The Yi Garden, a hidden gem tucked away in the deep alleys of Suzhou

A very niche and treasured private garden in Suzhou, it was established during the Ming dynasty. Hidden in the lanes, it's the kind of place you wouldn't come across unless you were specifically looking for it. If you want to avoid the crowds in Suzhou and comfortably stroll through a classic Jiangnan-style garden, then Yi Garden is a must-visit. 📍Address: No. 5, Wenyagnong, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province 🎫Ticket: 10 RMB per person ⌚Opening Hours: 7:30-17:00 🚗Transportation: Parking is difficult in the area, it is recommended to take the subway line 1 to Yangyuxiang exit 3. There are parking spaces on Wuqufang Road, 8 RMB per hour. 🌟Attraction Recommendations 1️⃣Ruyu Pavilion: Located in the southeast of Yi Garden, facing a pond, it is a pavilion from the Ming dynasty in Suzhou gardens. 2️⃣Nanzhai: Located in the southwest of Yi Garden, it was originally the reading place for Jiang's second son, Shijie. 3️⃣Xiangyue Corridor: About 15 meters long, it faces the pond and is adjacent to the hill, with camphor trees, crape myrtles, and other plants. 4️⃣Yanguang Pavilion: A teahouse with four marble screens hanging inside. 5️⃣Nianzu Hall: A large waterside pavilion built over the pond, supported by stone strips and extending halfway over the water. 6️⃣Boya Hall: The main hall of Yi Garden, with a wooden structure from the Ming dynasty, displaying works of modern Suzhou calligraphers and painters. 7️⃣Bathing Gull Pond: Located at the entrance of the courtyard, decorated with lake stones and flowers. 🌟Tour Route From Qixiang Public Hall to Shilun Hall, Donglai Thatched Cottage, Boya Hall, Yanggu Book Hall, Yanguang Pavilion, Xiangyue Corridor, Xiangcao Residence, Nanzhai, Chaoshuang Pavilion, Ruyu Pavilion, Ailian Nest, Sishixuan to the entrance and exit of the scenic area, the whole garden tour takes about 30 minutes. 🌟Flower Appreciation Guide 1️⃣Plum Blossoms The plum tree next to Ruyu Pavilion is very graceful, with a small branch hanging over the water, embodying the poetic 'sparse shadows slanting, subtle fragrance floating'. You can also enjoy tea and plum blossoms in the nearby teahouse, truly leisurely~ 2️⃣Magnolia There is a small magnolia tree by the central lake in Zhipu, and two large magnolia trees in front of the Donglai Thatched Cottage. 3️⃣Roses From the entrance, you can see roses hanging on the walls on both sides of the corner. There is also a large patch in front of the residence at No. 38, Zhuanzhu Alley, next to Yi Garden. Although Yi Garden is not large, it is rich in layers, exquisite and delicate, and the garden is leisurely and comfortable, suitable for enjoying tea in the teahouse. Remember to bring mosquito repellent when visiting in the summer.