Natural creation - the artistic conception of mountains and waters that condenses the universe
Although the Lingering Garden was created by humans, it pursues the natural charm of "seemingly created by nature" everywhere. The entire park is ingeniously divided by architectural complexes, forming four distinct scenic areas in the middle, east, west and north, which together create a miniature world of mountains and waters.
The central landscape area: The essence and soul of the garden
This is the foundation of the original Hanbi Villa, with water at its center, mountains to the west and north, and buildings to the east and south, presenting a serene atmosphere of lush mountains and forests.
Hanbi Mountain House and Mingse Tower: The main buildings in the middle. The Hanbi Mountain House is an open hall with a platform facing the pond in front. The Mingse Tower is like the front cabin of a painted boat. The combination of the two resembles a boat moored by the mountain pond, making it an ideal place for enjoying lotus flowers and viewing the scenery.
Wenmuxi Xiangxuan: Located at a high place on the northwest foot of the central rockery. Here, osmanthus flowers are planted everywhere. Every autumn, the fragrance wafts in the air, refreshing the heart and soul. Moreover, you can overlook the entire central area. Looking around, the entire garden is a feast for the eyes.
Xiaopenglai: A small island in the pool, connected to both banks by a curved bridge, is like a fairyland, adding layers and a sense of depth to the water scenery.
The western mountainous forest area and the northern farmland park: A symphony of wild charm and vitality
The western mountain forest: It is mainly composed of earth, stone and artificial hills. Maple trees form forests on the mountains, and in late autumn, the red clouds are like brocade. Climbing up the Zhile Pavilion and Shuxiao Pavilion on the mountain, one can not only overlook the garden but also borrow the views of the various mountains in the western suburbs of Suzhou from afar, thus expanding the visual boundaries of the garden.
Northern Bonsai: Now it is a bonsai garden, displaying hundreds of simple and strange bonsai, with flourishing flowers and trees, presenting a unique rural charm.
Humanistic craftsmanship - the architectural treasure unrivaled in Wuzhong
The architectural art of Liuyuan is its soul. The over 700-meter-long winding corridor, like a bond, connects the Spaces and creates an endless and profound sequence of landscapes.
Eastern Architectural District: Magnificent halls and a feast of strange stones
This is the area with the densest and most magnificent architecture in the Lingering Garden. The numerous courtyards interpenetrate through latticed Windows, doorways and long corridors, creating an ever-changing space.
Wufeng Immortal Pavilion: Known as the "No. 1 Hall in the South of the Yangtze River", the hall is made of precious nanmu wood structure, and the interior decoration and furnishings are extremely exquisite and elegant. In the front courtyard of the hall stands a peak stone symbolizing the Five Elders Peak of Mount Lu, presenting a magnificent and imposing scene.
The Lin Quan Qi Shuo Pavilion: The exquisite Mandarin Duck Hall is separated to the north and south by a floor-to-ceiling canopy with carved and transparent round holes. The North Hall is an excellent spot to view the most precious part of the Lingering Garden.
Guanyunfeng: The symbol of the Lingering Garden, it can be regarded as the crown of lake stones in Jiangnan gardens. This peak is 6.5 meters high, exquisite and transparent, featuring the beauty of "thinness, wrinkles, leakage and transparency". It is said to be a relic of the "Flower Stone Gang" of the Song Dynasty. It, along with the Ruiyun Peak and Xiuyun Peak on its left and right, is known as the "Three Peaks of the Lingering Garden", standing together in front of the Huan Yun Marsh, forming a perfect three-dimensional picture.
Curved corridors and framed Views: Flowing Spatial Art
The meandering corridor, which is over 700 meters long, is not only a transportation route but also an artistic gallery that guides Tours and organizes the scenery. The corridor walls are inlaid with a large number of stone carvings of calligraphy by famous artists of past dynasties, exuding an elegant and refined atmosphere. The variously shaped lattice Windows and arched doors on the corridor walls are like natural picture frames, framing the distant mountains, rocks, flowers and trees into vivid pictures, truly achieving the charm of "changing scenes with every step".
Photography Secrets:
Framing composition: Make good use of the latched Windows and opening doors on the corridor walls as the foreground framework to capture distant pavilions, strange rocks or flowers and trees, which can produce the most distinctive scenes of Suzhou gardens.
Light and shadow capture: The slanting light in the early morning or late evening is most suitable for shooting the texture of buildings and courtyards. The light and shadow changes in the Stone Forest Courtyard under the sunlight are particularly charming.
Classic shooting position: Capture the panoramic view of the central landscape from the platform in front of the Hanbi Mountain House. The north window frame of Lin Quan Qishuo's Pavilion offers a view of Guanyun Peak. The Osmanthus Fragrance Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the central garden.
Seasonal feature: When osmanthus flowers are in full bloom in autumn, the area around the Osmanthus Fragrance Pavilion is an ideal place to capture the autumn atmosphere and architecture. In late autumn, the western mountains and forests are ablaze with red leaves, their colors intense and intense.
