Surrounded by a canal on three sides, Ouyuan Garden is an art treasure among the classic gardens of Suzhou. The mansion has houses built in the middle, with two gardens, set on either side to the east and west.
The East Garden has a dominant hill rising from a pond, with pavilions, terraces and towers spread in the surroundings. This man-made hill was a masterpiece of Zhang Nanyang, a great master of garden architect in the late Ming Dynasty. The principal structure, City Corner Cottage, is a group of double-roofed and muli-storied buildings. To the south of the pond is the Water Pavilion Amongst Mountains. On its circular doorframe of four meters long and 3.5 meters wide, are carved pines, bamboo and plums, symbols of vitality.
The West Garden consists of studies, pavilions and courtyards. A limestone rockwork sits at the entrance. To the north of the "hill" is the Old House with Woven Curtains. Behind it there is a study, a "L" shaped tower, with rocks, trees and flowers in front of it.
Ouyuan Garden has 24 buildings, 21 tablets and couplets, in addition to brick carvings and precious ancient trees.
(China.org.cn June 24, 2004)
