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Testimonials |
Dear Victor,
Please excuse my delay in writing to you to thank you for the wonderful trip that you arranged for us in
December. The anisation was excellent; both our guides were friendly,very knowledgeable and helpful,
and the sights we were taken to see were awe inspiring! Whilst the hotel in Beijing was good, it would
have been more helpful if more English had been spoken, and written on menus etc. The hotel in
Xian was excellent. Overall, the trip could hardly have been bettered – even the weather was fine, and we
would certainly recommend Sinotour to any of our friends who might be lucky enough to be able to plan a
visit your fascinating country. We would love to make a return trip some time in the future, as we know
that there isso much else to see, so we will have to start saving our pennies!!
Once again, very many thanks for arranging the holiday of a lifetime for us!
Best wishes,
Geraldine and Tim Clark
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China Tour Category |
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Suzhou Classical Gardens |
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Inscribed :
1997,2000
Criteria: C (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)
Classical
Chinese garden design, which seeks to recreate
natural landscapes in miniature, is nowhere better
illustrated than in the nine gardens in the historic
city of Suzhou. They are generally acknowledged to
be masterpiece of the genre. Dating from the
11th-19th century, the gardens reflect the profound
metaphysical importance of natural beauty in Chinese
cultural in their meticulous design. |
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The Humble Administrator's Garden |
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As
the largest garden of Suzhou, the Humble
Administrator's Garden has an extensive
network of paths and bridges following
streams that culminate in a magnificent
lake. The garden has many pavilions for
resting and taking in the striking views
and also a lovely home that features the
Mandarin Duck Hall. |
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The Lingering Garden |
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The large Lingering Garden is
quite lovely. The Surging Waves
Pavilion is smaller and less
dramatic but boasts an abundance of
fine stone and woodcarving. |
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The Master of Nets Garden |
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This small and simple garden
may appeal to those limited in time
or mobility. The garden has the
evening musical, acrobatic and
theatrical performances from spring
to autumn. |
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Tiger Hill |
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Located in the urban area of Suzhou
and built in 961, the Tiger Hill is
where the King of Wu was buried after
his death and enjoys a reputation as the
"first scenic spot in the state of Wu".
Suzhou city was once the capital of the
State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn
Period. Today, flower exhibitions and
temple fairs are held here regularly
each year. |
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Pan Gate |
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Pan Gate is the only remained
city gate in Suzhou and also the only
existing water and land gate. The Pan
Gate dates back to the 12th century and
built over Suzhou's former moat. The
canal outside the Pan Gate is the oldest
section of the Grand Canal which built
2,500 years ago. Pan Gate has become the
most distinctive scenic site in Suzhou. |
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Hanshan Temple |
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Constructed from 502, the Hanshan
Temple is located in the urban area of
Suzhou city. The temple became
well-known after the Tang poet's poem
"Outside the Suzhou city wall, I heard
the sound of the Hanshan Temple's bell
onboard the boat and felt its midnight
spell." Nowadays, the Hanshan Temple
holds the event of Striking the 108
beats of New Year's Bell on Dec 31
regularly. |
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Water Village-Zhou Zhuang & Tongli |
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If Suzhou is too large for your
tastes, each of these 2 water village
has its own characteristics and famous
attractions. Zhou Zhuang has Double
Bridge, Shen's Family House and Zhang's
Family House. Tongli's architecture is a
mix of Ming and Qing Dynasty style. This
charming village boasts over 40 arched
bridges and numerous temples and
preserved homes. |
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