Lingering Garden

A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of Qing Dynasty private gardens

5A National Scenic Area

07:30-17:00

Last entry: 16:30From April 1 to October 31, opening hours are 07:00-17:00.

About This Place

The Lingering Garden, one of China's Four Great Classical Gardens, was first built in 1593 and is a pinnacle of Suzhou's garden art. Spanning 2.33 hectares, it is renowned for its exquisite architecture, ingenious spatial design, and precious Taihu Lake rocks, perfectly embodying the ideal of 'enjoying mountain and forest pleasures without leaving the city.' It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Allow 1-3 hours to fully appreciate its ever-changing vistas.

Highlights

Admire the Guanyun Peak: Marvel at this iconic Taihu Lake rock, celebrated for its qualities of 'slenderness, wrinkling, perforation, and transparency.'

Stroll through the Central Water Scenery: Explore the garden's core area, where ponds, pavilions, and rockeries create a classic Chinese landscape painting come to life.

Discover Four Distinct Sections: Experience the varying moods of the central, eastern, western, and northern gardens, each showcasing different scenic styles.

Appreciate the Calligraphy Stone Tablets: Walk along the winding corridor and admire the embedded stone inscriptions of famous calligraphers from different dynasties.

Study the Architectural Mastery: Visit halls like the Linquan Qishuo Hall and the Quxi Tower to appreciate the grandeur and refinement of Qing Dynasty garden architecture.

Best Time to Visit

April-May, September-October

Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather and beautiful foliage. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid weekend and holiday crowds. A visit on a misty or drizzly day can enhance the garden's serene and timeless atmosphere.

Avoid Chinese Holidays

Strongly avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7), Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb), and Labor Day (May 1-5). Crowds are extreme and tickets often sell out weeks in advance.

Ticket Information

CNY 55per person

Advance Booking Required

Tickets can be booked online via the garden's official channels or major travel platforms (e.g., Ctrip, Mafengwo) as e-tickets. Simply scan your ID card for entry. Peak season (Apr-Oct) adult ticket is 55 RMB, off-peak (Nov-Mar) is 45 RMB. Discounts (50% off) apply to minors (6-18 years), students, and seniors (60-70 years). Free admission is available for active military personnel, persons with disabilities, seniors over 70, and children under 1.4m. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak travel periods.