Suzhou Gardens and Canals

Most tourists, who have been in Suzhou Gardens & Canals, have been mesmerized by the way its daytime tranquility transforms into a splendid display of colorful lights at night. Its peaceful ambiance during the day is perfect for travelers who seek serenity and relaxation, but when evening comes, the cool and calming place becomes a romantic rendezvous for lovers.

Suzhou Gardens & Canals exudes beauty with its balanced combination of water and earth. Suzhou’s entire area is considered a water city, with its borders lying just along the historical Yangtze River. Its long stretch of Suzhou’s waterway connects to China’s Grand Canal, which is the most extensive ancient canal in the world.

The connecting canals in Suzhou became popular for 2,000 years when different dynasties started to put up different garden designs to provide a relaxing place that help in cultivating the hearts and minds of the early Chinese. One of the first gardens was constructed in 6th century B.C. by the order of the King of Wu dynasty. Other gardens soon followed from the 16th to 18th century during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Currently, there are at least 200 gardens in Suzhou Gardens & Canals that showcase different themes and designs.

A typical Suzhou Chinese garden contains a balance of different elements that create harmony and peace. Unique touches, such as a fishpond, a set of stones, wooden bridges, healthy greenery, and poetic halls are just some of the things you’ll find in a Chinese garden. Early Chinese intended every Suzhou garden to be “the earthly paradise,” making each of the garden similar to a beautiful painting.

Suzhou is just 80 kilometers from Shanghai. It is a prefecture-level city established in 514 B.C.

Suzhou Gardens and Canals