Canglang Pavilion
沧浪亭
The oldest surviving garden in Suzhou, founded in the Northern Song dynasty, with clear water outside the walls and borrowed scenery that draws the view in.
Canglang Pavilion was built by the Northern Song poet Su Shunqin and is the oldest surviving garden in Suzhou. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Water comes into view before you even enter the garden, and the covered corridor over the water borrows scenery from outside. Hills dominate the garden, ancient trees tower overhead, and there are over a hundred styles of latticed windows, along with the Shrine to Five Hundred Worthies. It draws far fewer visitors than the Humble Administrator's Garden, making it ideal for a quiet visit. Admission is about 20 yuan. It sits near the Ke Garden, the Kunqu opera performances, and the Suzhou Confucian Temple, and can be combined with the Master of Nets Garden.
Opening hours
07:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Suzhou Confucian Temple
- Master of the Nets Garden
- Pan Gate
- Suzhou Ancient Canal Night Cruise
- Garden of Pleasance
- Twin Pagodas of Luohan Temple
- Quyuan Garden
- China Kunqu Opera Museum