Shiyu Ancient Square

The Pearl Tower Garden in Tongli Ancient Town, Suzhou, also known as Shiyu Ancient Square, was the former residence of Chen Wangdao, who served as the Imperial Inspector in Nanjing during the Jiajing and Wanli periods of the Ming Dynasty. Visitors might mistakenly think that this is a scenic spot centered around an ancient tower, but in fact, there is no tower; it is a private garden. What we see now as the Pearl Tower Garden has been restored and rebuilt on the basis of the original historical relics. It consists of several parts including the Imperial Inspector's Residence, the Chen Family Archway, the Magnolia Hall, and the Back Garden. The charm lies in not only preserving the existing cultural relics and the historical connotations but also restoring the names of the scenic spots mentioned in the story of the 'Pearl Tower'. Although the Pearl Tower Garden may seem 'low-key' among the ancient town's attractions, its profound historical heritage and exquisite garden landscape are not to be overlooked. For tourists who like to explore history and cultural charm, this place is undoubtedly a treasure worth in-depth exploration.