Admire the magnolias from the railing at Ou Yuan.

Located in the heart of Pingjiang Historic District, Ou Yuan offers a tranquil escape from the bustling Pingjiang Road. It is a typical Suzhou classical garden. Originally named "She Yuan" and built in the early Qing Dynasty, it was purchased by Shen Bingcheng during the Tongzhi reign. He retreated here with his wife, hence the name "Ou," which also means "couple," echoing the couplet written by his wife, Yan Yonghua: "A happy couple resides in Ou Yuan, a city of poetry built within the city walls." This signifies their deep affection and perfect match. In early spring, Ou Yuan welcomes the blooming of white magnolias. The magnolias in Ou Yuan are mainly located near Zaijiutang Hall, Wusu Yunxuan Pavilion, Chengqu Caotang Hall, and Shuangzhao Tower. A unique feature of magnolia viewing at Ou Yuan is the framed views through the carved windows. With white walls as the canvas and sunlight as the paint, the magnolia petals layer upon layer, dancing gently in the breeze. 📝Note: By the time you see this post, the white magnolias will likely have finished blooming. You can enjoy the pink magnolias in the coming week. 📍Address: No. 6 Xiaoxinqiao Alley, Cang Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City (near Pingjiang Road). 🚉Transportation: 🚈Subway Subway Line 2: Take Subway Line 2 to Sanyuanfang Station, and walk about 5 minutes from Exit 5 to Ou Yuan. Subway Line 1: Take Subway Line 1 to Xiangmen Street Station, and walk about 700 meters from Exit 3 to Ou Yuan. Subway Line 6: Take Subway Line 6 to Xuanqiao Alley Station, and walk about 1.2 km from Exit 2 to Ou Yuan. 🚌Bus Bus Routes: Take Bus No. 305 or 301 to Dongyuan Station, and walk to Ou Yuan. Other Bus Routes: Take Bus No. 5, 8, 202, or 501 to Wangxingqiao Suzhou University Station or the West Station of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, and walk about 500 meters to Ou Yuan. 🎫Tickets: CNY 20 per adult. 📆Opening Hours: 7:30 am–5:00 pm. 🕒Suggested Visiting Time: About 2 hours.