0512-69163907

Located in Xiaoxinqiao Alley, Cangjie Street, Suzhou, listed as a national key cultural relics protection site in June 2001, included in the World Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO in November 2000, Suzhou Ouyuan Garden is surrounded by river on 3 sides and street on 1 side, and river ports in the front and back. Witnessing whitewashed walls and black tiles, small bridges and flowing water, it highlights water town charm south of the Yangtze River. Formerly known as "Sheyuan Garden" built in the early Qing Dynasty, it was destroyed by war during Emperor  Xianfeng period. In the 13th year of Emperor Tongzhi (1874), the abandoned garden was bought by Shen Bingcheng, Huzhou native, governor of Susongtai Prefecture, recuperating in Wuzhong then. At that time, Shen Bingcheng had the intention of retreat, so he hired Gu Yun, painter of the Qing Dynasty, to design and expand, completing current garden and renaming it "Ouyuan Garden". In meaning, Ou similar to couple, implying the hidden intention of the couple. Ouyuan Garden was completed in 1876. Shen Bingcheng and his wife stayed in the garden for 8 years. The couple were quite affectionate. With an area of about 2 acres, the garden had the residence in the center,  east and west wings on 2 sides, a row of buildings behind the river at the north end, running through by "Zoumalou". This layout of 1 house and 2 gardens is unique among many classical gardens in Suzhou.