The broad pond
And its pavilions.
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A small Ming-dynasty garden in narrow Wenya Lane in Gusu, one of the best preserved of its age: built in 1541, bought in 1620 by Wen Zhenmeng, grandson of the painter Wen Zhengming who designed the Humble Administrator's Garden, rebuilt in 1659 by the scholar Jiang Cai, and given its present name, Yipu, by his son; it has been part of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou World Heritage Site since 2000. A broad pond lies at its heart, overlooked by water pavilions and faced by a wooded rockery crossed by paths and low stone bridges, with small courtyards behind moon gates. Almost unknown until its listing, it stays calmer than the famous gardens, and a tea room looks over the pond. Tickets are CNY 10 all year, and it is open from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm from March to October and to 5 pm in winter, per visitor guides.
And its pavilions.
Low bridges.
On the water.
5 Wenya Lane, Gusu District, Suzhou
It sits in a narrow lane cars cannot enter, so walk the last stretch following the signs; an hour is enough.
