Suzhou Gardens: A Peaceful Oasis
Chinese gardens are famous throughout the world, but Suzhou gardens are famous throughout China. Suzhou's gardens had taken the art of garden building to a height never before seen.
The earliest garden known to have been located in Suzhou was built for the King of Wu in the Spring and Autumn period (6th century BC). The Pijiang Garden has been recorded as the earliest private garden built in Suzhou. It was built in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420 AD). Countless gardens were built in the centuries that followed. It was not until the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911) however, that Suzhou gardens really hit their stride. During this time Suzhou's economy was booming giving more people the means to build their own private garden. Records show that during this time period over 200 gardens were built in Suzhou. Dozens of them have survived, and these have been meticulously maintained giving the world a glimpse into what many Chinese call "Earthly Paradise".
Owing to the fact that these private gardens were laid out in a limited space the garden builders had to find ingenious ways to make a limited space seem unlimited. The gardens of Suzhou had to mimic the natural world, but in a far more artistic manner. Using just plants, stones, water and earth these gardens would mimic entire mountain ranges, flowing rivers, and bamboo forests. The garden builders were masters of perspective. The gardens were designed so that only a small portion was visible at any given time. Wandering down the twisting paths would bring the visitor into an entirely new environment every time they turned a corner. A well designed garden would make a visitor feel that no matter how much time they had spent in the garden, there was always some area left unexplored.
The buildings that are found in Suzhou gardens are not only exquisitely constructed, but are placed in a way that they seem a part of the natural landscape. Each garden has many little pavilions and large buildings to satisfy the needs of the garden's owner. Each building had a different function in the garden. Some small pavilions were constructed on top of artificial mountains to give the visitor an overall view of the garden, while still keeping many aspects ingeniously hidden. Other pavilions were created to satisfy the needs of reading, or creating art, while some were used as a simple oasis in which to relax, and view the scenery around them. Many of buildings were built with the express purpose of simply enjoying a cup of tea.
Over the course of over two millennia Suzhou's gardens have reached a state of artistic perfection, bringing the natural world into a bustling metropolis. Upon entering these havens the outside modern world instantly melts away into something better, more cultured, and more artistic. They take the visitor back to a time when simply sitting with friends and enjoying a cup of tea was an art form in itself.
Travel tips: Any visitor to Suzhou will naturally want to visit Suzhou's gardens. It is not necessary to visit them all however. There are too many, and they all have similar features. It is recommended that visitors only visit one of two of the most outstanding examples.
