Couple's Retreat Garden

Couple's Retreat Garden

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Location	Suzhou, People's Republic of China
Coordinates	31°19′06″N 120°38′04″E / 31.31831°N 120.63453°E / 31.31831; 120.63453
Criteria	i, ii, iii, iv, v
Reference	813
Inscription	1997 (21st Session)
Extensions	2000
Location of Couple's Retreat Garden
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Couple's Retreat Garden (Chinese: 耦园; pinyin: Ŏu Yuán; Suzhou Wu: Ngeu yoe, Wu Chinese pronunciation: [ŋøʏ ɦyø]) located in Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, China is a famous classical Chinese garden. It is recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The original garden was built by Lu Jin, prefect of Baoning district, in 1874. It was purchased by Shen Bingcheng, the magistrate of Susong. who rebuilt it in its current form. He also changed the name to the Couple's Garden Retreat. This name refers to the garden's two parts and alludes to a couple. It is recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 0.33 ha garden is divided into an east and west section by the residential core in the middle; an unusual composition for a classical garden. The eccentric design is continued in the form and details of many of the garden buildings, especially the Taoism Tower. The garden is located in the intersection of canals and is surrounded by water on three sides. It is accessible directly from the canal by boat. The West garden is composed of several structures grouped around a small grotto and a Library annex. It is structurally joined to the central residence. East Garden is the main garden of the complex. It consists of a grotto and pond ringed by a covered walkway that connects the structures. A smaller fruit orchard annex is attached.

A five bay two story tower with east and west wings that served as the main residential compound.

A three bay hall with front porch

Named for Shen Linshi. A three bay mandrian-duck hall with front and rear porches and annex.

A square pavilion with enclouse on the north side.