Couple's Retreat Garden

The Couple's Retreat Garden is a classical garden on Pingjiang Street in Suzhou featuring interconnected ponds, stone bridges, traditional pavilions, and carefully arranged rock formations throughout. The space flows through multiple connected areas linked by passages and pathways that reveal different perspectives at each turn.

The garden was built during the Yuan Dynasty when Suzhou was a center for classical garden design. Its structure and layout follow the refined architectural principles that developed during this period.

The garden reflects traditional Chinese design principles where water, rocks, and plants are carefully positioned to create balance and harmony. Visitors can experience this thoughtful arrangement as they walk through different areas and observe how each element relates to the others.

The garden is accessible on foot through several entrances, with the main gate on Pingjiang Street open during daylight hours. The pathways throughout are manageable for most visitors, with connections between different areas clearly marked.

Hidden stone tablets tucked into secluded spots throughout the garden display carved poetry that tells stories from different historical periods. These verses offer glimpses into the literary and philosophical world of those who created and enjoyed such spaces.