You have no items in your shopping cart.
Subtotal: $0.00
Get Immediate Response of Your Queries, ADD US ON
+86-13910830737
Compare Products
You have no items to compare.
Master-of-Nets Garden
Introducing Master-of-Nets Garden
The Master of the Nets Garden is also known as Wangshi Garden. The Master of the Nets Garden is a gem among Suzhou’s classical gardens. The Master of the Nets Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of Suzhou’s collection of classical gardens. Built in 1140 AD, the garden owes its name to its founder, a government official who, yearning for the simplicity of a fisherman’s life, sought to recreate the garden’s tranquility within its walls.
Master-of-Nets Garden is particularly regarded among garden connoisseurs for its mastery of the perfect balance between architectural detail and spatial proportions. Spanning only half a hectare (1.23 acres), the garden is relatively small among Suzhou’s classical gardens. Despite being less than one-tenth the size of the Humble Administrator’s Garden (12.85 acres), it embodies the principle of “Less is more”. The garden is divided into three parts: the residential area in the east, the main garden in the center, and the inner garden in the west. With its 22 buildings, 15 brick and stone carvings, 32 stone tablets, and 8 rare species of old trees and more, the garden brilliantly demonstrates how skillful design can make a small space feel expansive and thoughtful arrangement create a sense of abundance without overcrowding.
A visit to Master-of-Nets Garden is a journey into a miniature world of exquisite beauty and tranquility, proving that even in the heart of a bustling city, paradise can be found.
Master-of-Nets Garden Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Wangshiyuan 网师园
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 7:30 – 17:30 (Mar – Oct), 7:30 – 17:00 (Nov – Feb)
• Entrance Fee: CNY30 (Jan – Mar, June, Nov – Dec), CNY40 (Apr – May, July – Oct)
• Address: No. 11 Kuojiatou Lane, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
What UNESCO Says of the Master-of-Nets Garden
The classical gardens of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China date back to the 6th century BCE when the city was founded as the capital of the Wu Kingdom. Inspired by these royal hunting gardens built by the King of the State of Wu, private gardens began emerging around the 4th century and finally reached the climax in the 18th century. Today, more than 50 of these gardens are still in existence, nine of which, namely the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, Net Master’s Garden, the Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty, the Canglang Pavilion, the Lion Grove Garden, the Garden of Cultivation, the Couple’s Garden Retreat, and the Retreat & Reflection Garden, are regarded as the finest embodiments of Chinese “Mountain and Water” gardens. Conceived and built under the influence of the unconstrained poetic freehand style originally seen in traditional Chinese landscape paintings, they are noted for their profound merging of exquisite craftsmanship, artistic elegance and rich cultural implications. These gardens lend insight into how ancient Chinese intellectuals harmonized conceptions of aestheticism in a culture of reclusion within an urban living environment.
What to Expect at the Master-of-Nets Garden
Consider visiting the Master-of-Nets Garden a great warm-up before you tackle the more sprawling gardens in Suzhou. This compact masterpiece showcases classical Chinese design with traditional architecture, meticulous landscaping, and authentic furnishings, offering you a real up-close look at how the pros constructed gardens back in the day.
Hall of Accumulated Benevolence
Also known as the Ten Thousand Volume Hall, this three-bay structure served as a grand reception area for esteemed guests. Its most striking feature is the intricately carved brick gate gracing its entrance, depicting scenes from Kunqu operas. The hall itself, eschewing traditional gables, boasts walls that culminate in a ridge adorned with bird motifs. Adding a touch of natural elegance, the adjoining courtyard features jade magnolia trees, which, when in season, offer a spectacular display of blossoms, enhancing the already picturesque setting.
Duck Shooting Pavilion
This elegant pavilion, with its distinctive gable roofline resembling a boat, offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape and pond. Pairs of stately pillars mark the entrance, framing the scenery. While many pavilions in the garden were used for scholarly pursuits or quiet contemplation, this one served a more recreational purpose. Designed as a duck shooting pavilion, it catered to a popular pastime among the elite during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Its elevated position and open design provided an ideal vantage point for observing and taking aim at ducks on the pond below.
The Cottage of Late Spring
Gracefully named “Dian Chun Yi” in Chinese, the Cottage of Late Spring is a small structure traditionally serving as a study or secluded garden retreat. Its very name, inspired by a courtyard brimming with vibrant peonies, evokes the essence of late spring’s fleeting bloom. This idyllic pavilion served as the muse for the Astor Chinese Garden Court (Ming Hall) nestled within the renowned galleries of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Moon Comes with the Breeze Pavilion
With water embracing three of its sides, this charming hexagonal pavilion spans 3.5 meters (11.5 ft) in diameter and rises over 5 meters (16.4 ft) high. Its upturned eaves, adorned with dark grey tiles and crowned with a green-brick top, create a graceful silhouette. Inspired by the Song Dynasty poet Shao Yong’s (邵雍) verse, “The moon reaches the heart of the sky, as the wind grazes the water’s surface,” the pavilion takes its name, “Moon Comes with the Breeze.” Inside, stone seats invite visitors to sit and linger, making it an idyllic spot to bask in the breeze and admire the moon at night.
Bridge of Serenity
The bridge, also known as the “Three-Step Bridge” due to its diminutive size, gracefully arches over the southeastern bay of the Colorful Cloud Pool. Measuring a mere 2.4 meters (7.87 ft) long and less than a meter (3.28 ft) wide, the bridge can be crossed in just three steps. Despite its small size, it boasts all the hallmarks of a traditional bridge with its stone railings, steps, and archway. A delicate peony carving adorns its crown, while verdant vines embrace its structure, further enhancing its picturesque charm. This bridge embodies exquisite craftsmanship and the harmonious balance found throughout the garden, making it a true masterpiece in miniature.
How to Get to Master-of-Nets Garden
• By Bus: Take bus 511, 931 to Wangshiyuan Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 1 to Lindunlu Station.
Additional Travel Advice on Master-of-Nets Garden
• From April to Middle October, a series of traditional art performances will be held at Night Garden.
• Please book the entrance ticket via Suzhou Tourism Official Account on WeChat or official website (https://www.szylly.com) with your passport details.
• Keep your passport on you to claim the ticket.
Grid List
-
Tour Highlights
• Step into Master of the Nets Garden, a compact garden designed by fengshui masters
• Visit Panmen Gate, the oldest city gate of Suzhou and the only existing water and land gate in China
• Wander through Tongli Water Town, nicknamed "Venice of the East" and one of the “Top Six Ancient Towns in the Regions South of Yangtze River"
• Experienced English speaking tour guide
• Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshmentsAbout This Tour
• Departure: Daily departing from Suzhou
• Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
• Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
• Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
• Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Suzhou
• Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Pick up from your accommodation in Suzhou
• Visit Master of the Nets Garden
• Visit Panmen Gate
• Lunch on your own
• Drive to Tongli Water Town (approximately 30km)
• Visit Tongli Water Town
• Transfer back to your accommodation in Suzhou
Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)
1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 + $378 $208 $158 $128 $108 $98 $90 $85 $80 $76
Price Remark
• Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).
Price Inclusions
• Professional English language speaking private tour guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• All government taxesPrice Exclusions
• Hotel accommodation.
• Your personal expenses.
• Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service..Additional Info
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.Cancellation Policy
• You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
• Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
Learn More
• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.
Grid List