4K | Suzhou’s Low-Key Stunning Garden and Lesser-Known 1,000-Year-Old Ancient Town, China

4K | Suzhou’s Low-Key Stunning Garden and Lesser-Known 1,000-Year-Old Ancient Town, China

#suzhou #chinatravel #ancienttown #garden
Hello everyone, today I have arrived in Taicang, a city under Suzhou’s administration. Although Taicang is a county-level city, it has a long history, a strong economy, and many attractions. Let’s explore two of its most representative sites: Nanyuan Garden and Shaxi Ancient Town.

Nanyuan Garden, located in Taicang’s city center, close to Shanghai, is a historic classical garden with deep cultural significance. It was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty by Prime Minister Wang Wensu, serving as a place to admire plum blossoms and chrysanthemums. The garden has over 400 years of history. At its center lies a clear lake where fish swim freely. Surrounding the lake are many scenic spots, with the Yudai Bridge adding a touch of symmetry and balance to the classical garden’s beauty. The lotus flowers on the lake and the small artificial hill by the remains of the ancient Taicang city wall complement each other, showcasing the harmony and tranquility between water and mountains. The buildings within the garden are mainly in Ming Dynasty style, with red columns, carved beams, and flying eaves, exuding a sense of ancient elegance. The garden also incorporates various artistic elements, such as poetry, calligraphy, and painting, reflecting the owner’s artistic interests and cultural refinement. The garden is filled with lush plants, including lotus and crape myrtle flowers, which add vibrant life and color. Additionally, there are several ancient trees, such as zelkova and boxwood, which have witnessed the garden’s historical changes.

Shaxi Ancient Town is located in the central part of Taicang. This Jiangnan water town has over 1,300 years of history but remains so low-key that it is almost forgotten by the world. Sharing the same name as Shaxi on the ancient Tea Horse Road in Yunnan, this town doesn’t charge for admission and the commercial atmosphere is not strong. Hundreds of households live along the river, enjoying a relaxed and leisurely lifestyle. The slow-paced water town exudes tranquility and peace everywhere. The Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings built along the river, the ancient, winding alleys, and the simple yet majestic stone bridges all transport visitors back to a nostalgic, childhood era.

00:00 Preview
01:14 Nanyuan Garden
21:18 Shaxi Ancient Town