Garden of Cultivation (Yipu)
艺圃
A small Ming-dynasty garden hidden in the old city's lanes, part of Suzhou's classical gardens listed as a World Heritage Site, with an open pond and a tea room by the water that is especially pleasant.
The Garden of Cultivation (Yipu) is on Wenya Lane in Gusu District. It was first built during the Jiajing period of the Ming dynasty and later owned by Wen Zhenmeng, great-grandson of Wen Zhengming. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The garden is small but keeps the Ming style of 'water at the center, open and natural': the Yanguang Pavilion stands on the north bank of the large pond, and the south bank has a lush rockery and trees, with the Ruyu Pavilion a Ming-era structure. Inside Yanguang Pavilion is a tea room, and sipping tea by the window while watching the pond is a favorite pastime for locals. Admission is about 10 yuan. It sees far fewer visitors than the Humble Administrator's Garden and is ideal for a slow visit. The lanes are narrow, so walking or cycling is recommended. It can be combined with Changmen Gate and Shantang Street.
Opening hours
07:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Shantang Street
- Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty
- Taohuawu Historic District
- Garden of Pleasance
- Suzhou Silk Museum
- North Temple Pagoda (Bao'en Temple)
- Lingering Garden
- Guanqian Street & Xuanmiao Temple