The Master-of-the-Nets Garden, or Wang Shi Yuan, was first constructed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was rebuilt in the 18th century by a retired official who renovated the gardens. Just Like many other scholar-officials, he liked the peace of mind and nature other than the fighting of Court life. He is said to have mentioned that he would rather be a fisherman than an official in a court, hence the garden's name. Similar to the Humble Administrator's Garden, this garden is sectioned into three parts: an eastern part, or living area; a middle part, or main garden; and a western part, or the inner garden. This garden is one of the smallest in Suzhou. It is only 1/10 of the size of the Humble Administrator's Garden.
The Garden of the Master of the Nets is really a masterpiece. The good use of space is the most effective thing about this garden. Rock arrangements and beautiful fish pools match each other as do the house and garden parts. The garden also holds many structures of using lattice windows to frame views of flowers or bamboo.
Entrance Fee: RMB 30
Open Hours: 08:00 to 17:00
How to get there: Bus 2, 4, 14, 31
eastern part, or living area; a middle part, or main garden; and a western part, or the inner garden. This garden is one of the smallest in Suzhou. It is only 1/10 of the size of the Humble Administrator's Garden.
