Suzhou's Free "National Treasure" Garden: Tianxiang Pavilion Hidden in the Library

The bustling Renmin Road in Suzhou is always crowded with people, with many famous attractions nearby. Yet behind the Suzhou Library quietly hides an unknown free garden listed as a National Key Cultural Relic - "Tianxiang Pavilion." Historical Background Tianxiang Pavilion was originally built in 1912, divided into residential and garden sections. The existing residence is in the western part, facing south with three courtyards comprising four individual buildings. In 1933, Shanghai banking executive Xi Qisun rebuilt it as a Chinese-Western fusion garden villa and renamed it Tianxiang Pavilion. Highlights 1️⃣ Tianxiang Pavilion blends Suzhou's traditional residential garden layout with northern architectural styles and Western architectural features, creating a fusion of Chinese and Western, northern and southern elements. 2️⃣ The main hall follows the Suzhou Xiangshan style of architecture, while the front and rear hall buildings feature Western architectural styles. 3️⃣ The decoration combines glazed tile roofs, colored glass, patterned floor tiles with traditional brick lattice doors, decorative windows, hanging ornaments, and floor screens. Corridors connect the spaces, interspersed with small courtyards adorned with lake stones and plants. 4️⃣ The interior preserves numerous art pieces and exquisite decorations, including various animal stone carvings, Eastern Jin Dynasty Gu Kaizhi's "Nymph of the Luo River," Ming Dynasty Zhu Zhishan's calligraphy, Shen Zhou's "Farewell Painting," and Tang Bohu's "West Wind Autumn Leaves." 🪭 Nearby Attractions Suzhou Confucian Temple was established by the famous Northern Song Dynasty official Fan Zhongyan and has over 960 years of history. Entering the temple, the Dacheng Hall immediately catches the eye. Built in the 11th year of the Shaoxing period during the Southern Song Dynasty, it showcases Song Dynasty architectural style. The Confucian Temple now serves as a "Stone Inscription Museum," housing nearly 10,000 ancient stone tablets including the "Four Great Song Dynasty Inscriptions." The museum houses over 3,000 stone inscriptions and nearly 10,000 rubbings. Here, one can glimpse the rich historical and cultural heritage of Suzhou. Practical Information 🎫 Admission: Free 🕰️ Hours: 09:00-17:00 🚇 Subway: Exit 3 of Sanyuanfang Station 🚘 Driving: Navigate to Suzhou Library parking lot, parking fee 5 yuan. 🚶 City walk route: Nanmen subway station - Shiquan Street - Suzhou Stone Inscription Museum - Keyuan Garden - Canglang Pavilion - Yan Wenliang Memorial Hall - Suzhou Instagram Wall - Tianxiang Pavilion