[2025 Suzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for The Former Residence of Tang Yin (Updated May)

[Introduction]: Capture the landmark of Suzhou, Beisi Pagoda, from the popular spot at Wenchang Pavilion in the Taohuawu historical and cultural area of Suzhou. The location is Taohuawu Street, west of the south gate intersection of Bao'en Temple. The entire road is paved with bricks, so cycling will be bumpy. Cycle to the south gate of the scenic area (travelers without a car can rent a shared bike). Go up to the third floor to start shooting. The time I went wasn't ideal. There was backlight in the morning and front light in the afternoon. I recommend sidelight, around 1–2pm. 🕘 [Opening Hours]: Always open 💴 [Ticket Price]: No ticket needed 🚌 [Transportation]: Take the subway to Beisita Station on Line 4, Exit 5, and then walk 1 km to the block. 👉 [Itinerary]: Head west from Beisi Pagoda to Tang Yin's Former Residence and Puyuan Garden. 🧡 [Pre-trip Preparation]: Having an electric bike in the old city of Suzhou is best. If not, combine buses, shared bikes, the subway, and taxis.

A loose yet tense journey, from strangers to friends who make plans to meet again. 8:30 Meet at Beibanyuan, where the staff of Pingjiangfu Hotel opened the mysterious door of Beibanyuan for us. Three little ones were playing in the pool, so carefree. 9:15 Passed by the Suzhou Urban Construction Museum, which was not on the itinerary. The building's "dialogue between ancient and modern" allowed us to rediscover Suzhou, a city we often visit. For the first time, we realized that there are so many ancient buildings beyond our knowledge. 10:00 Quanjin Guild Hall, China Kunqu Opera Museum, and the 2025 "Just in Time to Dream" Peony Pavilion-themed exhibition depicted a dream-seeking route for us to explore Kunqu Opera. We sat down for a short break and enjoyed a famous song, which was quite enjoyable. 11:00 Boarded a boat at Xiangmen Wharf to Xumen. The ancient city gates along the way were particularly majestic, giving us a sense of traveling through time and space. We passed by Shemen, quickly pressed the shutter, and welcomed the dancing golden snake. 13:00 After a simple lunch, we headed to the former site of the Jiangsu Provincial Surveillance Office, where a joint exhibition of aquatic art was held. The boundless imagination of the artists and the ancient building engaged in a dialogue across time and space, and the words "dialogue between ancient and modern" appeared in our minds again. On the way, we passed by the "Suzhou People's Hall" and looked forward to the scene of entering it in the future. 14:30 Arrived at Changyuan as scheduled, which is limited to 20 visitors per day, so remember to make a reservation in advance. Now, Changyuan is operated by Vanke's Youxiong Hotel, and behind every ancient door in the garden may be a place to rest. 16:00 Arrived at the Suzhou Silk Museum before it closed. The embroidery added a touch of beauty to the silk, and the exquisite exhibits were breathtaking. Young curator Luo Yier and a group of young artists once again presented a "dialogue between ancient and modern" here, bringing this trip to a perfect end. 20,000 steps in one day to check in at many lesser-known gardens, and we still had the energy to add a classic after dinner, Tang Yin's Former Residence, and rushed to the high-speed rail platform at the last minute. Looking back on the dialogue between ancient and modern throughout the day, every step was a scene, more exciting than a time-travel drama.

Walk west along Xibei Street, and you can try some delicious food along the way, such as Yuan Yiyuan Noodle House, Wu Shengxing Zousha Soup Dumplings, and Xujiamen Xiangweiji Jiuniang Cake. At the intersection of Xibei Street and Renmin Road stands the tallest building in Suzhou Ancient City, Beisi Pagoda. Beisi Pagoda is located in Bao'en Temple, a quiet ancient temple with a small but beautiful garden. Continue walking along Taohuawu Street, and you will find a Tang Yin Temple hidden in a deep alley. The scene will remind you of the poem: "In the Peach Blossom Dock is the Peach Blossom Temple, where the Peach Blossom Immortal lives. The Peach Blossom Immortal plants peach trees, and sells the flowers for wine." Zhongjie Road, Dongzhongshi, and Xizhongshi are all old streets with Suzhou-style charm. Walking along them, you will feel like you are walking into the daily life of Suzhou people. In Wenyameng Alley next to Xizhongshi, there is a Yipu Garden. The roses in Yipu Garden are in full bloom, attracting many citizens and tourists to take photos. Continue west to Changmen City Wall and Shantang Street. Take a boat along the moat, and walk along Shantang Street to enjoy the night view. A perfect day.

Do you know the famous Tang Bohu? His former residence is right here, built during the Ming Dynasty in the 18th year of the Hongzhi era (1505). Tang Yin carefully selected a precious piece of land in Taohuawu to establish his home and named it 'Taohua An' (Peach Blossom Hermitage). Later, the place went through changes. At the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, the famous doctor Shen Mingsheng took over the place, and people at that time called it 'Tang Family Garden'. During the Qianlong era, the monks Chan Lin and Dao Xin rebuilt it into Baohua An, and in the Guangxu period, it was even transformed into Wenchang Pavilion! Today, the restored site of Tang Yin's former residence still maintains the original layout and style of the buildings. The architectural complex including Xuepu Hall, Wuge Studio, Jiadie Studio, and Mengmo Pavilion is all present, and the hall even displays Tang Yin's life story and his poetry and painting works, as if allowing us to travel through time and space to glimpse the carefree life of the talented man from the south of the Yangtze River! 📍Address: No. 13 Shuanghehua Pond, Xidayingmen, Gusu District ⏰Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 🎫Ticket price: Free 🚇Transportation: Metro Line 4 Beisita Station, super convenient for travel! 🚗 🅿️Parking: There are parking spaces in the nearby residential area and on the street, so there's no need to worry about parking. ✅ Layout of the garden The architectural layout is different from the traditional garden's distinct main axis. The buildings such as Xiuqin Pavilion and Jiadie Studio are scattered, which corresponds to Tang Yin's leisurely and comfortable state of mind. ✅ Highlights of the visit As the core project within the Taohuawu historical and cultural district, the restoration of Tang Yin's former residence mainly follows the Ming-style restoration. The restored residence features a pond, artificial hills, tree planting, and landscaping, restoring the Shuanghehua Pond, as well as related buildings such as Xuepu Hall, Mengmo Tower, Jiadie Studio, and Wuge Studio. It displays Tang Yin's life experiences, living scenes, and some of his calligraphy and painting works. The intention is to recreate the poetic and picturesque scene of 'In Taohuawu there's a Peach Blossom Hermitage, in the Peach Blossom Hermitage lives the Peach Blossom Immortal.' ✅ Recommended surrounding routes After visiting Tang Yin's former residence site, why not take a trip to the Suzhou Art Museum, Suzhou Celebrity Museum, Suzhou Silk Museum, and Beisita to experience the cultural charm of Suzhou!