Where to Go in Suzhou - Master of the Nets Garden AAAA

📍Address: No. 11 Kuojiatou Alley, Daichengqiao Road, Gusu District, Suzhou City 🚇Transportation: Exit 4 of Nanyuan North Road Station on Metro Line 5 → Walk 600 meters ⏰Opening Hours: 7:30-17:30 (No entry after 17:00) 🎫Ticket: 💰40/person, half price for students, free for annual garden pass holders 🎐Master of the Nets Garden at Night: 💰100/person (Annual garden pass not applicable) ✅The Master of the Nets Garden was originally built during the Southern Song Dynasty, initially named 'Fisherman's Retreat'. It was renamed to 'Master of the Nets Garden' in the early Qing Dynasty and is known for its exquisite and elegant design, maintaining the connected residence and garden style of Suzhou's old family estates. The garden is centered around a pond, with pavilions, terraces, and courtyards arranged around it, along with rocks and plants⛰️, forming a clear and open main view of the garden. ✅The garden is well-organized with a clear hierarchy, rich in variation, with gardens within gardens, and scenes beyond scenes. Despite the numerous buildings, it does not feel crowded, and although the mountain and pond are small, they do not feel cramped. It is known as the 'ultimate example of a small garden' in Suzhou gardens🎨, and is considered a model of Chinese gardens where less is more. 1⃣️Wanjiantang: In the center of the hall hangs the plaque 'Wanjiantang', with couplets by Zhang Xinka on both sides 'Purple air moistens the night rain over a thousand mountains, iron armor brings to life the thunder of ten thousand ravines.' Inside the hall, there is also a Zhuge bronze drum🥁, said to be made by Zhuge Liang. 2⃣️Yinjing Bridge: This is said to be the smallest stone arch bridge in Suzhou, and also in the whole country. The bridge is 2.45 meters long and 0.92 meters wide. Visitors can cross it in three steps, hence it is also called the Three-Step Bridge👣. The Caixia Pond is not large, but the small bridge makes the water surface appear wider, enhancing the sense of space in the garden. 3⃣️Shooting Ducks Corridor: Before noble young ladies of ancient times were married, they were not allowed to show their faces freely. To pass the time, they would raise waterfowl🦆 in the garden pond and catch them with vine rings, adding a bit of fun to life. The name 'Shooting Ducks Corridor' comes from this activity. 4⃣️Zhuwai Yizhi Xuan: Originally a place for the garden owner's children to study and write, it is named after the Song Dynasty poet Su Shi's verse 'A thousand trees with red blossoms almost hide the spring light, 🎋a single branch outside the bamboo is even more lovely.' 5⃣️Moon and Wind Pavilion: This hexagonal pavilion is surrounded by water on three sides, inspired by the Song Dynasty poet Shao Yong's verse 'The moon reaches the heart of the sky, the wind comes upon the water's surface.' Inside the pavilion, there is a large mirror🪞, reflecting the beautiful scenery, creating a sense of being in a painting, making it a must-visit photo📸 spot.