Classical Gardens of Suzhou, Historic gardens in Suzhou, China

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are a group of gardens in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, built mainly by scholars between the 11th and 19th centuries. They reproduce natural landscapes with rocks, hills and water, and place pavilions and pagodas at chosen points. Nine of them are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

These gardens began in the Song Dynasty during the 11th century and grew through the Ming and Qing periods until the 19th century. This long development shaped the diverse collection that exists today.

The gardens reflect Chinese philosophy through the placement of rocks, water, and buildings that represent idealized natural landscapes. Visitors can experience these ideas while walking through carefully designed spaces.

The nine UNESCO-listed gardens lie in Suzhou's Gusu district, except the Retreat and Reflection Garden in Tongli, Wujiang district. The Suzhou Municipal Administrative Bureau of Gardens oversees routine maintenance and programmed conservation work across the gardens. Nineteen gardens are open to the public, so check opening arrangements before travelling between sites.

The collection includes a significant number of preserved gardens, some of which along with one in Tongli received UNESCO World Heritage designation. This selection shows different garden styles that developed in the region.