Ouyuan Garden (Couple’s Garden), Suzhou – Symbol of Love

Ouyuan Garden (耦园, also known as Couple’s Garden), originally named Sheyuan, underwent significant transformation during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi in the Qing Dynasty when Shen Bingcheng redesigned the garden into the current layout. The name “Ouyuan” was chosen for two reasons: first, the shape of the residential area and the east-west gardens resembles lotus roots (藕 in Chinese), and second, it signifies the union of Shen Bingcheng with the talented woman Yan Yonghua during a low point in his life (偶 in Chinese. Both 藕 and 偶 read Ou). The couple secluded themselves in the garden for eight years, symbolizing an ideal match.

Ouyuan is surrounded on three sides by rivers, with one side facing the street, covering a total area of approximately 8,000 square meters. The garden is organized around a central residential area with four halls, connected by a prominent structure linking the east and west gardens. Ouyuan is particularly suitable for couples, and its serene atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for visitors who wish to quietly appreciate the beauty of Suzhou gardens without the hustle and bustle of other famous gardens like the Humble Administrator’s Garden or the Lion Grove Garden.

Table of Contents

• Basic Information
• Location and Transportation
• Map of Ouyuan Garden
• Highlights of Ouyuan Garden
  • Central Residential Area
  • East Garden
  • West Garden
  • A Symbol of Love
• Things to Do at Ouyuan Garden
• Vlog about Ouyuan Garden
• A Brief History of Ouyuan Garden
• Attractions near Ouyuan Garden

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

Ouyuan Garden is nestled amidst Suzhou‘s labyrinthine network of canals, picturesque waterways, and historical neighborhoods. Its exact address is No. 6, Xiaoxinqiao Alley, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. To get there, you can choose the following ways:

Bus: Take bus 204, 301, 305, 313, 9009, or 9029, get off at East Garden Stop (东园站), and walk about 500 meters to the south to reach the garden.

Metro: The nearest metro station to Ouyuan Garden is Xiangmen (相门) on line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit 3, walk about 650 meters to the north to reach the garden.

Map of Ouyuan Garden

Highlights of Ouyuan Garden

Central Residential Area

Upon entering Ouyuan through a small gate, visitors find themselves in the central residential area. From south to north, there are the gate hall, sedan hall, wine-carrying hall (main hall), and tower hall, resembling the layout of the residential area in the Master of the Nets Garden. The brick-carved gate of the tower hall, bearing the inscription “Poetry and Wine Celebration (诗酒联欢),” is exquisitely crafted. Inside, traditional Suzhou Pingtan music is performed, with the audience paying for each piece. The courtyard in front of the tower hall is spacious, flanked by side buildings on the east and west, forming a “凹” shaped plan.

East Garden

The East Garden is the essence of Ouyuan, featuring two major attractions. First, the robust yellow rockery, with the main mountain on the east side named Luoyun Peak. The peak descends into the Shouyue Pool on the west side, and on the east side of the peak lies a small mountain named Taoyu. Between the two mountains is a “deep gorge,” resembling a canyon, with steep cliffs on both sides. The intricate rockery creates a landscape that seamlessly integrates the features of mountains and rivers into the small garden, making the artificial rockery appear remarkably natural. The second highlight of the east garden is the “Suihan San You” wooden structure, a door frame. The delicate wood carvings on top are said to be relics from the Ming Dynasty. The My Love Pavilion in the eastern part of the garden is where Yan Yonghua played the zither, and next to it is the Tingqin Pavilion where Shen Bingcheng listened to her music. The garden is filled with subtle details that reflect the enduring and serene love between the two, making it worth exploring.

West Garden

The main hall in the West Garden is a study. North of it is a library, and to the east is the Heshou Pavilion built along the wall, adorned with beautiful brick-carved windows. To the south, there is a rockery, corresponding to the yellow rockery in the East Garden. The West Garden is small yet exquisite, serving as an excellent place for the owner to read. In the northwest corner of the West Garden, a private boat dock extends beyond Ouyuan’s enclosure, showcasing another unique feature. Visitors can take a hand-rowed boat, navigating around the high walls of the garden until reaching the green belt of the protective moat, offering a glimpse of a segment of the new city wall.

A Symbol of Love

Due to its name and the romantic love story of Shen Bingcheng and his wife, Ouyuan Garden has long been regarded as a symbol of love. Initially, it was a popular dating spot for local couples in Suzhou. Recognizing this trend, the Suzhou municipal government established a marriage registration office within the garden, allowing couples not only to register their marriage but also to hold wedding ceremonies in this picturesque setting.

So, if you happen to see a newlywed couple in full wedding attire while exploring the garden, don’t be surprised! Feel free to offer your congratulations – you might even receive a small gift in return.

Things to Do at Ouyuan Garden

Tea Pavilion on the Second Floor: Ouyuan Garden features a tea pavilion located on the second floor. If you’re lucky, try to secure a seat by the window to enjoy a picturesque view of the garden. You can gaze into the distance and appreciate the scenery, especially the beautiful white magnolia trees standing at over three meters high just outside the windows.

Summer Entertainment – Peking Opera (评弹): During the summer season, there is the opportunity to listen to Peking Opera performances. The cost is 38 yuan per person, and the performances are delivered by professional musicians. Each performance typically lasts for 15 minutes and includes around three musical pieces.

Boat Rides in the Garden: Ouyuan Garden offers boat rides within its premises. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride for a fee of 20 yuan per person. This provides a unique perspective of the garden from the water, adding to the overall experience.

Vlog about Ouyuan Garden

A Brief History of Ouyuan Garden

Ouyuan Garden, originally known as Sheyuan, was first constructed during the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty (1723–1735) by Lu Jin, a former official of Baoning. He named the garden after a phrase from Tao Yuanming’s poem, emphasizing daily strolls as a source of enjoyment. Though small, the garden featured charming spots such as the Guan Yu Jian (Fish Viewing Ledge), Wu Ai Pavilion, Teng Hua Boat, Floating Red and Rippling Green, and Wan Hong Bridge. Over time, the property changed hands, serving as the residence of calligrapher Guo Fengliang and later as a villa for the Zhu family from Chongming.

During the Xianfeng period (1851–1861), the garden was destroyed in the turmoil of war. In 1874, Shen Bingcheng, a government official from Huzhou, settled in Suzhou due to illness and purchased the ruins of Sheyuan. He commissioned painter Gu Yun to redesign and expand the site, transforming it into Ouyuan, a residence with two interconnected gardens.

Completed in 1876, the newly restored Ouyuan symbolized the harmonious life of Shen Bingcheng and his wife, reflecting their wish for a peaceful retreat. However, in 1884, Shen was summoned back to government service in another province, and his family relocated with him. He later returned to Suzhou in 1895 for medical treatment but passed away in Ouyuan. Over time, the garden declined, becoming a residence for multiple families. In 1898, educator Zhao Shanchang lived there, along with notable intellectuals such as Chen Shihong, Shen Ziqi, and Wang Qiyu.

In the Republic of China era, Ouyuan went through several transitions. It housed a women’s learning society in 1932 and later became home to scholar Qian Mu and his family. By 1941, industrialist Liu Guojun acquired the abandoned garden and restored it, as much of it had deteriorated into residential quarters.

After a fire destroyed the central hall in 1950, Ouyuan was repurposed for factory use. In 1960, the Suzhou government reclaimed the garden, allocating funds for restoration. The East Garden was fully repaired in 1965 and opened to the public on May 1.

Attractions near Ouyuan Garden

Pingjiang Road, Suzhou 

Suzhou Museum

Taipingtianguo Zhongwang Mansion

Guanqian Street, Suzhou

Suzhou Pingtan Museum

Suzhou City God Temple

Suzhou Kunqu Opera Museum

Suzhou Folk Custom Museum

Suzhou Garden Museum

Xuanmiao Temple, Suzhou

Yiyuan Garden, Suzhou

Suzhou Silk Museum