Master of Nets Garden which located at the southeastern part of Suzhou City is one of the world cultural heritage site as well as a National 4A Scenic Area. Strategically situated about 120 kilometers from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, the typical Suzhou Mansion garden was primarily built in year 1174 of Song Dynasty owned by Shi Zhengzhi, an ancient Chinese official after his retirement from the court. As the mansion was well known for its large collection of books, it was commonly referred to as Hall of 10000 Volumes as well.
In year 1765, the mansion was bought by Song Zongyuan. He had renovated the ancient mansion into a villa garden with 12 scenes of buildings, pavilions, corridors and etc. Besides that, he had named the courtyard as Master of Nets Garden. Anyway, the courtyard had been passed through many hands and faced changes of names several times. Finally in year 1940, the courtyard was purchased by He Yanong, a connoisseur and collector of modern China who had reused the previous name of the yard as Master of Nets Garden once again. After the death of He Yanong, his later generation had donated the whole courtyard to the government and therefore it turns to be a tourist spot of Suzhou nowadays.
There are several must visit spots within Master of Nets Garden. Wufeng Shuwu (Five Peaks’ Library) which was built on the site of former Hall of 10000 Volumes is the best place to explore the design of study room in ancient China. On the other hand, the Ming style courtyard in front of the Dianchunyi (Peony Study) makes a feature of simple grace, appropriate size and harmonious proportions. Moreover, Yinjin Bridge (The Leading to Quietude Bridge), Juxuzhai (The Meditation Study), Zhuwaiyizhi Xuan (The Prunus Mume Pavilion) and Kansong Duhua Xuan (The Watching Pine and Appreciating Paintings Studio) are all the interesting spots that worth for a visit.