Canglang Pavilion (Blue Wave Pavilion)

Blue Wave Pavilion (Canglang) - Suzhou - China (1)

Date Taken: 06.13.2014 - 83 -

Blue Wave Pavilion (Canglang) - Suzhou - China (2 last)

Date Taken: 06.13.2014 - 83 -

Canglang Pavilion Garden (Suzhou, China)

The Canglang Pavilion / 沧浪亭 / 滄浪亭, variously translated as the Great Wave Pavilion, Surging Wave Pavilion, or Blue Wave Pavilion, is one of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou that are jointly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located at 3 Canglangting Street.

The Canglang Pavilion was built in 1044 CE by the Song dynasty poet Su Shunqin (1008–1048), on the site of a pre-existing imperial flower garden c 960 CE. It is the oldest of the UNESCO gardens in Suzhou, keeping its original Song dynasty layout. The name is derived from a verse in the poem Fishermen by Qu Yuan (ca. 340 BCE-278 BCE), a poet from the southern state of Chu during the Warring States period, in his book Songs of the South, If the Canglang River is dirty I wash my muddy feet; If the Canglang River is clean I wash my ribbon. This verse alludes to an honest official who removes himself from politics rather than act in a corrupt manner. Su Shunqing choose this to express his feelings after his removal from office.

After his death the garden passed through many owners and fell into disuse until 1696 CE when it was restored by Song Luo, the governor of Jiangsu Province. In 1827 ownership was transferred to governor Tao Zhu and again in 1873 ownership was transferred to governor Zhang Shusheng. In 1955 the garden was opened to the public and in 2000 it was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monuments.

The 1.6 ha garden is divided into two main sections. The garden is sited on a branch of the Fengxi Stream which forms a lotus pond. The garden has 108 windows each one with a unique design.

Lion Forest Garden, Suzhou City | China（苏州 - 狮子林）

Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin) is located on 23 Yuanlin Road, in the northeast of Suzhou - a city with profound cultural background and convenient developmental advantages. It is one of the four most famous and representative gardens of ancient classical style in Suzhou City. The other three are Canglang Pavilion (Blue Wave Pavilion), Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan) and Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan).

Great Wave Pavilion 沧浪亭

UNESCO World Heritage designated a group of classical gardens in Suzhou to represent the most refined form of Chinese garden landscaping. These gardens were constructed over the past thousand years utilized rock formation, water/ponds and buildings to enhance the natural beauty. It is also called the Great Wave Pavilion, Surging Wave Pavilion, etc. I enjoy these gardens while I traveled and live in China.

Canglang Pavilion / 沧浪亭 / 滄浪亭 (Slideshow)

The Canglang Pavilion / 沧浪亭 / 滄浪亭, variously translated as the Great Wave Pavilion, Surging Wave Pavilion, or Blue Wave Pavilion, is one of the Classical Gardens of Suzhou that are jointly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located at 3 Canglangting Street.

The Canglang Pavilion was built in 1044 CE by the Song dynasty poet Su Shunqin (1008–1048), on the site of a pre-existing imperial flower garden c 960 CE. It is the oldest of the UNESCO gardens in Suzhou, keeping its original Song dynasty layout. The name is derived from a verse in the poem Fishermen by Qu Yuan (ca. 340 BCE-278 BCE), a poet from the southern state of Chu during the Warring States period, in his book Songs of the South, If the Canglang River is dirty I wash my muddy feet; If the Canglang River is clean I wash my ribbon. This verse alludes to an honest official who removes himself from politics rather than act in a corrupt manner. Su Shunqing choose this to express his feelings after his removal from office.

After his death the garden passed through many owners and fell into disuse until 1696 CE when it was restored by Song Luo, the governor of Jiangsu Province. In 1827 ownership was transferred to governor Tao Zhu and again in 1873 ownership was transferred to governor Zhang Shusheng. In 1955 the garden was opened to the public and in 2000 it was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monuments.

The 1.6 ha garden is divided into two main sections. The garden is sited on a branch of the Fengxi Stream which forms a lotus pond. The garden has 108 windows each one with a unique design.

Chinese Pavilion (History Video)

Shantang Street at Night

Shantang Street, Suzhou at night. This is one of the ancient streets in the region well connected with canals.