A very special and meaningful day! We joined the day trip to Suzhou. Early in the morning, the travel agent picked us at the hotel at about 6.30am. Then, we were transfered to another bus, together with other tourists. We departed at 7am, and reached Suzhou around 8.30am.
First spot of the day is The Lion Grove Garden (狮子林) . This garden was built in 1342, covering an area of about 10,000 square meters (two and a half acres). It is an ideal sightseeing site with precious ornamental pavilions and towers in different architecture.
Beautiful Lion Grove Garden in Winter
Ornaments on the roof: representing wealth & health (福禄寿)
This plaque was written by Emperor Qian Long in 1765, who had visited the garden 6 times.
Nine Lions Peak
A Lady
Yen Yu Hall
Rock Maze, please find your way out
Step on it, for better luck
Second stop of the day was Hanshan Temple (寒山寺) , built during Liang Dynasty (502-557), covering an area of about 3 acres. The symbolic of this temple was a five-storey Buddhism pagoda, as high as 42 meters (about 138 feet). During the visit, we were allowed to climb up the pagoda to enjoy the scenic view of Suzhou city, but not to the top floor.
Hanshan Temple District
Puming Pagoda (普明宝塔)
Grand Prayer Hall
Direction boards
Our lunch today was at a local restaurant, with simple local cuisines.
Pork Leg
Vege and soup
Suzhou is famous of forest gardens. Our third stop of the day was another garden known as Ding Yuan(定园). This huge garden was about 100 acres, and it was known as the biggest garden in Suzhou. It was the private resident of Liu BoWen during Ming Dynasty. This was a guided tour, as a tour guide was accompanying us to walk around the garden, with simple explanations. A small stream was found inside the garden. Thus, we took a short ride in the boat to experience the water living style of local residents.
Concept Map of Ding Yuan
Inside the garden
During the boat ride
Bamboo Forest
Yuan Yang Bridge (鸳鸯桥)
Last spot of the day was Beishi Tower (北寺塔) , which was the tallest building in Suzhou, of 9 floors and 8 directions. The height was about 76 meters. It was also known as the North Temple, due to its position. The tower was rebuilt in 1153, with magnificient brick wooden pavilion-style hybrid structure.
North Temple
Horrible Toilet
We reached Shanghai about 6pm. I enjoyed the day trip very much, and the price was reasonable at RMB100 per pax, inclusive all the entrance fees. However, meal is on our own. Tonight, we had a simple dinner in our room of typical Shanghai cuisines.
Dinner
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