Home  > Humble Administrator's Garden
Humble Administrator's Garden
Humble Administrator's Garden

Humble Administrator's Garden,a piece of classic work in Suzhou gardens is one of the Four Renowned Gardens in China and its primary status is known throughout the entire South China region. Its gardening art occupies very significant position in Chinese gardening history and the garden represents the historical characteristics and achievement of private gardens in South China. It is located at 178 Dongbei Street, Suzhou. In 1997, Humble Administrator's Garden, along with other classical gardens of Suzhou, is claimed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The garden's site was a scholar garden during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and later a monastery garden during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). In 1513, during the Ming Dynasty reign of Emperor Zhengde, an administrator named Wang Xianchen appropriated the temple and converted it into a private villa with gardens, which were constructed by digging lakes and piling the resultant earth into artificial islands. The garden was designed in collaboration with the renowned Ming artist Wen Zhengming, and was as large as today's garden, with numerous trees and pavilions. The Wang family sold the garden several years later, and it has changed hands many times since.

The garden was split up in the later Ming dynasty, and it remained neglected until the Qing Dynasty reigns of Emperors Shunzhi and Kangxi, when the garden was extensively rebuilt with major modifications to its earlier plan. During Emperor Qianlong's reign the gardens were again divided into the Shu Yuan (Book of Study Garden) and the Fu Yuan (Restored Garden).

Today's garden is only very loosely related to its earliest version, but closely resembles its late Qing appearance, with numerous pavilions and bridges set among a maze of connected pools and islands. It consists of three major parts set about a large lake: the central part (Zhuozheng Yuan), the eastern part (once called Guitianyuanju, Dwelling Upon Return to the Countryside), and a western part (the Supplementary Garden). The house lies in the south of the garden.

In total, the garden contains 48 different buildings with 101 tablets, 40 stelae, 21 precious old trees, and over 700 Suzhou-style penjing/penzai.

Humble Administrator's Garden Tours

Suzhou One-day Trip from Shanghai

Suzhou One-day Trip from Shanghai
  • Tour Code: SH0051
  • Duration:1 day
  • Market Price:$95
  • Our Price: $85
  • Highlights:
  • Hangzhou and Suzhou are rivals for the position of "Heaven on Earth" and it truly is hard to separate them. Take the opportunity to visit the beautiful Suzhou gardens and appreciate Suzhou's 3000 years long history!

Shanghai & Suzhou & Hangzhou 4 Days Tour

Shanghai,Suzhou and Hangzhou Tour
  • Tour Code: SH0030
  • Duration:4 days
  • Market Price:$134
  • Our Price: $134
  • Highlights:
  • Like a pearl set in the west coast of the Pacific Ocean, Shanghai is the showcase of China's fast growth and a bonanza of tourist attractions, and cultural activities. Hangzhou and Suzhou are rivals for the position of "Heaven on Earth" and it truly is hard to separate them. This tour is an excellent combination of the three amazing cities.

Shanghai and Suzhou 2-Day Highlights

Shanghai and Suzhou 2-Day Highlights
  • Tour Code: SH0023
  • Duration:2 days
  • Market Price:$149
  • Our Price: $134  Special offer:$114
  • Highlights:
  • According to a Chinese old saying, Suzhou is a paradise on earth. It is not overboasting. Come and experience its beauty.

Shanghai & Suzhou & Zhouzhuang & Shanghai 5-Day Amazing Tour

Shanghai & Suzhou & Zhouzhuang & Shanghai 5-Day Amazing Tour
  • Tour Code: SH0009
  • Duration:5 days
  • Market Price:$435
  • Our Price: $435
  • Highlights:
  • You will have the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Suzhou and the prosperous and modern Shanghai.

Suzhou Economic Tour 3 Days

Suzhou Economic Tour 3 Days
  • Tour Code: SH0007
  • Duration:3 days
  • Market Price:$167
  • Our Price: $167
  • Highlights:
  • This wonderful tour includes all the most famous places of interest in Suzhou! You will have the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty and historical culture of Suzhou.
City(Sight)
Keywords
Customized Tours
China Theme Tours
Chinese food tours, Chinese cuisine, China gourmet tours, China dishes, Chinese food culture

Chinese Yummy Food Tour

A trip in Gourmet Kingdom is waiting for you.

East China tours, East China travel, top cities in east China, East China top cities

Top 5 Cities in East China

Welcome to the Top 5 Ultimate Cities in East China.

Shanghai expo tour, Shanghai expo 2010, 2010 Shanghai expo tour, Shanghai expo Canada hall

World Expo 2010 Shanghai

Welcome to join in the biggest aggregation of human culture.

online service!
why choose us?
China Travel Attractions
Central China Tours

Central China

Three Gorges  |  Mt. Huangshan