[2025 Suzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Gusong Garden (Updated Jul)

Mudu was a must-visit place during Emperor Qianlong's six trips to the south of the Yangtze River. Every inch of its land is filled with the fragrance of history. According to legend, in the Spring and Autumn Period, King Fuchai of Wu built the "Guanwa Palace" on Lingyan Mountain to please Xi Shi, and also built the Gusu Terrace on Zishi Mountain. The project was so huge that "mudu" got its name from the fact that "mudu was blocked by piles of wood". Mudu Ancient Town, elegantly known as Xiangxi, is a famous scenic spot in the south of the Yangtze River. This ancient water town of the Han nationality, which is the same age as Suzhou City, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as "the first town in Wuzhong" and "the most beautiful town in Jiangnan". ✅ Recommended attractions 1️⃣Yan Family Garden: This is the ancestral home of Taiwanese politician Yan Jiagan. Its garden design is unique. The richest family in the ancient town, Yan, bought the garden and called it "Xian Garden"! Known as "a classic of Jiangnan gardens", the garden is divided into four scenic areas: spring, summer, autumn and winter, with flowers and trees of all seasons. It is a beautiful sight no matter when you visit. 2️⃣Hongyin Mountain House: Known as the private palace of Emperor Qianlong, it has an elegant architectural style and rich historical legends. 3️⃣ Ancient Pine Garden: This is the residence garden of Cai Shaoyu, a wealthy man in Mudu in the late Qing Dynasty. The garden has towering ancient pines and pleasant scenery. 4️⃣ Bangyan Mansion: This name came from Feng Guifen, a disciple of Lin Zexu, who passed the imperial examination in 1840 and ranked second in the first class of the Gengzi Imperial Examination. A typical Jiangnan residential garden architectural style of the early Qing Dynasty, the garden is centered on a pond, with pavilions, porches, corridors, terraces, bridges and Huangshi rockery scattered throughout, with varying heights and full of poetry. 🔆In addition, you can also visit the Mingyue Ancient Temple to experience the tranquility and solemnity of the thousand-year-old temple; or visit some traditional handicraft workshops to learn about the local craft culture. ✅Dining recommendations The food in Mudu Ancient Town is mainly Jiangnan cuisine. We especially recommend trying the special dishes such as squirrel mandarin fish, white sauce shredded pork, and clear-boiled crab meat and lion's head. Snacks such as green dumplings, juecchio, amaranth, and sweet wine have their own local flavor and can be tasted in street shops. 🔆In addition, the local Shen Ji Qing Tuan, San Wei Zhai and Lu Gao Jian Restaurant are all worth trying. 📍Address: No. 188 Shantang Street, Mudu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou As time goes by, the ancient town of Mudu still retains its simplicity and elegance. The bluestone pavement of Shantang Street records the footprints of passers-by; the carved railings and jade bricks of Hongyin Mountain House tell of the prosperity of the past. Here you can slow down, feel the tranquility and leisure, and savor the unique charm of the ancient town in the south of the Yangtze River.

#favouriteitinerary Gusong Garden was built by Cai Shaoyu, a wealthy merchant from the late Qing Dynasty. The garden is particularly renowned for its 500-year-old Luohan Pine tree, which holds significant ornamental value. The garden's elegant design and historical significance make it a notable attraction in Mudu Ancient Town. Personal Opinion: In my opinion, Gusong Garden is a fascinating destination for those interested in historical gardens and unique botanical specimens. The presence of the ancient Luohan Pine adds to its charm and beauty, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Mudu Ancient Town.

Suzhou's 55th Garden: Gusong Garden Gusong Garden was built in the Qing dynasty by a wealthy man named Cai Shaoyu. The garden is named after a Ming dynasty luohan pine tree, which is lush, vigorous, and beautiful. The buildings in Gusong Garden are simple and elegant, with exquisite carvings. The main hall, Gusong Hall, and the building hall are both very distinctive.

Suzhou Mudu Ancient Town Travel Guide 1. Ancient Town Overview Mudu Ancient Town: Located in Wu Zhong District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, with a history of over 2,500 years, it is a famous scenic spot in the south of the Yangtze River, known as the "First Town of Wu" and "The Most Beautiful Town in the South of the Yangtze River". 2. Main Attractions Yan Family Garden: A classic Jiangnan garden with exquisite layout, known as the "Garden of Envy". Hongyinshanfang: The private residence of Emperor Qianlong during his southern tour, with a unique architectural style, showcasing rich history and culture. Gushuyuan: Named after the 500-year-old Chinese juniper in the garden, showcasing the former residence of Cai Shaoyu, a Qing Dynasty merchant. Lingyan Mountain: With beautiful scenery and numerous temples on the mountain, it is a great place for hiking, sightseeing and praying. 3. Food Recommendations Cangshu Mutton: Tender and delicious, a must-try. 4. Transportation and Tickets Transportation: Take Metro Line 5 to Lingyan Mountain Station and reach the entrance of the ancient town directly, or take a bus to Mudu People's Hospital Station and walk to the ancient town. Tickets: The ancient town is free to enter, but Yan Family Garden, Hongyinshanfang and other attractions require separate tickets, and a combined ticket is more cost-effective. 5. Travel Tips Best Time: It is recommended to visit in the morning to avoid the peak hours and experience a more peaceful ancient town environment. Clothing: It is recommended to wear comfortable and light shoes, as there will be some walking.

For the sake of this 500+ year old Podocarpus, it is also worth visiting the Mudu Ancient Town, located in the Taihu Lake Basin. It is a famous scenic spot in the south of the Yangtze River and a famous garden ancient town. It is known as the "No. 1 Town in Wuzhong" and "The Most Beautiful Town in Jiangnan". It has a history of more than 2,500 years. The gardens in the ancient town are worth spending half a day to appreciate. This article will talk about the Ancient Pine Garden. Gusong Garden was built by Cai Shaoyu, a wealthy man from Mudu in the late Qing Dynasty. It is said that he, Yan Guoxin (the owner of Yan's Garden), Zheng Lingjiu and Xu Fenglou were collectively known as the "Four Rich Men" of Mudu and were extremely wealthy. The architectural layout of Gusong Garden is a front house and back garden, a typical Qing Dynasty mansion garden style. The buildings in the house are simple and elegant, with intricate carvings. There is a 10-meter-high Podocarpus from the Ming Dynasty in the back garden. It is over 500 years old but still lush and vigorous, which is why the Ancient Pine Garden is named after it. The double-decker corridor is built around the tree and leads in all directions, connecting the Phoenix Tower and the garden. You can see the green ancient pines nearby and the Lingyan Mountain scenery in the distance. It is the essence of Gusong Garden. Gusong Hall is where the host receives distinguished guests. It has a four-sided structure with four pairs of oars on the top of the pillars, just like the wings of an ancient official hat. It is also called the "Official Hat Hall". The middle rafter is decorated with 8.0 pipa, which implies the festive meaning of "eight-tone party". The third entrance is the two-story Phoenix Building (with 16 phoenixes carved on it), which is now the art museum of American painter Wang Lipeng. The wood carvings in this building are very exquisite, because 16 upside-down flower baskets are carved on the lower end of the eaves, so it is also called the Flower Basket Building. There is also the "Yao Jianping Embroidery Art Museum" in the park (it is said to be the filming location of the library in the old house in "One Life, One World") Name: Ancient Pine Garden Address: No. 23 Shantang Street, Mudu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City Opening hours: 08:30-16:30$ Tickets: Combined ticket 78 (including Ancient Pine Garden, Yan Family Garden, Hongyin Mountain House)