Liu Yuan is one of the Four Great Gardens of China

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Liu yuan

Usually, people can only see a building's scenery but seldom explore its history. In my opinion, the most important thing before visiting a place of interest is to understand its history — for example, who lived there and what stories occurred — so that you can feel the building is alive.

Basic Introduction

According to the data obtained from the Suzhou Garden Bureau, the area of Liu Yuan is 20,390 square metres. Liu Yuan is one of the classical gardens in Suzhou and belongs to China's Four Great Classical Gardens. It was built during the Ming Dynasty (1593), was designated as a National Key Cultural Protection Unit in 1961, and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. It was named a National 5A Scenic Spot in 2010.

Location and Transportation

The location of Liuyuan is 338 Liuyuan Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China.

You can take the tourist bus routes: Tourist Route 1, Tourist Route 3, Route 7, Route 34, Route 44, Route 70, Route 85, Route 317, and Route 933. Get off at "Liu Yuan" station, then walk about 100 meters to reach your destination.

Owners of gardens through the ages

Ming Dynasty (1593): After retiring from his official post, Xu Taishi, a government official, built this garden and named it "Dongyuan." He hired Zhou Shichen, a renowned painter of the time, to assist in constructing the garden.

Qing Dynasty (1794–1798): Liu Shu purchased the garden, renovated it, and renamed it "Hanbi Mountain Villa."

Late Qing Dynasty (1873): Sheng Kang acquired the garden and renamed it "Liuyuan." The name has remained in use to this day.

Republic of China Era: This garden was inherited by Sheng Xuanhuai, the son of Sheng Kang. In the household of Sheng Xuanhuai, there was a servant named Ni Guizhen. She later married Song Jiaru (Charles Soong), a prominent Chinese entrepreneur and revolutionary, and gave birth to three daughters: Song Ailing, Song Qingling, and Song Meiling.

Song Ailing later married Kong Xiangxi, the richest man in Shanxi Province.
Song Qingling married Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China.
Song Meiling married Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Republic of China.

1953: The Suzhou Municipal Government restored the Liuyuan Garden.

Overall Layout of the Garden

The scenic features of the Liuyuan Garden are divided into four distinct areas: east, west, central, and north. Each of the four places has a distinctive landscape.

East Area: Dominated by buildings and courtyards.
Central Area: Centered around water features.
North Area: Focused on bonsai displays.
West Area: Highlighting rockeries and artificial hills.

Introduction to Major Attractions in Liuyuan Garden

  • Attraction Name: Xiaopenglai (小蓬莱)
  • Description: A small island in the middle of the pond. It offers a panoramic view of the entire garden.
Xiaopenglai in the Liu Yuan
  • Attraction Name: Mingshe Pavilion (明瑟楼)
  • Description: A two-and-a-half-story building connected to Hanbi Mountain House. The name is derived from Commentaries on the Water Classic (《水经注》). In front of the building stands a rockery with the inscription "Yitiyun" ("One Step to the Clouds") carved on the stone.
Mingshe Pavilion in the Liuyuan
  • Attraction Name: Qingfeng Pool Hall (清风池馆)
  • Description: A building located in the central-western area. Its name comes from Su Shi's Ode to the Red Cliff (《赤壁赋》).
Qingfeng Pool Hall in the Liu Yuan
  • Attraction Name: Guanyun Peak (冠云峰)
  • Description: A towering rock peak in the eastern area, standing 6.5 meters high. The stone originates from Lake Tai (太湖) and resembles a mountain peak. It is the largest surviving natural “Taihu Lake Stone” in China. A Chinese song titled 'The Beauty of Lake Tai' celebrates the scenic charm of Lake Tai.
Guanyun Peakin-the-Liuyuan
  • Attraction Name: Wufeng Immortal Hall (五峰仙馆)
  • Description: A building in the eastern area constructed entirely of nanmu wood, covering approximately 300 square meters.
Wufeng Immortal Hall in the Liuyuan
  • Attractions: Guanyunlou(冠云楼)
  • Attractions introduction: Guanyunlou is at the back of Guanyun Peak, so it is named Guanyunlou (the name contains the word Guanyun).
Guanyunlou in the Liuyuan
  • Attraction Name: Shilin Courtyard (石林小院)
  • Description: A stone house created by stacking rocks of various shapes. The surrounding stone caves allow sunlight to filter into the house. This was the owner's reading room, known for its elegant ambiance.
Shilin Courtyard in the Liuyuan
  • Attraction Name: Wenmuxiang Pavilion (闻木樨香轩)
  • Description: A pavilion at the highest point of the garden. From here, visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of the entire garden.
Wenmuxiang Pavilion in the Liuyuan
  • Attraction Name: Keting Pavilion (可亭)
  • Description: A hexagonal pavilion situated atop a rockery in the central area of the garden.
Keting Pavilion in the Liuyuan
  • Attraction Name: Bonsai Garden (盆景园)
  • Description: Located in the northern area, it displays over 500 bonsai pots featuring diverse plant species.
Bonsai Garden in the Liuyuan
  • Panoramic view of the Liuyuan Garden（留园全景图）
  • A mural fabrication of over 2,500 jade tiles hangs on the wall at the garden's entrance.
Panoramic view of the Liuyuan Garden

Scenic Highlights of Liuyuan Garden in Four Seasons

Spring: Appreciate various blossoms and bonsai.
Summer: View the lotus flowers in the pond.
Autumn: See maple leaves and osmanthus blossoms.
Winter: Observe snow scenes and plum blossoms.

There are many other recommended attractions in Liouyuan. Only by being there can you feel the unique charm of the Liouyuan.