#493 Suzhou gardens

More subtle than Shanghai are the gardens of Suzhou, about two hours west of Shanghai.   Suzhou has been around since 514 BCE.  Located on the Grand Canal, Suzhou is noted for its classical gardens and known as the Venice of the East.  The classical gardens are recognized on the UNESCO world heritage list.

A Chinese garden needs Chinese architecture, rocks, water, and plants.  And Kelly believes every Chinese garden must include a gingko tree.

We visit first the Humble Administrator's Garden.

The Master of the Nets garden is the smallest garden in Suzhou and is reproduced in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.  And it has a library!

The Lingering Garden is our third garden visit.

Yours in enjoying the subtleties of Chinese gardens,
Mary