Changyuan Garden is located on Miaotang Street. It is a residential garden in the Qing Dynasty. The garden is on the east side of the residence and covers an area of about one mu. Changyuan Garden is a typical small garden in Suzhou. It was built in the late Qing Dynasty and the owner’s surname is Pan. This garden is exquisitely constructed with delicate gardening techniques. Although small in area, it has a clever layout. The garden scenery is rich and multi-level, with exquisite and delicate characteristics. Entering from the garden gate is the Osmanthus Hall. In the small courtyard behind the hall, there were originally osmanthus trees and phoenix trees planted. Opposite the small courtyard is the Tonghua Study. Passing through the study, all the scenery of the whole garden is in full view. The area of the pool accounts for about one-fourth of the whole garden. Lake stones are piled up along the shore, winding and irregular. At the southern end, a five-fold stone slab bridge divides the pool surface in two. Along the shore, lacebark pines, wisteria, pomegranates, osmanthus and other flowers and trees are sparsely planted. Along the east garden wall to the north, the corridor winds and undulates, adjacent to the water and along the wall. There are two pavilions in the middle. One is the hexagonal Yanhui Chengqu Pavilion, and the other is the square Qijian Pavilion. Between the two pavilions, there are small bamboo and stone ornaments, elegant and fresh. Passing the square pavilion, one arrives at the main hall in the garden, Liuyun Mountain Room. The room is named after clouds, implying a sense of leisure and detachment from vulgarity. There is a platform in front of the hall, overlooking the pool water, which is also the main viewing spot in the garden.
Opening hours: Open from 10:00 to 17:00 all year round.
