May 7th, 2005

The Lingering Gardens in Sozhou were named because they linger between earth and heaven.  After researching the Garden on the internet, I discovered that it was built in 1583 and is considered to be the top Garden in Sozhou and in the top four in all of China.  Much has been written about the garden and the artistic way in which the spaces between various kinds of architectural forms are dealt with.

The Garden has a web-site www.gardenly.com where you can learn more information.  I found the garden peaceful and relaxing.  While we wandered through admiring the garden, there was a girl playing and singing traditional Chinese music.

And for any bonsai lovers, the garden had a large collection of Bonsai trees.  Interestingly enough, we were told that Bonsai originated in China.   I thought it was Japan.