Chang Garden, located on Miaotang Street, is a Qing Dynasty residence garden situated to the east of the residential complex, covering an area of approximately one mu. As a quintessential example of Suzhou’s small-scale gardens, Chang Garden was constructed in the late Qing Dynasty by a garden owner with the surname Pan. The garden’s meticulous landscaping techniques, despite its small size, feature an ingenious layout, rich and multi-layered scenery, and a characteristic of exquisite delicacy.
Upon entering through the garden gate, one encounters the Osmanthus Hall, behind which a small courtyard originally planted with osmanthus and phoenix trees. Opposite the courtyard is the Tonghua Study, and passing through it reveals the entire garden scenery. The pond occupies about a quarter of the garden’s area, surrounded by a winding lake stone edge, creating a varied and irregular outline. At the southern end, a five-section stone slab bridge divides the pond into two parts. Along the shore, white-barked pines, wisteria, pomegranates, and osmanthus are sparsely planted.
Moving north along the eastern garden wall, the corridor winds and undulates, hugging the water and the wall. In the middle, there are two pavilions; one is the hexagonal Yanhui Chengqu Pavilion, and the other is the square Qi Jian Pavilion. Between the two pavilions, bamboo and stone elements are tastefully arranged, creating a refreshing and elegant atmosphere. Beyond the square pavilion lies the main hall of the garden, the Liuyun Shanfang. Named after clouds, the hall conveys a sense of detachment and refinement. A platform is set in front of the hall, overlooking the pond, and serves as the garden’s primary viewing point. The garden is open all year round on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:30 to 16:30; it is closed on Mondays to Fridays.
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