Lion Grove Garden: Between Reality and Illusion

“Heaven has paradise. Earth has Suzhou and Hangzhou.” This old Chinese saying is inspired by the natural beauty of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province and Hangzhou in neighboring Zhejiang Province, both located along China’s southeastern coast. The painting we’re going to discuss captures the scenery at a famous park in Suzhou. The famous Classical Gardens of Suzhou were added to UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List in 1997. Throughout Chinese history, the gardens have been toured by senior officials, dignitaries, and many great men of letters. Today, we are going to introduce you to this painting that was so highly prized by China’s longest-reigning emperor that it may have singlehandedly been somewhat responsible for every traditional Chinese garden you’ve ever seen.