The Lingering Garden

The Lingering Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Suzhou's most celebrated classical gardens. Located on Liuyuan Road, it dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is renowned for its masterful use of space, with winding paths, ornate pavilions, and carefully placed太湖石 (Taihu stones). The garden is divided into four distinct sections: the central pond area, the western rockery, the northern vegetable garden, and the eastern residential complex. Visitors can stroll through bamboo groves, admire intricate lattice windows, and enjoy the harmony of water, stone, and architecture. It's a serene escape from the city's bustle and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design.

Don't miss

• Marvel at the 'Cloud-Capped Peak', a famous Taihu stone with unique perforations
• Walk through the covered corridor with 252 different lattice window patterns
• Visit the Mandarin Duck Hall, a two-story building with separate male and female sections
• Explore the rockery area with miniature mountains and caves

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit The Lingering Garden

Cheapest way in4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour4.9★ · 13 travelers4-5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$80 per personSee dates →Best full dayUnveil Suzhou's Essence: Ultimate Private Day Tour5★ · 41 travelers7-8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$177 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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Getting there

Know before you go

• Photography is allowed, but tripods may require a permit.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones.
• Visit during weekdays to avoid large tour groups.
• Audio guides are available at the entrance for a small fee.

A bit of history

Built in 1593 during the Ming Dynasty by a retired official, the garden was later expanded and renamed in the Qing Dynasty. It survived wars and neglect, undergoing restoration in the 1950s to regain its former glory.