Lion Forest Garden

Lion Forest Garden (Shizilin) is one of Suzhou's most famous classical gardens, renowned for its intricate labyrinth of limestone rockeries that resemble lions in various poses. Built during the Yuan Dynasty (1342), the garden covers about 1.1 hectares and is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. As you wander through the garden, you'll encounter a series of interconnected grottoes, bridges, and pavilions set around a central pond. The rock formations are the highlight, some naturally shaped, others carved to evoke crouching, leaping, or roaring lions. The garden also features a small bamboo grove, a plum orchard, and a collection of ancient steles. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as part of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou) and offers a serene escape from the city's bustle. The experience is one of discovery, as the paths twist and turn, revealing new vistas at every corner.

Don't miss

• Explore the famous lion-shaped limestone rockeries
• Walk through the winding grottoes and hidden paths
• Admire the traditional pavilions and bridges over the pond
• See the ancient stone inscriptions and calligraphy
• Visit the small bamboo grove and plum orchard

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Lion Forest Garden

Cheapest way inSingapore: Gardens by the Bay Admission E-Ticket4.2★ · 119 travelers~24 hoursFree cancellationFrom$10 per personSee dates →Best full daySuzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option5★ · 387 travelers8–9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$193 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleSuzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Private Day Tour with Lunch5★ · 12 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$166 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The garden is a maze; follow the signs or a map to avoid getting lost.
• Best photos are of the rockeries from different angles; early morning light is ideal.
• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip due to uneven surfaces.
• Audio guides are available for a small fee, offering insights into the garden's history.

A bit of history

Lion Forest Garden was originally built in 1342 by the Buddhist monk Tianru as part of a temple complex. The rockeries were designed to symbolize the lions of Buddhism. It has been renovated several times over the centuries, most notably in the Qing Dynasty.