Humble Administrator's Garden Travel Guide

Located in the northeast of Suzhou city, the Humble Administrator´s Garden is the largest classical garden in Suzhou, covering about 52,000 sq. meters (12.85 acres); and it is one of the four most famous classical gardens in China. It was originally built in 1513 A.D as a private garden by Wang Xianchen, an imperial censor who had just been demoted and sent back to his hometown.

The garden consists of three parts with different types buildings around streams and ponds. The Eastern Section is dotted with sheer hills, green grasses, dense bamboo and pine forests and winding streams. The main building is the Cymbidium Goeingii Hall (Lanxiang Tang). Its south wall has a panoramic map of the entire garden.

The Central Section is the truly elite part of the garden, with one-third of its area covered by water. It is lined with exuberant trees and elegant parlors. The main building in the Western Section is a stately and ornate hall which is divided into two by a massive screen.

The south part is 18 Camellias Hall (Shiba Mantuoluohua Guan) and the north part is the 36 Pairs of Mandarin Duck´s Hall (Saliu Yuanyang Guan).

Due to its unique designs and ethereal beauty, the garden has received many special honors. It is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site and has also been designated as one of the Cultural Relics of National Importance under the Protection of the State as well as a Special Tourist Attraction of China.