Lion Grove Garden: A Climbable Maze of Artificial Rockeries

Lin Mingzhi's Classical Writings – The Zen Meaning and Image of the Lion
The name "Lion Grove Garden" carries a dual meaning. Firstly, it originates from Buddhism. The eminent Yuan Dynasty monk, Master Tianru, built this temple and garden to commemorate his teacher, Zhongfeng Mingben (who practiced at Lion Rock in Tianmu Mountain, Zhejiang). Buddhist scriptures often use the metaphor of a "lion's roar" to describe the Buddha's teachings, hence the name "Lion," symbolizing the majesty of the Dharma. Secondly, it stems from imagery. Many of the rocks in the garden resemble lions in various postures—crouching, lying down, playing, or roaring—giving the garden a vivid and interesting character. This name, carrying both religious commemoration and secular charm, establishes its unique character.

The Lineage of Heritage – From Zen Temples to Royal and Common People's Love
The evolution of the Lion Grove Garden is a fascinating history of its transformation from a secluded Zen monastery into a renowned secular garden.
- The garden was founded in the Yuan Dynasty (1342): A disciple of Zen Master Tianru purchased land to build a temple and invited the painter Ni Zan (Yunlin) to participate in the design and drawing, which brought him great fame. Its initial Zen Buddhist elements and the simple and distant artistic conception in Ni Zan's paintings became the genes of the garden.
- Changes during the Ming and Qing Dynasties: The temple was abandoned for a time, and the garden became private property. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty made six trips to the south of the Yangtze River and visited the Lion Grove Garden five times. He also ordered that it be built in the Old Summer Palace in Beijing and the Mountain Resort in Chengde, so that it could incorporate the grandeur of the imperial gardens.
- Pei's Purchase of Garden (1917): Pei Runsheng, a major pigment merchant in modern Shanghai (great-uncle of the famous architect I.M. Pei), purchased the garden and spent seven years on major renovations. While preserving the core layout, he introduced Western architectural techniques and materials (such as stained glass and cement), forming the unique blend of Chinese and Western styles that we see today.
- Open to the public (1950s): Pei's descendants donated the garden to the country, and after renovation, it was opened to the public, becoming a cultural treasure shared by all mankind.

In-depth understanding: Explore more of the mysteries of classical Chinese gardens >> [The Humble Administrator's Garden: The Mother of Chinese Gardens] | [The Lingering Garden: The Crown of Famous Gardens in Suzhou]

Nature's Creation—Tamed Strange Rocks and Ancient Trees
The "nature" of Lion Grove Garden is a landscape that has been refined and reshaped through the ultimate art.

Rockery Kingdom: China's Largest Taihu Stone Maze
This is the soul of the Lion Grove Garden. The entire artificial mountain complex covers approximately 1.73 acres and uses over 1150 tons of Taihu stones. The mountain is divided into upper, middle, and lower levels, featuring 21 caves and 9 winding paths. Exploring it is like entering a stone maze, sometimes seemingly without a way out, and sometimes revealing a new path, full of the joy of exploration. The artificial mountain simulates the textures and ravines of natural mountain ranges, showcasing the beauty of Taihu stones—"lean, wrinkled, porous, and translucent"—to the fullest extent.

Plant Highlights: The Four Seasons Poem of Ancient Trees and Flowers
- The ancient trees and famous trees in the park are the best companions to the rockery. The "Tengjiao" ancient cypress and the "Li'e" pine are both over a hundred years old. Their branches and trunks are vigorous and they complement the rugged lake rocks. Their names are full of dynamism and picturesque charm.
- The arrangement of flowers and trees follows the principles of painting: in spring, one can appreciate the plum blossoms next to the Wenmei Pavilion; in summer, one can admire the water lilies in front of the Lotus Hall; in autumn, one can smell the fragrance of osmanthus; and in winter, one can appreciate the subtle fragrance and sparse shadows. There are beautiful scenes to enjoy in all four seasons.

Water Management Art: A Grand Vision of Jianghu (江湖, a world of martial arts and chivalry) Seen in a Small Scale
Although the water surface in front of the central pond, "Yifeng Zhibaixuan," is not large, the winding pond banks, the low-lying buildings, and the deep artificial hills create an image of a long and rich history of rivers and lakes. The water flows intermittently among the artificial hills, its sound like the melody of a zither, adding vitality and rhythm to the garden.

Humanistic Ingenuity: Stories and Sentiments in Architecture
Every building and every plaque here tells a story of the fusion of history and culture.

Zhi Bai Xuan and Zhen Qu Ting: The Core of the Story
- Zhibai Pavilion: The main hall in the garden, its name originates from the Tang Dynasty Zen koan "Zhao Zhou Points to the Cypress," highlighting the garden's Zen origins. Leaning on the railing here, directly facing the main rockery, offers the best panoramic view.
- Zhenqu Pavilion: Located on the west bank of the pond, this pavilion bears the inscription personally written by Emperor Qianlong. Legend has it that when Emperor Qianlong visited the garden, he was deeply impressed and wrote the three characters "真趣" (zhen qu xiang, meaning "truly interesting"). His accompanying ministers felt it was somewhat vulgar and requested the emperor to bestow the character "有" (you, meaning "to have") upon them, thus creating "真趣," which retained the emperor's praise while adding elegance. The plaque is decorated with gold leaf, showcasing imperial grandeur.

Yan Yutang and Flower Basket Hall: Etiquette and Exquisite Craftsmanship
- Yanyu Hall: The main hall of the entire garden, it adopts the rare "Mandarin Duck Hall" layout. The front hall (men's hall) is used to receive ordinary guests, while the back hall (women's hall) is used for gatherings of the wives and concubines. The decoration styles are bright and cheerful, while elegant and refined, reflecting ancient etiquette and wisdom of life.
- Flower Basket Hall: Named for the exquisite flower baskets carved on the tops of the columns inside, it is a refined representative of southern hall architecture, reflecting Pei's respect for and promotion of traditional craftsmanship during the renovation.

Inscriptions and paving: Culture in the details
- The walls of the corridor are inlaid with stone tablets containing calligraphy works such as "Tingyulou Collection of Calligraphy", which brings together the calligraphy of famous masters such as Su Shi, Mi Fu, and Wen Tianxiang. The paving in the garden is also very exquisite, with auspicious patterns such as bats, coins, and lotus flowers made of tiles, pebbles, and porcelain pieces, making every step interesting.

Photography Tips:
The best maze viewing spots are from high vantage points such as "Anxiang Shuying Tower" or "Feipu Pavilion," which offer panoramic views of the artificial mountain maze and its intricate paths.
The beauty of framing: Using the window lattices and doorways of "Xiuzhu Pavilion" or "Wenmei Pavilion" as frames, the rockery and ancient trees in the framed view are photographed with great artistic flair.
Close-up details focus on the lake rocks that resemble lions, the exquisite wood carvings in the flower basket hall, or the auspicious paving patterns.

Five things you must do to unlock the complete Lion Grove Garden
1. Get "lost" once in the artificial mountain maze.
- Key point: This is the core enjoyment of the tour! Put down the map and wander freely through caves, cross stone bridges, and climb mountain peaks. Experience the unexpected joy of "reaching the end of the watercourse and sitting to watch the clouds rise," and appreciate the "wanderable" realm created by ancient garden designers.
2. Search for the nine-headed "divine lion" and the five hundred "little lions"
- Fun Challenge: Legend has it that there are nine giant "divine lion" stones and five hundred "little lion" stones of various shapes in the garden. Embark on a lion-hunting journey and see who can find the most. The most representative one is "Lion Peak," which stands in front of Zhibai Pavilion and is the largest figurative lake stone in the garden.
3. Savor the imperial appreciation beneath the "True Delight Pavilion"
- Story Experience: Take a break in the Zhenqu Pavilion, look up at the imperial plaque of Emperor Qianlong, and savor the wonderful story of the emperor and his ministers that is "truly interesting". Feel the unique charm of this garden that transcends the distinction between monks and laymen and connects the common people with the royal family.
4. Experience the charm of the canyon along the "Little Red Cliff".
- Unique Landscape: There is a section of artificial mountain built with yellow stones in the park, imitating the scenery of the Red Cliff of the Yangtze River, hence the name "Little Red Cliff". There is a stream below and a stone bridge above. Walking between them is like entering a natural canyon, which contrasts with the main Taihu stone artificial mountain in terms of material and style.
5. Viewing the scenery through the "music, chess, calligraphy, and painting" lattice window.
- Elegant details: Pay attention to the latticed windows in the garden, designed in the shapes of guqin (a seven-stringed zither), chessboard, letters, and scrolls. Looking at the bamboo, rocks, flowers, and trees outside through these literati-style windows, the scenery is cut into moving album pages, creating a profound artistic conception.

Suggested tour routes
Half-day "Artificial Rockery Highlights" Tour (Core Experience):
Enter the park from the southeast gate → Visit Yanyu Hall (Yuanyang Hall) → Enter the core area and enjoy a panoramic view of the rockery from the front of Zhibai Pavilion → Begin your rockery maze adventure (allow at least 1 hour for the journey) → After exiting the rockery, rest and enjoy the scenery at Zhenqu Pavilion → Visit Feipu Pavilion and Wenmei Pavilion along the waterfront → Admire the "Little Red Cliff" Huangshi rockery → Visit buildings such as the Flower Basket Hall → Return from the southwest gate or the same route.

A one-day in-depth tour of "garden art" (highly recommended):
- Morning: Focus on the Lion Grove Garden, taking an in-depth tour along the "essence of the rockery" route, with a focus on exploring the rockery and appreciating the architectural details.
- Lunch: Enjoy a Suzhou-style lunch on Yuanlin Road or the nearby Guanqian Street.
- Afternoon: Walk to the Humble Administrator's Garden, just 200 meters away (approximately 5 minutes). Compare the two: Lion Grove Garden is known for its uniquely shaped rockeries and labyrinthine layout; the Humble Administrator's Garden is famous for its expansive water features, spacious layout, and profound artistic conception. In one day, experience the two highest levels of Suzhou garden design: "dense and sparse," "mountains and water." Afterwards, you can visit the adjacent Suzhou Museum (designed by I.M. Pei, reservations required), and experience the dialogue between classical and modern architecture.

IntoTravelChina's advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodations for you, arrange all the connections between activities, and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.
Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina offers personalized itineraries, including a dedicated guide, transportation, and activity arrangements, ensuring a worry-free and in-depth travel experience. >> [Inquire Now for a Customized Itinerary]

How to get there: Convenient access to the city center area
The Lion Grove Garden is located in the core tourist area of ​​Suzhou's ancient city, and its transportation is extremely convenient.
- Departing from Suzhou Railway Station/High-Speed ​​Rail North Station:
- Subway: Take subway line 4 to "Beisita" station, then walk east for about 10 minutes after exiting the station. This is the most recommended way.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Very convenient. Set your destination to "South Gate of Lion Grove Garden Scenic Area". It takes about 15 minutes from the train station.
- Starting from nearby attractions: The Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou Museum, and Pingjiang Road Historical District are all within a 5-10 minute walk, making it easy to connect and explore them on foot.
- Driving Tips: Parking is difficult within the ancient city and is highly discouraged. You can park your car at the Suzhou Museum parking lot or the Humble Administrator's Garden parking lot on the outskirts of the ancient city and then walk to the destination.

Best time to visit
The Lion Grove Garden can be enjoyed in all four seasons, but the climate and scenery are most pleasant in spring and autumn.
- Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): The climate is mild and the plants in the park are vibrant with color. Spring flowers are in full bloom, and autumn osmanthus blossoms fill the air with fragrance. The clear skies and crisp air make it the best time to visit and take photos.
- Summer mornings or after rain (June-August): It is recommended to visit early in the morning when the park opens to avoid the heat and crowds. After the rain, the artificial hill is lush and green, the air is fresh, and it has a unique charm.
- Quiet Winter Season (December-February): Fewer tourists, and if you happen to be there on a snowy day, the snow-covered artificial hills and roof tiles create a striking contrast of black and white, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting, with a serene and exquisite atmosphere.

Tickets and Opening Information
- Ticket price: 40 yuan during peak season (April, May, July, August, September, October); 30 yuan during off-season (January, February, March, June, November, December).
- Opening hours: generally 07:30-17:30 (ticket sales stop at 17:00), but may vary slightly depending on the season.
- Reservation channels: Tickets can be booked through the official WeChat account of "Suzhou Gardens Tourism" or partner platforms. Please make reservations in advance for holidays.

IntoTravelChina Service Recommendations:
The Lion Grove Garden's rockery maze and architectural stories can easily become a rushed experience without a guide. We strongly recommend booking a professional garden culture guide through us. Furthermore, for visitors who wish to efficiently combine the Humble Administrator's Garden and Suzhou Museum, we can plan the optimal walking routes, off-peak visiting times, and ticket packages to ensure a fulfilling and relaxed day. >> [Click to contact an IntoTravelChina travel consultant]

Lion Grove Garden is a masterpiece that showcases the "stone-based" style of Suzhou gardens and can be visited in combination with other famous gardens known for their water features, wood, and architecture.

- A one-day itinerary showcasing the highlights of the "Four Great Gardens": Lion Grove Garden (the crown jewel of artificial hills) → Humble Administrator's Garden (vast expanse of water) → Lingering Garden (exquisite architecture and Taihu stone peaks) → Canglang Pavilion (the oldest and most magnificent structure with its covered corridors). This route is suitable for enthusiasts with a deep understanding of gardens and is quite strenuous.
- A one-day cultural stroll through the northeast of the ancient city: Suzhou Museum (architectural aesthetics) → Humble Administrator's Garden (garden art) → Lion Grove Garden (artificial rockery) → Pingjiang Road Historic District (waterside life). This is the most classic and convenient walking tour route.
- Two-day in-depth tour of gardens and intangible cultural heritage: Day 1: Lion Grove Garden → Humble Administrator's Garden → Suzhou Pingtan Museum (Zhongzhangjia Lane) to listen to Pingtan. Day 2: Lingering Garden → Shantang Street (experience the bustling water street) → Tiger Hill (the premier scenic spot in Wuzhong).>>Contact us to customize the above related itinerary

The story of the Lion Grove is related to the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, the wonder of stones, the favor of emperors and the inheritance of a family. IntoTravelChina focuses on creating a deep, personal, and hassle-free Chinese cultural travel experience. Our travel experts can help you:
- Tailor-made itinerary: Design an exclusive Suzhou tour that focuses on rockery aesthetics, architectural contrasts, or family history exploration based on your interest in garden art.
- One-stop service: Get all popular gardens to book tickets, professional cultural explanations, seamless transportation connections in the ancient city, and special dining recommendations.
- Exclusive Experience: Arrange private moments before/after the garden opening, talk with garden researchers, or take a professional guided tour of the garden in the best light and shadow.

Let your trip to Lion Forest be more than just a maze game, but also an aesthetic journey to deeply understand the wisdom and humanistic spirit of Chinese gardening.
> Start planning your journey today
> Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants, we will provide you with an exclusive itinerary plan and quotation within 24 hours. >> [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]