Master of the Nets Garden

The Master of the Nets Garden is a classical Chinese garden with a central pond framed by pavilions, courtyards, and winding pathways. The layout creates constantly changing views as you walk through the different sections and buildings around the water.

This place was created in 1140 during the Southern Song dynasty as a private retreat for a high-ranking official. After a long period of decline, it was renamed and restored in 1785, eventually becoming recognized as an important historical site.

This place has long served as a gathering space for scholars and artists pursuing their crafts. The layout still shows the rooms where poetry was composed and music was played, connecting nature with intellectual life.

The garden sits in a quiet residential neighborhood and is easy to reach on foot once you locate the entrance. Arriving early in the morning or late afternoon tends to make the visit more relaxing and gives better light for viewing the spaces.

The garden's name comes from an old Chinese saying about a poor fisherman who found happiness in simplicity. This link between the fisherman's humble life and the refined garden space suggests that true wealth comes from inner contentment rather than material possessions.

Location: Suzhou

Part of: Classical Gardens of Suzhou

GPS coordinates: 31.30017,120.62969

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03