Nature lovers, tree huggers and green enthusiasts can reunite in the city of Suzhou, home to one of the most lush and historic gardens in the world: the Classical gardens of Suzhou. A UNESCO world heritage site, it is nestled in the heart of the city and is the perfect place for a stroll down the centuries with family and friends. The verdant gardens are located very close to premier accommodation, where visitors can consider a stay in one of many fine luxury serviced apartments in Suzhou. The Somerset Emerald City Suzhou offers the perfect serviced apartment Suzhou normally boasts of, with spacious rooms and easy access to charming restaurants, quirky fashion boutiques and the iconic Classical Gardens of Suzhou. Almost a thousand years old, they span from the Song to the late Qing dynasties (11th–19th centuries). These enticing fixtures were built by Chinese scholars who designed them with meticulous care to reflect the layout of the traditionally intricate Chinese garden that mimics the placement of rocks, hills and rivers, artfully dotted with serene pavilions and pagodas. UNESCO paints these elegant creations as the “most refined form” of garden artistry and is well worth a visit down the carefully carved pathways through time.
