How to Visit Master of the Nets Garden (Tips, Photos & Map)

Plan your Suzhou tour? The Master of the Nets Garden (网师园) should be included on your first time trip to Suzhou. Of all the famous classical gardens in Suzhou, the Garden of the Master of the Nets is the smallest in size, only one sixth ofthe Humble Administrator’s Garden. It is a typical residential garden which mainly consists of the two sections – East Section (Residential Area) and West Section (garden).

Together with other gardens in Suzhou, Master of the Nets Garden is listed as World Culture Heritage.

ABC of Master of the Nets Garden

The most prominent feature of the garden is its use of space, making an illusion of creating a garden looking much bigger than its actual size. The east residential area is an axis of four halls with three courtyards. The western garden area is set out around the Pool with plants and rocks being used to make scenes which represent several seasons.

The garden was originally built and owned by Shi Zhengzhi (史正志), an official in Southern Song Dynasty. Shi Zhengzhi named the garden “Yuyin” (渔隐) indicating he sought after the simple and solitary life of a Chinese fisherman depicted in philosophical writings.

Later the garden changed many hands till 1785 when it was revamped and renovated by Song Zongyuan (宋宗元), a retired government official of the Qing Dynasty. He redesigned the garden and constructed more buildings, but kept its original appearance. He often regarded himself as a fisherman and renamed the garden the Master of the Nets Garden, meaning the simple life of a fisherman.

In 1940 the garden fell in the hands of He Chang, who renovated the garden and renamed the garden Master of Nets Garden. In 1958 his daughter He Zehui donated the garden to the Suzhou government according to her father’s will.

How to get to Master of the Nets Garden

The main gate to the garden is located on the street known as No. 11 Kuojiatouxian,Daichengqiao Road, Canglang District, Suzhou (沧浪区带城桥路阔家头巷11号). Its north side gate confronts Shiquan Street (十全街), a renowned commercial street in Suzhou.

Bus lines No.55, No.202，No.811 and No.931 run past the garden.

The major classical attractions are located the old area, or particularly within the ancient city moat in Suzhou, as you see the Google Map below. And Canglang Pavilion is just a 16-minute way to the west of Master of the Nets Garden. So you may put the two attractions together for a half day tour.

Entrance Fees: RMB 40 (April 16 – October) RMB 30 (November – April 15)

Day Time Opening Hour: 07:30 – 17:00

Night Time Opening Hour (March to Mid-November) 17:00 – 22:00 ( Night Traditional Music)

Enquiry Phone Number: 0512 – 65293190

Virtual Tour of Master of the Nets Garden

The short bridge in the garden is reputed as the shortest bridge in the world.