On our second day in Suzhou we went to see the Master of the Nets Garden, as well as several temples.
Once again we got up early to see another garden in its full glory. The Master of the Nets Garden is another World Heritage site which demonstrates Chinese garden designers’ adept skills for synthesising art, nature and architecture to create a unique metaphysical masterpiece. It was first constructed in 1140 by the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). We got there so early that there were hardly any people in it. The garden is actually quite small and intimate and I particularly enjoyed all the focal points and the water filled with gold fish and coy carp surrounded by the pagodas, walk ways, and many cherry trees and Wisteria. I really quite enjoy the way windows are used to create space and frame the garden’s architecture and flora.
Wandered the streets of Suzhou to find various temples, such as the Confucian temple (built during the Song dynasty) and the Taoist Temple of Mystery (which is located in the old town of Suzhou and was formerly the site of King Helu, the founder of Suzhou city). I was mainly fascinated by the sculptures and art outside and within the temples which, for me, represent the a part of China that seems to be increasingly superseded by grotesque, modern high risers which predominantly lack any architectural and artistic sense.
Took a rickshaw on the way back to the hotel which was a bundle of laughs, mainly because we barely all fitted into the carriage and did well not to fall out when we drove around corners. It did beat having to wait for a taxi however. In China from between about 4pm and 6.30pm it is almost impossible to get a taxi, as the taxi drivers change shift and thus are very reluctant to drive anyone any great distance – unless it’s on their way home. So the rickshaw had to do. Spent the evening in a restaurant/bookshop/library called ‘The Bookworm’. It’s run by an ex-pat and provided numerous old acquaintances such as English papers, The Economist, German magazines, novels and many books about China. Heaven, after having been deprived of such luxuries back in NingBo.
