Tinglin Garden or Tingling Park (亭林园), nestled in the charming city of Kunshan, is a captivating cultural gem that seamlessly blends nature’s beauty with artistic finesse. Spanning across lush acres, this tranquil haven exudes the essence of classical Chinese gardens, showcasing the harmonious interplay between architecture, water features, and meticulously manicured landscapes.
Dating back to 1906, Tinglin Garden echoes the elegance of traditional design principles, featuring meandering pathways, intricate pavilions, and delicately arched bridges that grace serene ponds. Its enchanting scenery is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the era.
Every step in Tinglin Garden unveils a tapestry of historical significance and botanical diversity, transporting visitors to an era of imperial grandeur. The garden’s carefully curated flora, including bonsai trees, vibrant blossoms, and rare plants, adds to its allure.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Map of Tinglin Garden
- Highlights of Tinglin Garden
- Vlog about Tinglin Garden
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions in Kunshan
Basic Information
| Website | https://www.tinglingarden.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Adult: 20 RMB Children under 6 years old or 1.4 meters: Free |
| Opening Hours | 5.00 – 17.00 throughout the year |
| Area | Over 850 acres |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0512-57510070 |
Location and Transportation
Tinglin Garden is gracefully nestled within the city of Kunshan, a picturesque destination situated in the southern part of Jiangsu Province. Its exact address is No. 1, Ma’anshan East Road, Kunshan, Suzhou. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus Kunshan 105, Kunshan 10, Kunshan 1, or Kunshan 51, get off at Gongchen Road, and you will be standing at the east gate of the park.
Metro: The nearest metro station to Tinglin Garden is Yushan Square (玉山广场) on Line 11. After getting out of the station from Exit 3, walk about 900 meters to the north to reach the garden.
Map of Tinglin Garden
Highlights of Tinglin Garden
Architectural Elegance
Tinglin Garden’s architecture is a masterpiece of classical Chinese design, meticulously crafted to harmonize with nature. Delicate pavilions, graceful arched bridges, and ornate corridors punctuate the landscape, reflecting an era of imperial opulence. Intricately carved details and elegant curves seamlessly integrate with water features and lush greenery, evoking a sense of tranquility and balance. The architecture not only captivates the eye but also embodies the profound philosophy of Chinese garden art, creating a space where human creativity and the natural world coexist in perfect unity.
Kunshi Pavilion
Kunshi Pavilion, also known as the Linglong Stone Pavilion was originally built in 1997 within the eastern section of the garden. The stone is a unique type of ornamental rock naturally found in Ma’anshan, a hill within Tinglin Garden. Due to its pure white, jade-like appearance, Ma’anshan is also called Yufeng Mountain, meaning “Jade Peak Mountain.” Kunshi is highly valued for its intricate natural formations, featuring delicate hollows, slender shapes, and a translucent quality that resembles fine jade. Because of these characteristics, it is also known as Qiaoshi (Ingenious Stone), Yushi (Jade Stone), or Linglong Stone (Exquisite Stone).
Eight Immortals Flower
The Eight Immortals Flower, a botanical marvel within Tinglin Garden, is a living tribute to Chinese mythology and natural beauty. This captivating floral display features a curated collection of eight distinct flower varieties, each symbolizing one of the mythical Eight Immortals. Set against the backdrop of classical garden architecture, the flowers add a vibrant burst of color and cultural significance to the serene landscape. As an embodiment of folklore and horticultural artistry, the Eight Immortals Flower enriches the garden with layers of meaning.
Twin Lotus
The Twin Lotus, a botanical wonder nestled within Tinglin Garden, is a symbol of grace and unity. These two lotus blooms, sharing a single stem, create an exquisite metaphor for harmony and companionship. Floating delicately upon the water’s surface, they mirror the garden’s serene ambiance while embodying the yin-yang duality. Representing the perfect balance between opposing forces, the Twin Lotus captivates with its inherent beauty and philosophical significance. This natural marvel evokes reflection on interconnectedness and the elegant coexistence of elements.
Kunqu Opera Stage
The Kunqu Opera Stage in Tinglin Garden stands as a testament to the cultural richness and artistic heritage of classical Chinese performing arts. Nestled within the serene beauty of the garden, this stage serves as a hallowed space for the captivating performances of Kunqu opera, a traditional form of Chinese theater known for its poetic elegance and refined gestures. Against the backdrop of lush greenery and traditional architecture, the stage becomes a vibrant arena where timeless stories come to life through graceful movements and melodic voices.
Vlog about Tinglin Garden
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Scenic Beauty and Tea House: The scenery is breathtaking, and there is a tea house where you can order tea for a reasonable price of 28 yuan per pot. Since there are limited food options within the garden, it’s advisable to bring your own snacks.
Visit Huazang Temple Outside the Garden: Adjacent to Tinglin Garden, there is Huazang Temple. Consider taking some time to explore this temple as well.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The garden is larger than expected, so it’s crucial to wear comfortable shoes for an enjoyable visit.
Option to Ride a Small Train: For those who prefer not to walk, there is a small train available in the garden that you can ride for 15 yuan per person.
Annual Events – Qionghua Art Festival (April) and Lotus Exhibition (July-August):
- In mid to late April, Tinglin Garden hosts the Qionghua Art Festival. Don’t miss the Qionghua Garden on the north side of Kunshi Hall, where you can find a 300-year-old Qionghua King tree.
- From July to August, the garden holds a Lotus Exhibition, particularly in the square pond on the south side of Kunshi Hall, featuring blossoming lotus flowers.
One of the things that surprised me the most here is the lush vegetation, even the moss on the rocks has a sense of age. Especially in spring, the flowers in the garden are blooming beautifully, from begonias to cherry blossoms and judas trees… even the purple wildflowers on the grass are in patches. You can easily spend an afternoon here slowly savoring the beauty. It’s definitely worth it! ☕️