transportation. Nearby Attractions: Ye Shengtao's Former Residence, Suzhou Zhuangyuan Museum, etc. 7. Tips Quiet Environment: Chai Garden is relatively less crowded, suitable for visitors who prefer a quiet environment. Air Conditioning: The exhibition halls are air-conditioned, suitable for summer visits. 8. Special Notice Closed on Mondays: Please note that Chai Garden is closed every Monday. Avoid visiting on Mondays. Suspension of Operations: Chai Garden may be temporarily closed due to the pandemic or other reasons. It is recommended to check the opening status in advance.

Chai Garden is located at No. 44 Cuku Lane. It is a cultural relic protection unit of Suzhou and now serves as the Suzhou Education Museum. This is a free, niche garden. The garden still has the Mandarin Duck Hall, Boat Hall, Waterside Pavilion, Zigzag Corridor, Half Pavilion, Rockery, Pool, Flowers and Trees, etc. The eastern residence has a gate hall and a hall building. There are few tourists, and there are two groups of commercial photography.

Suzhou Chai Garden is a Chinese classical garden building built in the late Qing Dynasty. [GreenHeart] This place was originally the residence of Pan Zengqi during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. It was purchased by Chai Anpu of Shangyu, Zhejiang during the Guangxu period. After reconstruction and expansion, it was named "Chai Garden". Later, after the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, it was gradually dispersed and converted into residential areas. In the 1950s, the South District People's Government was stationed here. After 1957, it was used as a school. In 1978, the Chibei Building was demolished to build a three-story teaching building. In 1985, the Municipal Cultural Management Committee and the Civil Affairs Bureau jointly funded the repair of the Yuanyang Hall and the Ship Hall. In 1982, it was listed as a cultural relic protection unit in Suzhou City. It is now the Suzhou Education Museum. [BlueHeart] East house and west garden. The eastern residence has a foyer and a main building. In front of the building, there is a brick door plaque with the words "Jia Men Shanxiang" inscribed by Gu Wenbin, the owner of Yiyuan. In the western garden, there is the Mandarin Duck Hall in front, which is spacious and luxurious, and the Nanmu Hall in the back, which is elegant and simple. There are four garden areas in between, and the middle garden is the best, with a quiet pond, a pleasant boat hall, ingenious rocks, and unique hills and valleys. [OrangeHeart] The garden is not big. Walking inside is the garden with a pond. Because there are not many people, it is very suitable for taking pictures. After 2pm, there will be beautiful tree shadows on the white wall. Admission is free and the opening hours are from 9:00 to 16:30 from Tuesday to Sunday (last admission at 16:00). [Bus]: Metro Line 4, Exit 3, Sanyuanfang, and walk 900 meters 📷: Nikon Z7ii

||. Suzhou!! An extremely underrated garden! And it's free!! ||📍Chai Garden, Suzhou 🚌 Subway Line 6 Wangxingqiao Sudadao Station, about a 15-minute walk 📆9:00 - 16:30 It is recommended to go as early as possible This is a garden in Suzhou that is free and can be entered directly The garden is full of artistic conception, several check-in points are quite elegant, and there are also tourists shooting ancient costumes. There are not many people and the tour experience is great. 📷Several check-in points are shared: 1️⃣The patio, the picture of spring and bright scenery when the flowers bloom 2️⃣Bamboo forest, there is a feeling of winding paths leading to a secluded spot 3️⃣Rockery pond, weeping willows and fish in the pond, full of vitality 4️⃣Pavilion, sitting on the stone railing, pretending to feed the fish (the fish will be attracted, you can't feed here, you can do the action) 5️⃣Mirror, this hall looks like a window at first glance, but it is actually a large mirror. I can't help but sigh at the exquisite design. A scene can be appreciated from two angles. 🎋Summary: The whole garden is not big, it can be visited in about half an hour, it is suitable for taking pictures with friends in Hanfu, there are not many people, it is easy to produce~

Suzhou No. 23 Garden: Chai Garden Chai Garden was built in the late Qing Dynasty. It was the residence garden of the Pan family during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. During the Guangxu period, it was purchased by Chai Anpu from Shangyu and renovated and expanded, and named Chai Garden. ‌‌ The layout of the garden is east house and west garden, with a spacious Yuanyang Hall in the front and a simple Nanmu Hall in the back. There are four garden areas in the garden, with tranquil ponds, relaxing boat halls, ingenious rocks and natural hills and valleys.

Near Shiquan Street in Suzhou, there is a free private garden that is perfect for taking photos. There are hardly any people here, and every visit makes you fall in love with it even more. The garden is extremely well-maintained, with koi swimming in the pond. Although it is not as famous as other gardens, the experience of strolling through it is incredibly pleasant. Additionally, there are many exhibitions on display within the garden. It is especially worth mentioning that the rooms are very well air-conditioned. This garden is only a few hundred meters away from Hello Bread. Taking a cute flower window cake and coffee to sit leisurely in the garden feels incredibly relaxing; this is the ideal Suzhou lifestyle. Address: Chai Garden (No. 44, Cuku Lane, Gusu District) Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:00 Ticket: Free, no reservation required.

The ceiling of the free garden in Suzhou... The free private garden near Shiquan Street in Suzhou is so good to shoot, there are almost no people! Really love it every time I come The garden is well maintained, and there are koi in the pool Although it is not so well-known, it is really comfortable to visit. There are many exhibitions in the garden at the same time The key is that the air conditioning in the room is super sufficient... The garden is only a few hundred meters away from Harp Bread It's really cozy to sit in the garden with cute flower window cupcakes and coffee. This is the ideal Suzhou-style life Chaiyuan (No. 44, Cukulane, Gusu District): 9:00-16:00

📅Travel Plan: At dawn, set off for Suzhou, spend three days immersed in the gentle and elegant classical gardens. 🎒Travel Essentials: A sun hat👒, comfortable shoes👟, a fully charged camera📷, and a heart to explore classical beauty. 📍About the Location: The core destination is 'Suzhou Gardens', with the top recommendation being the hidden gem 'Chai Garden'🏡, nestled in the city, offering a unique tranquility. 🚗About Transportation: High-speed rail directly to Suzhou Station🚅, then transfer to the subway or bus🚌, easily reaching the entrances of various gardens, making green travel more enjoyable. 🏞️Attraction Introduction: Chai Garden is renowned for its exquisite layout and rustic elegance. Among the rockeries and flowing water, every step reveals a new scene, showcasing the tender charm of the Jiangnan water town. Don't forget to visit classic gardens like the Humble Administrator's Garden and Lingering Garden to appreciate the profound garden art. 🍜Special Cuisine: For lunch, we recommend Songhelou, where the sweet and sour Squirrel Fish🐟 is delicious, and a bowl of Aozao Noodles🍜 warms both the stomach and the heart. As night falls, the snack street on Pingjiang Road lights up, offering treats like Gorgon fruit and sweet porridge waiting for you to try. 📸Must-visit Photo Spots: The moon gate in Chai Garden, where light and shadow intertwine, captures your classical beauty; in front of the Yuanxiang Hall in the Humble Administrator's Garden, the blooming lotus flowers blend with the scenery, creating an unparalleled beauty. 💡Warm Tips: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid peak crowds; bring sun protection when visiting in summer to enjoy the gardens while protecting your skin. Come to my homepage to unlock more hidden corners of Suzhou gardens and make your travel stories more colorful!👇

In the south of the ancient city of Suzhou, there is a unique alley hidden - Vinegar Alley. The origin of this name can be traced back to the Southern Song Dynasty, when a vinegar warehouse was built here, hence the name. However, as time went by, the vinegar warehouse was moved elsewhere, and this place became known as the "Old Vinegar Warehouse". As the largest lane in the south of the inner city, Cuku Lane has always been a gathering place for officials and gentry, leaving behind many mansions and former residences of celebrities. Inside the alley, you will see No. 44 Cuku Lane, which is the Chai Garden, a classical garden in Suzhou. 1⃣️This was originally the residence of Pan Zengqi, a gentleman from Suzhou during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. In the middle of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty, Chai Anpu from Shangyu, Zhejiang, first went to Tongli, Wujiang, to be in charge of the Jiangzhen Salt Court, and later settled in Suzhou. In the reign of Emperor Guangxu, he purchased the house and rebuilt and expanded it. In the ninth year of the Guangxu reign (1883), the garden was completed and was called "Chai Garden". After Chai Anpu died, his son Lianqing named the garden Jianyuan and called himself the owner of Jianyuan. But the name of Chaiyuan has been circulated among the people for a long time. 2⃣️The original layout of Chai Garden was East House and West Garden. In the front of the garden was the Yuanyang Hall, which was spacious and luxurious, and in the back was the Nanmu Hall, which was elegant and simple. The garden is arranged in four The best area is the Central Garden, with a pool and rockery, which is small and elegant. The three words "廖而曲" mean circling and moving back, with hills and valleys all formed. The land boats and waterside pavilions are exquisite and elegant, with winding corridors connecting them. The library is in the northeast, and the West Flower Hall is in the northwest. 3⃣️In November 1951, the People's Government of Suzhou South District was established, and its office was located in Chaiyuan. In 1957, Suzhou School for the Blind and Deaf moved to Chaiyuan and remained there until 2010 when it was built at a new location. During this period, the school rebuilt the bungalow in 1974 for use as a school-run factory. In 1978, in accordance with the needs of running the school, the hall on the north side of the pond was demolished and a three-story teaching building was built. After being listed as a cultural relic protection site in Suzhou, the Municipal Cultural Relics Management Committee and the Civil Affairs Bureau jointly funded the renovation of the Mandarin Duck Hall and the Boat Hall in 1985. As of 2010 when the school for the blind and deaf moved out, the remaining ancient buildings in Chaiyuan included the Yuanyang Hall, the Boat Hall, the Waterside Pavilion, the Curved Corridor, the Half Pavilion, and only the main building of the eastern residence remained. The brick-carved door in Figure 1 has a plaque with the words "Jia Men Shanxiang" inscribed by Gu Wenbin, the owner of Guoyun Tower, in the ninth year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1833). Chaiyuan Open 09:00-16:30, last admission after 16:30 Free and open Address: No. 44, Cuku Lane, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province 990m walk from Exit 3 of Sanyuanfang Station on Metro Line 4

Nestled in the alleys of Suzhou's Shiquan Street lies a hidden gem of a garden, originally the residence of Pan Zengqi during the Qing Dynasty's Daoguang era. It was later purchased and renovated by Chai Anpu during the Guangxu era, hence the name 'Chai Garden'. This 'Chai Garden' features an artfully arranged architecture with serene ponds, ingeniously shaped rocks, ancient pavilions, lush flora, a fitting boat hall, rustic stone bridges, and secluded bamboo paths, all coming together to create a stunningly beautiful landscape. Who wouldn't adore such a lovely garden? Its beauty is universally praised, and it allows us to appreciate the aesthetic essence of Suzhou's gardens and feel their enchantment! The site also features a restored old campus, 'Dongwu University', where visitors can enjoy the experience of being in the same frame as the university. ~No reservation needed, facial recognition entry allowed~ Location: Chai Garden, Gusu District, Suzhou Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Suzhou Education Museum, Chai Garden A garden from the Guangxu period Many parts have been repaired later, so they look quite new The landscaping is beautiful, with pomegranate and bignonia flowers blooming profusely recently Not many visitors, occasionally a bit crowded when students come for a visit Usually very quiet, perfect for spending the whole day with a pot of tea There's also a stone table in the garden, with water and brushes for calligraphy practice Drinking tea and practicing calligraphy, one could easily enjoy a retired life The address is near Shiquan Street, inside Cukulane The location is a bit hidden but not hard to find ————————— Chai Garden Address: No. 44, Cukulane, Gusu District, Suzhou Opening hours: 9:00-16:00 Free 🆓 No reservation required

Chai Garden is located at No. 44, Cukulane, and is a Suzhou garden that is open to the public for free. Originally the private garden of Pan Zengqi during the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty, it was known as 'Qian Garden'. During the Guangxu era, it was purchased and expanded by Chai Anpu from Shangyu, Zhejiang, and renamed 'Chai Garden'. From 1962 to 2012, the Suzhou School for the Blind and Deaf was located here. After the school relocated, Chai Garden was transformed into the Suzhou Education Museum, which officially opened in 2017. Chai Garden is like a fine piece of double-sided embroidery, one side depicting the elegance of the garden, the other side depicting the interest of the museum. Chai Garden is a typical private garden with a layout of east residence and west garden, featuring multiple buildings such as the Mandarin Duck Hall, Nanmu Hall, boat houses, and waterside pavilions. In the western part of the garden, centered around a pond, boat houses and waterside pavilions face each other across the water, with halls, pavilions, and galleries winding their way through, and lake rocks piled up in a staggered and winding fashion, making it a rare place of leisure in the bustling city area. Chai Garden is also the Suzhou Education Museum, consisting of the Preface Hall, Celebrity Hall, Ancient Hall, Modern Hall, Contemporary Hall, Academician Hall, Famous Teacher Hall, Hall of Honor, Audio-Visual Hall, Special Exhibition Hall, and the International Chinese Language Promotion Activity Center, divided into four main parts: Millennium Inheritance, Century Enlightenment, Era Chapter, and Apricot Altar Brilliance. 📍Address: No. 44, Cukulane, Gusu District 🎫Ticket: Free 🕗Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-16:30, closed on Mondays (except national statutory holidays) 🍃Special Highlights🍃 1️⃣ Relatively lesser-known, located in a small alley, with fewer visitors, and pleasant pure music playing in the garden. 2️⃣ Air conditioning is turned on in the museum buildings, making the visit comfortable and cool. 3️⃣ The mirrors in the half pavilion are very clean, like a window, reflecting the greenery of the garden, a scene full of greenery🍃 4️⃣ Standing on the small bridge and looking at the boat houses and waterside pavilions on both sides, reading the line 'Can wash my tassel' and then looking at the koi in the pond, one can't help but think of the phrase 'The clear waters of the Canglang are so pure, I can wash my tassel in them.' 5️⃣ The flower windows of Chai Garden are very beautiful, especially the green plants (banana plants, bamboo) behind the windows, which add a touch of Chinese aesthetics to the flower windows✨. 🕹About Stamping (color-overlay stamp + 9 museum stamps all free): 🔸Color-overlay stamp (limited to 3 per person), with a locator which is very considerate. It is recommended to use A6 card paper, insert it and stamp, so it won't be misaligned and will be neat. 🔸Additionally, there are 4 stamps of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting + 3 stamps of children playing folk games + 1 Chai Garden stamp + 1 Suzhou Education Museum stamp. For those who love gardens and stamping, don't miss this treasure of a garden!