Lion Grove Garden: Shen Fu Said 'Meh,' Kids Say 'Awesome Maze!'

[Kelvin Shanahan DVM]

Alright, I must tell you about this spontaneous trip to visit the gardens in Suzhou!

Here’s what happened: While scrolling through photos of beautiful spring scenes online, I immediately got enamored with them and decided to book tickets for the Humble Administrator's Garden (拙政园) and Lion Grove Garden (狮子林) the next day!

TIP FOR FOREIGN FRIENDS: Both gardens are famous classical Chinese gardens located in Suzhou. They have rich history and intricate design, making them great places to experience traditional Chinese garden art. Suzhou is well-known for its many gardens and is called the "City of Gardens."

Since it was close to where I lived, I set off very early that morning. You know what? I am really glad that I did! If I had been any later, the lines would have stretched on forever! Even though I entered at 9 AM, it was already packed full.

I remembered reading a classic book called Six Chapters of a Floating Life which features a description of Lion Grove Garden mentioned by its late Qing Dynasty author Shen Fu. He wrote it proudly as what was “the most famous attraction” in the city but he didn’t think much of the place, seeing the stacked stones as “messy cinders.”

However, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Nevertheless, it’s indeed difficult to thoroughly understand the intricacies of these beautiful gardens without an interpreter or some assistance.

• You can rent an automatic guide at around 25 RMB each.
• Alternatively, you can also subtly follow along with a tour group and casually listen to the introductions or explanations led by the guide, ha!

Regarding the many gardens in Suzhou, the Lion Grove Garden likely has the highest number of man-made rocks.

• Its premises are actually quite small, but through a clever use of stone stacking, the designers created a sense of variation in scenery, making it quite elaborate and diverse enough.
• You can both climb and go into those artificial rock formations, the winding paths resembling a maze. Many children find the area perfect for hide-and-seek games!
  • (Previously, I couldn't understand how anyone could spend half a day there in such a small garden! Now I understand why… If you’re bringing kids, they will definitely have plenty of fun here… if only for half the day….)

The pathway leading up to a pavilion on the water is made of stones as well, meandering down to the edge.

WARNING: Please watch your step!

• The stone paths and steps, having been used so many times over years, are extremely slippery!
• And in more areas, they can get quite narrow with steep slopes.
• What should you do then? Walk cautiously and safely!

At present, this blooming season of Hydrangea flowers, which look like big beautiful white pom-poms, is perfectly bloomed and beautiful! Furthermore, there is also a special display of Azalea potted plants and numerous flower arrangements and miniature landscapes of gardens which resemble stunning paintings from far away, worthy of every single photo taken!

🪷 There are also a few purple Wisterias, however, as the colors are starting to fade, they aren’t quite suitable as photo subjects anymore.

I brought a camera with me, hoping to take some beautiful portraits. Those ladies in Hanfu (a classic traditional Chinese dress used specifically for photography), usually start arriving after 10 AM, so fortunately, I managed to catch one towards the end of my trip. I took a photo which I thought came out quite well and sent it to her as a small surprise later, sharing the appreciation for the scenic view we had experienced together

—– A quick scribe enjoying and sharing stories about books, construction toys, life at work, series review, just to discuss any interesting topic. Thanks for liking it!

[Leticia Ritchie]

I went too!

[Kristi Doyle]

So many people check in here.

[Clarence Hessel II]

Snowball hydrangeas are just so beautiful! (✪ω✪)

[Edith Friesen]

I took some photos too!