Not every architectural landmark is grand in scale, with splendid decorations, or amazing colors. Suzhou Gardens may just be the opposite.
When a group of monks during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) first constructed Lion Grove Garden, they may have just wanted to enjoy a quiet place, hidden away from urban noise, while in the following centuries, this charming garden - most notable for its waterside rockeries resembling the shape of lions—has attracted a constant stream of celebrity guests, who have left a long list of poems, paintings and historical anecdotes (轶事).
In recent years, nine of the best-known classical gardens of Suzhou, including Lion Grove Garden, Humble Administrator’s Garden and Great Wave Pavilion, were registered into the World Heritage List. As UNESCO remarks, “Classical Chinese garden design, which seeks to recreate natural landscapes in miniature (缩略图), is nowhere better illustrated than in the nine gardens, which reflect the profound natural beauty in Chinese culture and inspire people to pursue harmony with the world.”
Nowadays, relevant administrations have been trying to restore the historical landscapes of Suzhou’s classical gardens. Consequently, last year, a new project was launched allowing tourists in small groups to reserve places to enter the garden in the early morning before the regular opening time. Their visit ended with them completing the last step in making a traditional folding fan, adding a poem about the garden on its surface. The experience was also regarded as a way to help people understand the wisdom, elegance and philosophical worldview of the ancient Chinese literati (文人).
The delicate beauty of the gardens still flows via the canals that snake across Suzhou. Hardly felt, their strength in shaping the city’s character seems to last forever.
【小题1】What’s the purpose of building the Lion Grove Garden?| A．To share historical anecdotes. |
| B．To attract celebrity guests. |
| C．To enjoy the beautiful scenery. |
| D．To stay far from the madding crowd. |
| A．Splendid decorations. |
| B．Grand beauty. |
| C．Human-nature harmony. |
| D．Amazing colors. |
| A．It featured traditional Chinese elements. |
| B．Small groups without reservation were welcome. |
| C．Its main aim was to help people approach poems. |
| D．It was launched when the gardens were open to the public. |
| A．Suzhou Gardens, a place of national pride. |
| B．Suzhou Gardens, a place with natural beauty. |
| C．Suzhou Gardens, a place that shows the decorations and colors. |
| D．Suzhou Gardens, a place that reflects the philosophy and culture. |
