classical gardens of suzhou
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou, located in the city of Suzhou in Jiangsu province, China, are renowned for their exquisite beauty and historical significance. These gardens, which date back to as early as the 11th century, represent the development of Chinese landscape garden design over more than two thousand years. They are considered the most refined form of garden art, combining the natural beauty of rocks, hills, and rivers with man-made pavilions and pagodas. Nine of these gardens have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, a testament to their cultural and artistic value.