Gardens in the City of Suzhou

9. Joyous Garden

A Pond in the Joyous Garden in the City of Suzhou. The youngest garden in Suzhou, Joyous Garden was built in 1874. It borrows elements from Suzhou's other famous garden: rooms from the Humble Administrator's, a pond from the Master of the Nets. The most unusual feature in the garden is an oversize mirror, inspired by the founder of Zen Buddhism, who stared at a wall for years to find enlightenment. The garden's designer hung the mirror opposite a pavilion, to let the building contemplate its own reflection. From April to October, the garden doubles as a popular teahouse in the evening.