Couple's Retreat Garden

Couple's Retreat Garden (Chinese: 耦园; Pinyin: Ŏu Yuán) located in Suzhou city, of Jiangsu Province of China is a famous classical Chinese garden. It is recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History

The original garden was built by Lu Jin, prefect of Baoning district, in 1874. It was purchased by Shen Bingcheng, the magistrate of Susong. who rebuilt it in its current form. He also changed the name to the Couple's Garden Retreat. This name refers to the garden's two parts and alludes to a couple. It is recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Design

The 0.33 ha garden is divided into an east and west section divided by the residential core in the middle; an unusual composition for a classical garden. The eccentric design is continued in the form and details of many of the garden buildings, especially the Taosim Tower. The garden is located the intersection of canals and is surrounded by water on three sides. It is accessible directly from the canal by boat. West garden is composed of several structures grouped around a small grotto and a Library annex. It is structurally joined to the central residence. East Garden is the main garden of the complex. It consists of a grotto and pond ringed by a covered walkway that connects the structures. A smaller fruit orchard annex is attached.

Garden Design Elements with Description
West Garden
Building Hall

A five bay two story tower with east and west wings that served as the main residential compound.

Couples Retreat Hall
Eternal Spring
Gatehouse
Hall of Nobility

A three bay hall with front porch

Library Tower
Old House with Woven Curtains

Named for Shen Linshi. A three bay mandrian-duck hall with front and rear porches and annex.

Pavilion of Longevity

A square pavilion with enclouse on the north side.

Wine Carriage House

A three bay two story tower.

East Garden
Among Mountains and Water A one bay open hall on the water with a full porch
Balcony of No Frippary

An artist's studio in a three bay hall with porch, with views into the cherry orchard.

Collecting Fragrance Hall
Kuxing Tower

A unique one bay tower connected to the taoism practice tower.

Moon Pavilion
My Loveable Pavilion

A square pavilion with porch annex, built as part of the original garden.

Studio of the Returned Inkslab

Named for the discovery of a lost inkslab by the grandson of the original owner. A three bay and two story tower.

Taoism House

A unique tower structure of two bays with a specific Northeast orientation according to Taoist principals.

Thatched Cottage at the City Corner

Based on a pun alluding to the love between herder boy and weaver girl, it is the primary Structure consisting of five bays and two stories. It is adjoined to Studio of the Returned Inkslab and Collecting Fragrance Hall.

Wisteria Decorated Boat

See also

  • Chinese garden
  • Suzhou
  • List of Chinese gardens

Notes

This article contains Chinese text. Without proper , you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Chinese characters.

References

External links

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Tips & Hints
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Jason Liu
28 January 2015
Great site with a very serene atmosphere. Worth a visit if you are in Suzhou.
Shiyu Teng
15 April 2019
A small garden in Suzhou represent the Love. Cheap ticket.
Mei Leong
1 April 2012
This should be your first garden stop. Well laid out, quiet, no loud and obnoxious tourist groups.
Arie Mulyahati
25 January 2016
You should come here..recomended..❤️
Ye Ni
7 January 2014
耦园,是具有苏州地域特色的一个古典园林,处于平江古城保护区的腹地,座北朝南,三面环水,面积为0.8公顷。2000年被列为世界文化遗产。耦园包括东花园、西花园和中部住宅三个部分,其中尤以东花园之景色最胜。
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Map
25号 Huxiangshi Alley, Pingjiang, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215001 Get directions
Sun 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
Mon-Tue 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Wed 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Thu 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Fri 8:00 AM–6:00 PM

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