Rainy Days in Gusu: Gardens Silent as Poetry

📍 Hidden Gems of Suzhou Gardens in the Rain🌧️ 1⃣️ **Yipu Garden** ✨ Highlights: A Ming Dynasty garden with serene scenery and few visitors. Raindrops create ripples in the pond, harmonizing with the koi fish🐟. The reflections in the Milky Fish Pavilion and Yanguang Pavilion's windows🪟 resemble ink paintings🖼️. 📸 Photo Spots: - Window seats at Yanguang Pavilion's tea🍵 house, capturing raindrops💧 and koi🐟 (¥30/person, arrive early🕗). - Top of the rockery⛰️ for a misty "world in miniature" vibe (wear non-slip shoes). 🎫 Ticket: ¥10. Walk 1.3km from Shilu Station (Metro🚇 Line 2). 2⃣️ **Master-of-Nets Garden** ✨ Highlights: Pavilions built around water, where raindrops💧 weave ripples with architectural reflections. The "Dianchun Yi" moon🌙 gate frames bamboo🎍 and rocks⛰️, exuding a chilly post-rain aura. 📸 Photo Spots: - Corridor near "Xiaoshan Conggui Pavilion" for rain-kissed banana leaves🍌🍃 and bamboo shadows🎍. - Low-angle shots of reflections on the waterfront bridge🌉, enhanced by a white⚪ dress👗. 🎫 Ticket: ¥40. Taxi🚗 recommended to Kuojiatou Lane (no direct metro). 3⃣️ **Canglang Pavilion** ✨ Highlights: Suzhou’s oldest garden⛰️🌲. Rain reveals 108 latticed windows🪟 casting bamboo🎍 shadows, creating moving ink-wash effects. The "Emerald Pavilion" echoes *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*’s bamboo scenes. 📸 Photo Spots: - Silhouettes through latticed windows🪟, paired with a light qipao or Hanfu. - "Mountain View Tower" for mist-shrouded rockeries⛰️. 🎫 Ticket: ¥20. Walk 800m from Nanmen Station (Metro🚇 Lines 4 & 5). 4⃣️ **Yi Garden** ✨ Highlights: Quiet despite proximity to Guanqian Street. Rain🌧️ paints poetic scenes of crabapples, withered lotus🍃, and boats🛳️, with occasional cat cameos🐱. 📸 Photo Spots: - "Suolv Pavilion" moon🎑 gate for layered courtyard🏡 shots in Hanfu. - Lotus pond🪷 for rain-dappled withered leaves🍃 (use desaturated tones). 🎫 Ticket: ¥15. Walk 300m from Leqiao Station (Metro🚇 Lines 1 & 4). 5⃣️ **Meipu Garden (Free🆓)** ✨ Highlights: Hidden behind Beisi Pagoda. Climb the yellow-stone🪨 rockery⛰️ to capture the pagoda and magnolias🌸 in rain mist🌫️. Stone bridges🌉 and pavilions🛖 mirror like paintings🖼️. 📸 Photo Spots: - Rockery top for "framed" pond-and-pagoda shots. - Teahouse windows🪟 with steam🍵 and rain🌧️ (¥20/person). 🚇 Metro: Line 4, Beisita Station Exit 4. 📸 **Rainy Day Photography Tips** - **Outfits**: Light qipao, Hanfu, or modern Chinese dresses👗 (avoid dark colors). - **Props**: Oil-paper umbrellas☔, round fans🪺, celadon tea🍵 sets for storytelling. - **Composition**: Focus on raindrops💧, ripples, or eaves’ rain curtains. Use gates🚪, windows🪟, and corridors for depth. - **Timing**: Soft light all day; best reflections post-rain (afternoon🕒–🕔). ⚠️ **Notes** - **Safety**: Slippery rockeries at Yipu/Yi Gardens—wear grippy shoes. - **Gear**: Waterproof camera covers, lens cloths, spare clothes. - **Tickets**: Combo deals available (e.g., Canglang + Keyuan Garden ¥30). **Accommodation Tip🏨** I stayed at **The Humble Hotel Suzhou**—a French-inspired retro-meets-smart design gem. Loved the 24/7 butler service, smart toilet🚽, HD projector📽️, and luxe toiletries. 1. **Service**: Room upgrades when available. 2. **Location**: 5-min walk from Shilu Station Exit 12 (Gusu District). 3. **Noise**: Request "quiet rooms" in advance. 4. **Amenities**: Spacious lobby, fast Wi-Fi, self-service laundry. A flawless blend of tech and hospitality! Highly recommend😊 📍 4F, Shangchengmen, 29 Shilu Pedestrian Street, Gusu District | THEHUMBLE Hotel (Shantang Street Branch).