Ouyuan Garden

Ouyuan Garden, built in the early twentieth century by a couple, is now regarded as one of the classical gardens of Suzhou. Surrounded on three sides by a canal, the garden has piers close to the front and back entrances.

The housing complex is located in the middle and flanked by the East and West Garden. The complex consists of four buildings in succession. In the Garden, everything comes in pairs depicting the couples love for each other.

The East Garden contains a dominant "mountain" rising from a pond. The pavilions, terraces and towers are built upon the mountain. The Thatched Cottage at the City Corner is one of the gardens largest structures and is made up of a group of double-roofed and multi-storied buildings. The buildings are facing a natural looking and realistic yellowstone mountain. This "mountain" was formed by an artificial mountain master at the end of the Ming Dynasty. To the south of the pond is the Delicate Pavilion. Made of ormosia wood in the Ming Dynasty, the pavilion features a large circular door frame (4 x 3.5 meters, 13 X 11.5 ft). The frame was carved with a vivid picture of pine and bamboo tress as well as plum blossoms which endure the hardship of the winter. The carving is an art treasure of the classical gardens of Suzhou.

The West Garden consists of studies, pavilions and garden courts. Inside the garden limestone mountains, caves, and an interesting undulating wall enclose and divide up the space. To the north of the mountains is the Old House with Woven Curtains. The rear of this house contains a curious study. It features an "L" shaped tower used as a library, and a large assortment of rocks, trees and flowers decorating the front.