Suzhou index     Suzhou, China

Visual Index of Suzhou Sites:
Site name and description
Auspicious Light Pagoda (Rui Guang Ta) 
A reconstruction of an ancient pagoda near the Grand Canal
Beisi Temple (6th century site, recent buildings)
A modern reconstruction of the "Temple of the North"
Confucian Temple
Garden of Cultivation (17th century onward)
A garden from the late Ming dynasty.
Garden of Harmony (1874 onward)
A relatively recent garden from the late Qing Dynasty.
Han Shan "Cold Mountain" Temple (6th century site, more recent buildings)
A modern reconstruction of the "Temple of the North"
Humble Administrator's Garden (Ming dynasty to present)
Considered the greatest garden in southern China
Lion Grove Garden (first built 1342, rebuilt 1918)
A rockery garden built in memory of a Buddhist monk
Maple Bridge (originally built in Tang dynasty [6th-9th c.], Ming reconstruction)
A strategic bridge where Ming China battled against Japanese invaders
Master-of-Nets Garden (originally Sung dynasty, rebuilt 18th century onward)
A tiny garden with a long history
Panmen Gate (originally built the 6th century, Ming reconstruction)
A gate over the Grand Canal
Surging Waves Pavilion (1040s onward)
The oldest major garden in Suzhou.
Temple of Mystery (originally built the 3rd century, now a reconstruction)
A Taoist Temple turned into a souvenir bazaar
Tiger Hill Pagoda (Yunyansi) (built 959-961 AD)
A brick pagoda in imitation of contemporary wooden styles
Twin Pagodas (reportedly Song dynasty)
The remains of a temple destroyed in the Opium War
Wumen Bridge (originally built in Northern Song, c. 1870 reconstruction)
A graceful bridge spanning the Grand Canal

Bibliography:
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Pamphlets available on site (site plan adapted from plan printed on entry ticket).

Cheng, Liyao. Ancient Chinese Architecture: Private Gardens
    New York: Springer-Verlag/Wein, 1999

Dong, Xiaoming. Cultural Heritage: The Old City of Suzhou
    China: Guwuxuan Publishing House, 2002

Feng, Chaoxiong & Fan, Yiguang. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou
    China: New World Press, 2007

Liu, Dunzhen. Classical Gardens of Suzhou
    China: China Architecture and Building Press, 2005

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