Master of the Nets Garden

Introduction to Master of the Nets Garden (网师园)

The Master of Nets Garden, or Wang Shi Yuan, was first constructed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) but was later abandoned. It was "rediscovered" in the 18th century by a retired official who restored the gardens. Like many Confucian scholar-officials, he preferred the peace of nature to the wrangling of Court life. He is said to have remarked that he would rather be a fisherman than a bureaucrat. This is the origin of the garden's name. The garden remains of Suzhou's most well known gardens and attractions. 

The garden is divided into three sections: a residential section, the central main garden and an inner garden. The main garden has a large pond which is surrounded by pathways and a variety of buildings such as the Ribbon Washing Pavilion, and the Pavilion for the Advent of the Moon and Wind. There are many buildings that are situated so that there is never a sense of crowding, but always of spaciousness. As is common in Suzhou gardens, the pond has a small pavilion in it. Here the pavilion is accessible by a bridge that is less than one foot wide.

Location

No.11 Kuojiatou Alley, Daichengqiao Road, Canglang District, Suzhou

Main Sights

Ribbon Washing Pavilion, Pavilion for the Advent of the Moon and Wind

Travel Information

Admission Fee: 40 Yuan
Opening Hours: 7:00AM - 5:30PM

Transportation 

1. Take buses 55, 202, 529, 811 or 931 getting off at Master of the Nets Garden Station.

Travel Tips 

1. Try to avoid visiting during the summer holidays and Golden Week in October. There are many tour groups and local tourists during national holidays.