China Guide
Jiangsu and Zhejiang
Shizi Lin
Opening time: Daily 7.30am–4.30pm
Price: ¥30
Address: Yuanlin Lu
The Shizi Lin (Lion Grove) is one of Suzhou's must-see gardens. Tian Ru, the monk who laid it out in 1342, named it in honour of his teacher, Zhi Zheng, who lived on Lion Rock Mountain, and the rocks of which it largely consists are supposed to resemble lions in all shapes and sizes. Once chosen, these strange water-worn rocks were submerged for decades in Tai Hu to be further eroded. Part of the rockery takes the form of a convoluted labyrinth, from the top of which you emerge occasionally to gaze down at the water reflecting the green trees and grey stone. Qing emperors Qianlong and Kangxi were said to be so enamoured of these rockeries that they had the garden at the Yuanmingyuan Palace in Beijing modelled on them.